About Us

A Mission Grounded in Service

Veterans deserve advocacy delivered with integrity, transparency and professional excellence.

We understand that navigating the Department of Veterans’ Affairs system can feel complex and, at times, overwhelming. Our role is to bring clarity to that process — ensuring you understand your options, your entitlements, and the pathway forward.

Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for veterans by providing a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that facilitates access to the full range of DVA entitlements and services.

We do not make guarantees. We do not apply pressure. We provide honest, structured guidance so you can make informed decisions.

Our Founder

Built by someone who’s been there.

Veteran Life was founded by Troy Klinar, a serving veteran with two decades across the federal government, the ADF, NSW Police, and the ADF Reserve. Troy founded VL after years of helping mates with their DVA claims on the side — and after losing too many to a system that was supposed to look after them.

Read Troy's story

Our Advocates

IVA-accredited. Veterans serving veterans.

Kate Lloyd (Head Advocate) and Nick Winter (Advocate & Head of Policy) handle the day-to-day work of building, lodging, and managing veteran claims. Both are veterans themselves, both are formally accredited, and both bring lived experience to every file.

meet the advocates

Operations & Administration

The systems behind the work.

Daniel Coventry (Director and Chartered Accountant) runs the business — both operationally and administratively — with the discipline veterans deserve from the people they trust with their claims. Lindsay Coventry is the administrative assistant and the front voice of the admin team, ensuring every incoming call and email is handled and routed quickly.

Operations team

How We Work

Our approach is structured, transparent and centred around you.

No-Obligation Discussion

We begin with a confidential conversation to understand your service history, current circumstances and goals.
There is no cost and no pressure to proceed.

Claims & Medical Review

We assess existing claims, medical documentation and relevant service records. Where required, we identify gaps and provide clear direction on
next steps.

Strategy & Proposal

You receive a structured claims proposal outlining realistic options. We explain the strengths, limitations and potential outcomes clearly.
You remain involved in every decision.

Ongoing Advocacy & Communication

Once engaged, we manage your claim with consistent, structured communication. You always know where your file is, what’s happening next, and what we need from you. No silence. No surprises.

After Acceptance

When your claim is accepted, Veteran Life Services takes the lead on your ongoing care. Free wellbeing coordination, household services, and lifelong support — funded by the work VL does. You don’t pay for VLS. Ever.

Our Team & Expertise

Our advocates are accredited through the Advocacy Training and Development Program (ATDP) — the national framework that trains and accredits veteran advocates in partnership with ex-service organisations — qualified across multiple levels of the program and currently progressing through Level 3, the level that authorises Veterans’ Review Board (VRB) representation.

They bring a range of postgraduate and professional qualifications, and deep ex-Defence and ex-police experience, to their advocacy. As we advance through the ATDP levels, our accredited scope of practice grows with us.

About Veteran Life Australian Advocacy Services

ATDP Learning Levels

Level 1 advocates work under direct supervision and co-signature of accredited Level 2 or Level 3 supervisors, ensuring quality assurance at every stage.
We volunteer our time to expand our knowledge and continuously strengthen our capability to serve the veteran community effectively.

Veterans’ Review Board (VRB) representation is undertaken only by advocates holding the ATDP training and IVA accreditation category that authorises VRB

Level 1

Primary claims, completed under the supervision of a senior advocate

Level 2

Primary claims, prepared and lodged independently

Level 3

Representation at the Veterans’ Review Board (VRB)

Level 4

Representation at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART)

Professional Standards & Governance

Veteran Life Pty Ltd is committed to the highest standards of professional integrity.

We are proud members of the Institute of Veterans’ Advocacy (IVA) and operate under the IVA National Complaints Framework.

Maintain current ATDP accreditation

Adhere to trauma-informed care principles

Participate in mandatory Continuing Professional Development annually

Operate under a strict Code of Conduct

Maintain current ATDP accreditation

Participate in mandatory Continuing Professional Development annually

Adhere to trauma-informed care principles

Operate under a strict Code of Conduct

Trauma-Informed, Veteran-First Approach

Many veterans have experienced significant trauma during their service.

Our team is trained in Trauma-Informed Care to ensure our advocacy:

  • Promotes physical and emotional safety
  • Builds trust through transparency
  • Restores choice and control throughout the claims process
  • Avoids re-traumatisation during evidence gathering

Your wellbeing is our priority — not just the outcome of your claim.

Professional Development

Why Veteran Life?

We are not a volume-based claims factory. We are a structured, person-centred advocacy service built on integrity, professional competence and clear communication. Our approach is supported by coordinated medical partnerships and a long-term commitment to veteran wellbeing. Every aspect of our service is designed to provide clarity, accountability and genuine support throughout the advocacy process.

Your service mattered. Your transition support should too.