Help veterans access rehabilitation
From 1 July 2026, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) closed to new claims for rehabilitation and compensation. All new claims for rehabilitation and compensation will be determined under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA).
DVA rehabilitation aims to assist eligible veteran clients to build skills to enable them to maximise their wellbeing. As a general practitioner this information will help you to check whether a veteran is eligible and suitable to take part in our program.
Back to topWho is eligible
Not all veterans will be eligible for our rehabilitation program.
A veteran may be eligible for rehabilitation assistance from us if they have an injury or condition that we have accepted as related to their service under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA)
If a veteran already has an injury or condition accepted by us they can apply for the program directly.
If a veteran does not have an accepted injury or condition they can lodge a claim to have it considered by us through MyService under the MRCA.
Back to topHow to apply for the rehabilitation program
A veteran who has an accepted condition can ask us for an assessment by emailing rehabilitation@dva.gov.au or contacting us. A veteran may also be referred to us by:
- another business area within DVA
- an ex-service organisation
- the ADF or ADF Rehabilitation Program
- another third party.
Get information about rehabilitation for your patient
If a veteran would benefit from more information or advice about our program, you can contact us on their behalf.
Before you contact us about rehabilitation for your patient you need to make sure:
- you have consent from your patient to do so
- your patient has already lodged a claim for liability for an injury or condition with us
To let us know that your veteran patient may benefit from rehabilitation you can:
We will follow up with the veteran.
Back to topFollow up and management
After we do a needs assessment we will inform the veteran in writing of the outcome. If the veteran is eligible and would benefit from rehabilitation, we will refer them to a contracted rehabilitation provider.
The rehabilitation provider will conduct an assessment and create a rehabilitation plan. This is done in consultation with the veteran. The plan will include:
- the veteran’s rehabilitation goal/s
- the activities that will help to achieve these goal/s
- the expected dates and duration of activities on the plan
If the plan includes vocational goal/s, you will be asked by the veteran or the rehabilitation provider to fill out a medical certificate so we can confirm the veteran’s medical capacity.
Back to topRehabilitation program information for veterans
If a veteran requires more information, please direct them to the rehabilitation client page. You can also email the rehabilitation team at rehabilitation@dva.gov.au for more information.
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