Defence service under the MRCA
From 1 July 2026, the MRCA is the only Act for new compensation and rehabilitation claims. This page explains the types of defence service covered and what you may be eligible for, including treatment, compensation, and Veteran Card access.
From 1 July 2026, the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) and the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1998 (DRCA) are closed to new compensation claims. The Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) is now the only Act for new compensation and rehabilitation claims. The MRCA covers all types of defence service.
Who counts as having done defence service.
Defence service under the MRCA covers all service by Australian Defence Force (ADF) members. It also covers certain civilians who have been deemed or declared to be ADF members. The category of service you performed affects your eligibility and how your claim is assessed.
Types of defence service
There are six main categories of defence service under the MRCA.
- Warlike service is declared by the Defence Minister. It involves the authorised use of military force and an expectation of casualties from enemy forces. Examples include combat operations and peace enforcement missions.
- Non-warlike service is also declared by the Defence Minister. It involves limited objectives, where force is authorisedfor self-protection, and casualties are possible but not expected. Examples include peacekeeping missions. Non-warlike service includes service in a declared Peacekeeping Force outside Australia and British Nuclear Test service. Previous activities that were declared as ‘Operational service’ under the VEA are also considered to be a category of warlike/non-warlike service.
- British Nuclear Test Defence service covers ADF members who were present during British atomic weapons testing in Australia, or who took part in related activities such as decontamination. This category and eligibility criteria is defined in detail within MRCA legislation.
- Hazardous service is declared by the Defence Minister. It is a historical service category that applies to overseas service involving elevated risk or danger. Examples include mine clearance and bomb disposal in conflict areas.
- Peacekeeping service means service with a defined Peacekeeping Force outside Australia. The specific forces covered are listed in section 6A of the MRCA.
- Peacetime service is any service that does not fall into one of the categories above. It includes training, administrative duties, and non-operational activities.
What you may be eligible for
If you have rendered eligible defence service, you may be able to access compensation and treatment for accepted conditions. This applies to current and former ADF members, as well as certain police officers serving in certain peacekeeping activities as set out in section 6A of the MRCA.
Depending on your service, you may also be able to access treatment for malignant cancers, mental health conditions, and other specified conditions – even if those conditions are not service-related.
Service pension and qualifying service
Warlike service counts as qualifying service under the VEA. This may give you access to a service pension if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Veteran Card – All Conditions
You may be eligible for a Veteran Card – All Conditions at age 70 if you have qualifying service, or if you have 60 or more Permanent Impairment points. This card covers treatment for all medical conditions that are clinically required, within Australia.
Veteran Card – Specific conditions
A Veteran Card – Specific Conditions covers treatment for your accepted service-related conditions. It also gives you access to Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC) for some specified conditions.