Making a claim for a service-related condition
If you have an injury or health condition that may be related to your service, you can lodge a claim with DVA for treatment, support and compensation. Find out what you'll need, how to submit a claim, and where to find help.
Transcript of How to submit a claim
We encourage you to access treatment and rehabilitation while your claim is being assessed. Read more about treatment while your claim is assessed.
Back to topHow to make a claim
Before you start
Providing complete information upfront helps reduce delays and allows us to progress your claim more efficiently.
You will be asked to provide:
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a confirmed medical diagnosis from a GP or specialist for each condition you’re claiming
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any relevant medical evidence and service-related information you have available.
Do not arrange or pay for additional medical assessments before lodging your claim unless DVA has requested and approved them. If we need more information, we will contact you and explain what is needed and whether DVA will cover the cost.
Lodge a claim
The quickest way to lodge a claim and track its progress is with MyService.
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Sign in to myGov and link DVA to access MyService.
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In MyService, select Apply now, then Initial Liability.
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Follow the prompts to complete and submit your claim.
Find out how to set up a MyService account or make a claim in MyService.
Alternatively, you can lodge your claim using a paper form.
What happens after you submit a claim?
We will review your claim and assess available medical evidence and service records. We may contact you if we need more information and will keep you updated throughout the claims process.
Responding to our requests promptly will help us assess your claim and avoid unnecessary delays. You can also track the progress of your claim through MyService.
For some conditions, presumptive liability may make the claims process faster and simpler. ‘Presumptive liability’ means that if your condition and service meet the eligibility requirements, DVA can accept the condition as service-related without you needing to provide evidence showing how your service caused it.
Once we have completed our assessment, we will notify you of the outcome. If your condition is accepted as service-related, we will discuss any treatment, compensation and other support available to you.
Treatment while your claim is assessed
Treatment and compensation are complementary parts of the veteran support system. We encourage you to access treatment and rehabilitation while your claim is being assessed. Early treatment can help reduce the impact of your injury or health condition, support your recovery, and improve your long-term health and wellbeing.
What treatment is appropriate for you depends on your individual circumstances and the advice of your treating health professionals.
You may be eligible for DVA-funded treatment while your claim is being assessed, including:
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non-liability health care for eligible mental health conditions and for cancer and pulmonary tuberculosis
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provisional access to medical treatment for specified conditions.
You can also contact Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling for free and confidential mental health and wellbeing support.
If your claim is accepted and you later make a claim for permanent impairment compensation, information about the treatment you have undertaken will help DVA assess whether your condition has stabilised and understand any long-term impairment it may cause.
Back to topSupport
You’re not alone. DVA offers a range of supports to help you throughout the claim process:
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Contact us: For all DVA claims and general enquiries, call 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm or email primary.claims@dva.gov.au
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Visit a DVA office or Veterans’ Access Network (VAN): Get in-person help with lodging your claim. Use the location finder to find your nearest office.
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Register for free, personalised support: Connect with specially trained DVA staff through DVA’s Claims Lodgement Assistant (CLA) program or by emailing CLA@dva.gov.au
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Contact the Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency: veterans and families can get help to understand and access support. Call the Agency's help line for assistance on 1800 823 922, Monday to Friday from 8:30am –5:00pm.
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Appoint a representative: Choose someone to enquire or act on your behalf by visiting What is a representative?
Advocacy support
A trained advocate can help you prepare and lodge a claim, request a review and understand the support available to you.
Free advocacy services are available through ex-service organisations (ESOs). Use the Advocacy Register to find an advocacy service in your area.
Paid advocacy services are also available. Before signing an agreement, make sure you understand the fees, what support will be provided, and any terms or conditions.
Protecting your privacy
Your personal details are secure when using your myGov and MyService account. We regularly review and update our security measures to keep your details secure and prevent unauthorised access to your account.
Learn more about how your myGov account is protected and How you can protect your myGov account.
Remember, no-one should ask for your MyService sign in details, and you should never share your sign in information with anyone.
If someone has asked you to share your details, you can report this to us at 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).
How claims are assessed from 1 July 2026
From 1 July 2026, new claims are assessed under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA).
Claims lodged before 1 July 2026 that met eligibility requirements under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) or the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) will continue to be processed under those Acts.
Back to topRelated content
- Get treatment while your claim is assessed
Discover how DVA-funded treatment may be available while you wait for a decision on your claim. - Learn about advocates
Check out how an advocate can help with your claim and find free support in your area.
Will someone from DVA be able to help me fill in the form over the phone?
Yes. Please call 1800 VETERAN for assistance over the phone.
Can veterans still walk into a VAN office to get help with claims?
Yes. You can find a DVA location near you and visit to access support in person.
Can I still use paper forms if I prefer them?
Veterans who are not using an advocate can still lodge claims using paper forms, however lodging via MyService is secure and streamlines the registration process.
I don’t have a myGov account — can I still lodge a claim?
Yes, if you are not using an advocate, you can still lodge a claim using paper form. The myGov platform is a simple and secure way to access government services online in one place, to create an account and link your DVA services go to myGov Home | myGov
What happens if I’ve already submitted a claim using the old method — will it be affected?
Claims that have been registered will continue to progress, however, if your claim is incomplete for example, medical evidence has not been submitted, this will lead to longer processing times.
I live in a remote/rural area with limited internet. How do I lodge a claim or get help?
Please contact 1800 VETERAN and we can organise support to assist.
Will DVA publish performance data showing improvements in claim times?
Yes. DVA already publishes claims processing statistics on our website and will continue to do so.
MyService
Why is DVA encouraging use of MyService?
MyService is a secure, easy-to-use digital platform that reduces delays and helps DVA process claims faster. Consolidating lodgement into one main channel cuts down on inefficiencies and helps streamline the claims process for everyone.
What if I can’t use MyService or don’t have internet access?
Veterans can still lodge claims through other channels if they are not using an advocate. MyService is preferred for advocates, but it is not the only option.
Is MyService secure?
Yes. MyService uses Australian Government security standards. You sign in through myGov, and your information is protected.
Will DVA provide support to help me learn how to use MyService?
Yes. You can visit our website for information, including useful videos. You can also call 1800 VETERAN or visit a DVA location.
What accessibility features does MyService have for people with disabilities?
MyService is available via myGov, a simple and simple and secure way to access government services online. The myGov platform is designed to be accessible and inclusive. This means everyone should be able to use it, no matter their device, browser of choice, or ability. Visit the myGov website for information on accessibility.
Complete/incomplete claims
What is a ‘complete claim’?
A complete claim includes:
- A filled-in claim form
- Correct proof of identity
- A medical diagnosis for each claimed condition from a qualified doctor.
Why won’t my claim progress if it is incomplete?
Incomplete claims slow everything down. DVA will still register the claim, but it will not move forward until the missing information is provided. You will be contacted with a clear explanation of what is needed.
How will I know if my claim has been marked incomplete?
DVA will contact you to advise if your claim has been marked incomplete, and clearly explain what information is needed to move your claim to ‘complete’ status so it can be processed.
Will I be penalised or moved to the back of the queue if I forget to include a document?
If a document is missing your claim will be ‘incomplete’ and placed on hold. Once all the required information is provided your claim will move forward to be processed/assessed. You will not be placed at the back of a queue however your claim will remain on hold until we receive all the required information.
I received a notice saying my claim is incomplete. Was it rejected?
No. Your claim is considered lodged and registered. You are simply being asked for the remaining information so it can be assessed properly.
What happens if I submit a complete claim, but my supporting documents are delayed by my GP or specialist?
Your claim will be registered, however will not be able to progress until supporting documentation is provided. If you need assistance with medical reports, please contact 1800 VETERAN.
How long will it take for my claim to be reviewed once it’s complete?
We aim to process claims within 75 days for Disability Compensation Payment/application for increase. However, this timeframe can vary based on the complexity of the case, requiring additional documentation, medical assessments, or further information gathering.
The average processing time for Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (MRCA) Initial Liability (IL) claims is 104 days.
Medical assessments
Will DVA still pay for medical assessments?
Yes. DVA continues to fund necessary medical appointments or assessments to support a claim when required.
What is an Independent Medical Examiner (IME)?
An IME is a qualified medical specialist who can assess complex claims. This avoids multiple appointments and ensures your claim progresses smoothly.
For and about advocates
How can I represent a client as an advocate or organisation?
- Individual advocates: Your client must approve your request in MyService.
- Organisations: Use the MyOrg system via PRODA to manage client access securely.
For more information go to: What is a representative?
What is MyOrg and how do I get help using it?
MyOrg is an online portal for organisations to manage client representations. Resources, including guides and videos, are available on the DVA website.
Are there delays with processing representation (nomination) forms?
DVA has added staff to manage increased MyService use, and forms are being actioned promptly.
Do I have to give my advocate access to all my personal information?
Only the information needed to manage your claim. You approve this in MyService. DVA recommends asking advocates how they will protect your privacy.
Do advocates need to be approved by the Institute of Veterans’ Advocacy?
Not currently. The Veterans’ Advocacy and Support Services initiative is still being developed. You can keep working with a trusted, recognised advocate.
Where can advocates get help with these changes?
Advocates can contact the Claims Lodgement Assistance team:
- Email: CLA.WA@dva.gov.au
- Phone: 1800 VETERAN (request a call back)
Can I switch advocates if I’m not happy with my current one?
Yes. You can also request that DVA help you find a new representative if you need guidance. DVA's Advocacy Register can help you find advocacy services in your area, but it doesn't list individual advocates. Some ESO advocates are free to use.
Can family members help lodge my claim if I don't have an advocate?
You can receive help with lodging the claim however it must be lodged through your individual MyService account. You can nominate someone you know to represent you, such as a friend or family member. This person will be our contact point for any matters related to your claim. We will ask you for their details when you lodge your claim in MyService.
You can also nominate someone to act on your behalf for all your DVA matters, not just for your claim.
What protections are in place to ensure my advocate doesn’t misuse my personal information?
To help protect veterans and families, all service providers must comply with strict requirements for the services they deliver to DVA clients.
If you suspect an advocate is misusing your information, you can report it to the DVA through the online Report a Fraud form or by contacting 1800 VETERAN. The DVA has processes in place to address complaints and ensure compliance with privacy regulations.
Preparing for the 2026 Veterans’ Legislation
Why is DVA changing how claims are processed now?
On 13 February 2025, the Parliament passed the Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2024 (the VETS Act).
These changes are helping us modernise how we support veterans. They are a step toward making the future single veterans' legislation easier to implement, by improving consistency, efficiency, and transparency in claims handling.
How do these changes connect to the VETS Act coming in 2026?
The legislation means that from 1 July 2026, the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) and the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) will close to new compensation claims. All claims received on or after 1 July 2026 will be determined under an improved Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (MRCA).
The VETS Act will combine and simplify the current three Acts. By streamlining how claims are lodged and processed now, we’re setting up systems that will align better with the new law once it’s introduced.
Will I need to re-lodge my claim in 2026 when the VETS Act takes effect?
No. Claims lodged and decided before the VETS Act takes effect will continue under the current rules. We will provide clear information closer to the date about how new claims will be handled under the updated legislation.
Will MyService work the same way under the new legislation?
Yes. MyService is being strengthened to support both the current system and the future single Act. This is part of creating a consistent experience for veterans now and in the future.
Will the new VETS Act affect my entitlements or payments?
The government has committed to protecting existing entitlements. If you are already receiving support, there will be no changes to your payments unless your circumstances change.
Where can I get updates about the VETS Act?
DVA will continue to provide updates via our website, eNewsletters, and veteran community networks such as advocacy organisations and ex-service organisations.