RETURNED SOLDIERS

Southland Times, Issue 19658, 7 October 1922, Page 8

RETURNED SOLDIERS

DISABILITIES DUE TO SERVICE. ARRANGEMENT FOR TREATMENT. A problem which has become increasingly difficult of late is the attributability to war service of various disabilities affecting returned soldiers. The question was discussed at the last meeting of the executive of the Dunedin Returned Soldiers’ Association, and a motion was carried asking for some alteration in the present system. Advice has been received by the secretary (Mr A. C. Laing) that the Direc-tor-General of Medical Services (Sir Donald M‘Gavin.l has now agreed to the following provisions for appeals:— That in case of the claimant receiving an .unsatisfactory decision from, the D.G.M.S. he should—(1) Nominate his own specialist, to whom the D.G.M.S. would send all papers and particulars regarding the appellant, his service, and his disability. (2) In the event, of the claimant's specialist giving a different decision from the D.G.M.S. and the departmental specialist consulted, a further specialist to be called in by the War Pensions Board to decide. (If the specialist called in by the claimant gives the same decision as the D.G.M.S., then, of course, »no further action is necessary.) (3) To provide against- frivolous appeals, the expenses in connection with the specialists’ opinions to be borne by the claimant if his appeal is not upheld. The arrangement is considered to be a very satisfactory one.