PVA under criticism – patients complain about running the gauntlet in the country

The ‘Krone’ series about the arbitrariness of messages from the Pensionsversicherungsanstalt (PVA) provoked a huge response from readers. People expressed their anger on our forums and described their desperate battle against windmills. A 61-year-old’s application for a disability pension has already been rejected twice, even though he is considered 60 percent disabled, has had a Defi implanted due to cardiac arrhythmias, still has several bone implants and has already had several hernias.

While local citizens are already feeling fear and anxiety by even approaching our authorities as petitioners, newcomers to the country – as reported – can look forward to the big windfall. Such as a Syrian family with a minimum income of 4,600 euros per month.

Cases that are a wake-up call – at the latest in court
There are often problems with rehab clinics suddenly no longer being approved. This is what happened to a citizen who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2012 with a 50 percent disability and who underwent four weeks of rehabilitation every year to maintain his ability to work. Only after an appeal did he regain his rehabilitation.

The Chamber of Labor is also familiar with the dilemma, especially in the following case: a woman from Linz (93) suffering from dementia received care allowance level 3. However, when her health deteriorated dramatically, the woman needed the presence of a caregiver needed clock – an application has been submitted for a higher amount. Healthcare allowance denied. Her daughter reported this, with success: the labor and social court awarded the woman care level 4 and then care level 6 for the period before her health deteriorated.

Minister of Health notes some form of intimidation
Even Health Minister Johannes Rauch has discovered ‘intimidation’ for insured people. In post-Covid cases, there are sometimes incorrect reports. He criticized the fact that people who can hardly get out of bed are called to the relevant centers for examination. Medical rehabilitation is an important part of healthcare. Even the Court of Auditors has potential for improvement. What is missing: tough action against this arbitrary action by the authorities!

“Appraisers have a very clear mandate”
PVA chief doctor Monika Mustak-Blagusz prefers to remain objective in her conversation with the “Krone”:

“Kron”: Madam Chief Physician, in many cases questions arise about the quality of the PVA reports. What measures are being taken?
Mustak Blagusz: Each person and their medical history are individual. We have a clear, legal mandate to prepare an objective report for every applicant. Our assessors have specialist knowledge and experience. They adhere to the legal requirements and have the difficult task of acting in the tension between the expectations of the applicants and these requirements.

Those affected often describe difficulties in obtaining answers or clear information about their concerns…
The appraisers have a very clear mandate that they must fulfill: they must act objectively and neutrally. In addition, our ombudsman’s office is always ready to answer all questions and always handle them in the interests of the insured.

What message would you like to send to those who have lost confidence in the assessment process?
I think it is important that the people who come to us know that we always strive to find the best possible solution for our policyholders. We take into account people’s individual living conditions and comply with legal requirements.