Stevens and Repatriation Commission (Veterans’ entitlements)

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal considered the eligibility of the applicant, Stevens, for the extreme disability adjustment (EDA) rate of pension under the *Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986* (Cth). The dispute centred on whether the applicant met the criterion of achieving a lifestyle rating of at least 6 points.

The Tribunal was required to determine if the applicant's personal relationships, recreational and community activities, and domestic activities, when assessed according to the 'Calculation of lifestyle rating' in GARP VI, resulted in a lifestyle rating sufficient to qualify for the EDA rate. Specifically, the question was whether the applicant's circumstances met the threshold of 6 points for this adjustment.

The Tribunal calculated the applicant's lifestyle rating by summing the points allocated to various categories, which totalled 20. Applying Step 4 of the GARP VI calculation, this total was divided by four, yielding a lifestyle rating of 5. As this rating was less than the required 6 points stipulated by subsection 22(4)(c) of the *Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986* (Cth) for the EDA rate, the applicant did not qualify for the higher pension rate.

Consequently, the Tribunal affirmed the decision under review, meaning the disability pension would continue to be paid at 100% of the general rate, rather than the EDA rate.