By Kai Baldwin, Founder of BAC · First published 18 April 2026 · Reviewed against DVA sources on 11 September 2026. See sources
ComSuper and DVA are two different systems, and many veterans are entitled to both. Here's the difference, and why having one doesn't disqualify you from the other.
What is ComSuper?
ComSuper, now run by CSC (Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation), manages military super schemes including MSBS and DFRDB. If you were medically discharged, you may be eligible for invalidity benefits through these schemes. These are ongoing payments, not lump sums, and they can be substantial.
DVA vs ComSuper: What's the Difference?
This is one of the most common things veterans get confused about, and the system doesn't make it easy.
DVA compensates you for specific service-related conditions. Initial Liability, Permanent Impairment, incapacity payments, and access to medical treatment. It's condition-specific.
ComSuper provides superannuation invalidity benefits based on your overall capacity to work. It comes down to whether your medical issues prevent you from working in civilian employment.
They're not mutually exclusive. You can claim both. Many veterans are entitled to DVA compensation AND ComSuper invalidity benefits. Having one doesn't disqualify you from the other. If someone told you otherwise, they were wrong.
Invalidity Classification
ComSuper invalidity benefits come in three tiers: Class A, B, and C. The classification depends on how severely your conditions affect your ability to work in civilian employment. CSC puts a percentage on it. Class A is an incapacity of 60% or more. Class B is 30% to 59%. Class C is under 30%. The tier you're placed on determines the benefit you get.
Pay attention to this bit: Class C does not attract an invalidity benefit. No invalidity pension. Your employer benefit stays preserved in the fund until you reach the age you can access it. So the difference between Class C and Class B isn't a bit less money, it's the difference between an ongoing pension and nothing right now. And that CSC percentage is its own assessment. A percentage worked out under other legislation, DVA's included, isn't relevant to it.
These can be reviewed over time, so if your situation changes, your classification can change too. That works both ways, so it's important to stay on top of it.
How They Work Together
DVA and ComSuper sit alongside each other, but there can be interactions, particularly around incapacity payments. It's not as simple as claiming both and getting two full payments. DVA reduces your incapacity payments dollar for dollar by the Commonwealth-funded part of any superannuation you receive, while the part that comes from your own contributions is left alone. The way they interact beyond that depends on your specific circumstances, whether you have grandparented VEA payments, and what benefits you're receiving.
This is exactly the kind of thing where getting proper advice makes a real difference. Getting it wrong can cost you.
How BAC Can Help
I help veterans work through both systems so you understand what you're entitled to across DVA and ComSuper. I can help with ComSuper invalidity applications and make sure your claims across both systems are lined up properly for the best possible outcome.
Don't leave money on the table because the system is confusing. That's what I'm here for.
Sources
- MB03 Invalidity Benefits factsheet (CSC, MilitarySuper): the Class A, B and C percentages, what each class receives, and that Class C leaves the employer benefit preserved with no pension.
- Application for Retrospective Invalidity, A-RETRO (CSC): Class C applicants are not entitled to an invalidity pension; DVA incapacity payments are offset by CSC superannuation payments.
- How we calculate incapacity payments (DVA): incapacity payments reduced dollar for dollar by the Commonwealth-funded portion of superannuation; your own contributions are not counted.