PROFILE – What is a TPI?

A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF A TPI
(TOTALLY and PERMANENTLY INCAPACITATED)

A Totally and Permanently Incapacitated ex-serviceperson (TPI) has become disabled as a result of an injury whilst serving in the Armed Forces (Navy, Army or Airforce). A TPI recipient is recognition of disablement preventing participation in the workforce. Disablement may result from a physical and/or mental injury.

Some of the more obvious physical injuries include a broken back from a vehicle or helicopter crash, an injury from bullet wounds, or losing the use of body parts from an exploding bomb or land mine.

Mental injuries are more difficult to see, resulting from involvement in a horrific situation that has left an indelible mark on the ex-serviceperson's capacity to cope with the daily routines of life. The trauma of the horrific situation may cause lifelong 'flashbacks' that stop the ex-serviceperson from having a normal sleep or being able to take responsibility for even simple tasks. The mental injury may severely change the ex-serviceperson’s personality such that they cannot interact in society. Personality change may result in aggressive or reclusive behaviour. Mental injury tends to make personal relationships very difficult.

After discharge from the Armed Forces and at some time during the remainder of their working life, an ex-service person may find they are unable to produce an adequate income due to either their physical and/or mental disablement. In such cases, the ex-serviceperson will seek support from the Australian Government through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).

DVA in granting the TPI (Special Rate) Pension, take into account incapacity from war or defence caused disabilities that alone, are so great that a veteran cannot undertake any employment totalling more than eight (8) hours per week.

The TPI Pension is paid to compensate veterans for injuries or diseases caused or aggravated by war service or certain defence service, on behalf of Australia. The individual TPI should always be recognized as the recipient of compensation, paid to a veteran by a grateful government, to compensate for incapacity resulting from service on behalf of our nation.

The term TPI is a statement, that, by undertaking service for Australia, the ex-serviceperson’s career was cut short by a tragic event. Thus, the term TPI is also a living statement about the cost of military action.

Not only do Australians work to make an income, they also gain status, pride and self esteem from their work contribution. A TPI is unable to say 'this is what I do' in society. Instead, the TPI welcomes your recognition for their contribution towards the ongoing freedom that all Australians enjoy.