Single review pathway
From 21 April 2025, a single streamlined review process applies to eligible DVA decisions across all Acts. If you have received a decision about your claim and want to challenge it, this page explains the steps, who to contact, and the timeframes that apply.
As a DVA client, you have the right to appeal a decision that has been made about your claim.
What is the single review pathway
The single review pathway is a streamlined process for reviewing eligible DVA decisions. It applies to decisions made from 21 April 2025 onwards. It replaces the different review pathways that existed across the various Acts with a single harmonised system. Decisions made before 21 April 2025 follow different processes depending on which legislation applied.
How to apply for a review
Your decision letter will explain how to request a review, including the correct method and the timeframe you need to follow.
Which decisions are covered
The single review pathway applies to decisions about initial liability, disability compensation payments, permanent impairment compensation, incapacity payments, and other related (ancillary) entitlements.
It does not apply to VEA income support or qualifying service decisions. Those matters go directly to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).
The review steps
The steps in the review pathway for most decisions made from 21 April 2025 (and for MRCA decisions from 1 July 2026) are an external review by the Veterans' Review Board (VRB) and if the matter is not resolved at the VRB, you can then appeal the VRB decision to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), if you are eligible.
How to apply for an external review
To apply to the Veterans' Review Board (VRB), you can apply online at vrb.gov.au/how-apply, by email at reviews@vrb.gov.au, or by post to: VRB, GPO Box 1631, Sydney NSW 2001.
To apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), apply online through the ART website. Further information is available through the DVA website.
Time limits for decisions made from 21 April 2025
For decisions made from 21 April 2025, you usually must apply to the VRB within 12 months of the original decision. For ART appeals, you have 3 months from a VRB decision.
Reviewing decisions made before 21 April 2025
For MRCA claims decided before 21 April 2025, apply for a VRB review through DVA within 12 months, and state why you disagree with the decision.
For VEA claims, apply through DVA. The time limit is 12 months for death and entitlement matters (though maximum arrears only apply if you apply within 3 months), and 3 months for pension rate and attendant allowance matters.
For DRCA claims, request a reconsideration through DVA within 30 days. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you can then appeal to the ART within 60 days.
Reviews already in progress
If you already have a review in progress, it will continue under the old system. The process depends on which legislation applied and when the original decision was made.
Timeframe summary for external reviews
For decisions on or after 21 April 2025:
- VEA pension rate and attendant allowance: 3 months
- VEA entitlement: 12 months (maximum arrears only if applied within 3 months)
- MRCA – all matters: 12 months
- DRCA – all matters: 12 months (previously 30 days)
From 1 July 2026
From 1 July 2026, all new claims are assessed under the MRCA. The standard appeal timeframe is 12 months.
Additional resources
Additional resources are available on the Legislation Reform website. These include guidance for VEA, DRCA, and MRCA veterans, as well as families of veterans.