Understanding CSC Invalidity Classifications
Often, obtaining a retrospective medical discharge for a condition that existed at the time of separation is the most straightforward stage of the process. A veteran’s medical records and treating practitioners’ reports usually make it clear whether an injury or illness was present at discharge and whether it was impairing their ability to perform their duties. Where that evidence is apparent, the ADF should properly acknowledge and recognise the impact of that condition on a person’s ability to continue serving.
Proving that an injury or illness affected your capacity to work is a step that is often overlooked at the outset. Yet, when seeking a retrospective medical discharge and applying for invalidity benefits, it is one of the most critical elements of the process. The incapacity classification issued by the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC) ultimately determines not only your eligibility for benefits but also the extent of the financial support you may receive.
In Short*
- Your ability to work in a civilian position reflective of your skills, qualifications and experiences is assessed, with regard to your medical condition/s at the time of discharge.
- Class A (60% or more): severe incapacity (inability to work) → full invalidity benefit.
- Class B (30–59%): moderate incapacity (some capacity for work) → partial invalidity benefit.
- Class C (less than 30%): minimal incapacity (fit for work) → no CSC invalidity pension.
WHY IT MATTERS
In essence, the classification determined by CSC is what entitles you to a financial outcome. A Class A or B result will mean that you are eligible for Invalidity Benefits and an ongoing pension, while a Class C determination means that you are ineligible. Crucially, the CSC assesses your ability to work in a civilian position reflective of your skills, education and experience at the time of discharge. Further, they also consider what roles you have performed since discharge. Getting a Class A or Class B classification often requires strong and contemporaneous evidence and, in many cases, legal or advocacy support by specialists is crucial in navigating the different schemes, legislation and nuances that apply to this area.
Here’s what veterans and their families need to know about the three classifications.
CLASS A – MAXIMUM SUPPORT
If you receive a Class A invalidity classification, CSC has determined that you were/are unable to work in any civilian employment that matches your skills, training, and experience and that you have had a significant impact on your ability to work.
Percentage: 60% or more incapacity.
Practical effect: You’ll receive the highest rate of invalidity benefit, designed to replace the income you would have earned if fully fit.
Who it applies to: Veterans with “total, or near total invalidity, unlikely to work in a job for which the member is reasonably qualified by education, training or experience.”[1]
CLASS B – PARTIAL SUPPORT
A Class B determination means that CSC considers that you still have some capacity to work in a civilian role that is suited to your skills, qualifications and experience, but your ability is significantly reduced.
Percentage: 30–59% incapacity, depending on your assessed ability to undertake civilian employment.
Practical effect: You’ll receive a reduced invalidity benefit, reflecting that you may still earn some income but not at your full capacity.
Who it applies to: Veterans who can take on limited or less demanding roles but cannot maintain full-time or high-responsibility employment in a role that they have the skills or qualifications to undertake.
CLASS C – NO INVALIDITY PENSION
CSC has assessed that you were fit to work at the time of discharge and that your condition did not prevent you from earning an income. Critically, a Class C classification may still acknowledge that you were incapacitated by your physical or psychiatric condition, but it only impacted your capacity to work to a minor extent.
Percentage: Less than 30% incapacity.
Practical effect: No invalidity benefit is payable. You may still have entitlements through DVA, but not through CSC.
Who it applies to: Veterans whose condition, while real, did not meet the threshold of incapacity required for Class A or B. It is acknowledged that they have a partial invalidity making them unfit for ADF employment but capable of performing own job outside the ADF.[2]
Donaldson Law can assist you with preliminary and timely advice regarding the likelihood of success at this stage in the process, based on our extensive experience. We are happy to answer questions that are particular to your individual circumstances. Set up a time to speak to one of our specialist team members today.
[1] Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Scheme Review Committee, Report of the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Scheme Review Committee (Commonwealth of Australia, 1990) quoted in Considerations when making an Initial Invalidity Classification (CSC, March 2015) 13.
[2] Ibid.
