We’ve heard from veterans, families and advocates that claims processing data needs to be easier to read, easier to compare and easier to track over time.
That’s why DVA has changed the way it publishes monthly claims processing data. The new format gives a clearer rolling 12-month view, making it easier to see what is changing over time.
We know the wait for a decision can be difficult for veterans and families. DVA is working hard to improve claims processing, and the clearer data gives veterans, families and advocates a better way to see where progress is being made and where more work is needed.
The latest data, published today, shows that the average processing time for MRCA Initial Liability claims received in the last 12 months was 145 days, which comprised of 46 days waiting for external information and 99 days with DVA for processing.
This result sits within a year of record claims activity for DVA. In 2025–26, DVA determined more health conditions than ever before, reflecting both increased demand across the veteran support system and the continued effort to move claims through to decision.
Publishing this information gives veterans, families and advocates a clearer way to understand the broader direction of claims processing, not just a single monthly result.
DVA is also focusing on Initial Liability decisions because they are a gateway to earlier support. A faster Initial Liability decision can give veterans quicker access to treatment and, where eligible, incapacity payments. Permanent Impairment compensation remains important and is generally considered after treatment and rehabilitation have supported the veteran’s recovery and the ongoing impact of their service-related condition is better understood.
The new Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support Act started on 1 July 2026 and is expected to support further improvement in claims processing. By bringing compensation and rehabilitation arrangements into a single ongoing framework for new claims, the new Act is designed to reduce some of the complexity that has made the system harder to navigate and administer.
The new Act also introduced Presumptive Liability, a new pathway that allows DVA to accept more than 150 conditions when a confirmed diagnosis is provided at lodgement. This will make the process faster and simpler by reducing the investigation for conditions already recognised as having a connection to service.
Alongside the new Act, DVA is continuing to improve claims processing by:
- checking earlier for missing information
- allocating new claims more quickly
- prioritising older and more complex claims
- improving online claiming and tracking
- communicating more clearly with veterans and advocates about what is needed to progress a claim, and
- using technology responsibly to support staff to focus on assessment, decisions and direct support.
DVA is also managing a growing workload across the veteran support system.
During 2025–26, more than 50,000 veterans lodged claims with DVA. Many claims involved multiple health conditions, each requiring a separate assessment and decision. As claims become more complex, the work required to process them also grows.
In 2025–26, DVA determined 238,389 health conditions. That work matters because each decision helps a veteran or family member move closer to support and treatment.
This was the highest number of health conditions DVA has ever determined — up from 199,975 in 2024-25 and 106,667 in 2022/23.
DVA will continue publishing claims processing data each month so veterans, families and advocates can see what is changing over time. Monthly results will move up and down, but the clearer format is designed to make the data easier to understand, easier to compare and more useful for the people who rely on it.
Those who want more detail can still download the full data from the Claims Processing page.