The Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) continues to improve access to treatment and support, with the latest processing data showing ongoing improvements across a range of health approvals and support services despite increasing demand.
These results complement DVA's monthly claims processing performance data and reflect the department's continued focus on improving service delivery for veterans and the families of veterans.
Supporting increased demand for travel reimbursements
Claims for travel reimbursements to attend treatment have increased significantly, with claim volumes 400% higher per month than prior to 1 July 2026.
Despite this increase, DVA continues to meet its service standard, with travel reimbursement claims taking an average of 19 days and a median of 9 days to process.
More than 47,000 travel reimbursements have already been processed this financial year under the Military, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA), compared with around 58,000 processed during the whole of 2025-26.
You can help receive faster outcomes by using MyService to submit your travel claim.
Health approvals performance continues to improve
Performance continues to improve for the small number of health services that require prior approval from DVA.
Although median processing times fluctuated slightly as older and more complex requests were finalised, average processing times reduced from 61 days in August to 58 days in September.
To support further improvements, DVA introduced a new Health Approvals system enhancement in early October 2026. This will strengthen DVA's ability to manage workflows, prioritise work and direct resources where they are needed most.
Improvements in medical expense reimbursements
Substantial improvements are being made in the processing of Medical Expenses Privately Incurred (MEPI) claims.
Submitting MEPI claims using DVA’s webform remains the quickest option for veterans, with applications that contain all required information generally being processed within 10 to 14 days.
For non-webform MEPI claim applications, average processing times reduced from 83 days in August to 52 days in September, reflecting targeted efforts to address older claims and reduce backlog pressures.
Faster approvals for rehabilitation aids and appliances
Processing times for the Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP) reduced from an average of 62 days in August to 40 days in September.
This continues a broader trend of improvement, with average processing times this financial year less than half those experienced during 2025-26.
These improvements are helping veterans access equipment and support that can assist them to maintain independence and quality of life.
Improvements in veteran transport services
Calls requesting DVA’s Booked Car with Driver service are now routinely being answered within 3 to 6 minutes, with queues rarely exceeding 10 minutes.
Continuing to focus on veterans
While demand for services continues to grow, DVA remains focused on improving veterans' access to treatment, support and reimbursement services.
Veterans are encouraged to provide all required information when lodging applications or requests, as complete submissions are easier to assess and process more quickly.
DVA will continue to publish monthly performance information to provide transparency and help veterans, families and advocates track progress across key service delivery areas.