Initial Liability Claim
Claim compensation for a condition caused or contributed to by ADF service. The form you need depends on your service era: D2582 (VEA), D2051 (MRCA), or D2020 (DRCA).
What the VETS Act 2026 means for your claim
If you lodge before 1 July 2026
Your claim is currently processed under the VEA, DRCA, MRCA (before July 2026) | Improved MRCA (after July 2026). The pathway in this app reflects the rules, evidence requirements, and forms that apply now.
If you lodge on or after 1 July 2026
The improved Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) applies. The Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) and the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) close to new compensation claims from that date. We will route your claim through the improved MRCA pathway.
What stays the same
Existing payments and entitlements you already receive are not affected. They continue and remain indexed. Income support (Service Pension, Income Support Supplement, Veteran Payment) remains under the VEA. DRCA incapacity payments transition automatically to the MRCA on 1 July 2026.
Reviews and appeals
From the date of the VETS Act, the Single Review Pathway applies for all veterans: decisions are reviewed by the Veterans' Review Board (VRB), with appeals to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). DRCA review decisions go through the VRB first (in effect since 21 April 2025).
Complete claims only
Since 31 March 2025, DVA accepts complete claims only. Incomplete claims are placed on hold until they meet the complete-claims requirement. The Evidence Builder in this app helps you assemble a complete claim before lodging.
Source: Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2025 — Act No. 17 of 2025, Royal Assent 20 February 2025. See dva.gov.au/about-us/inquiries-and-reviews/veterans-legislation-reform — verified 17 March 2026.
This is a guide only. Always verify with DVA or a qualified advocate before lodging a claim.
An Initial Liability claim asks DVA to accept that your condition was caused or contributed to by your military service. This is the foundation for most other DVA compensation — permanent impairment and incapacity payments both require initial liability to be accepted first.
DVA uses Statements of Principles (SoPs) published by the Repatriation Medical Authority (RMA) to assess whether a condition is service-related. Your treating doctor provides the medical opinion (nexus statement) linking your condition to your service.
From 31 March 2025, claims must be complete when lodged — incomplete claims are placed on hold.
Key Points
- Most common DVA claim type
- Requires a nexus (link) between condition and service
- Claims must be complete from 31 March 2025
- Can be lodged via MyService, post, or in person
- PAMT may provide treatment while your claim is assessed
Evidence DVA Generally Considers Required
- Service records confirming dates, unit, rank, and relevant deployments
- Medical diagnosis from a qualified medical practitioner
- Nexus statement from treating clinician linking condition to service
- Description of the incident or exposure that caused or contributed to condition
Evidence DVA Generally Considers Recommended
- Functional impact statement — how condition affects daily life and work
- Buddy or witness statement (form D2141)
- Specialist report in addition to GP diagnosis
- Treatment history showing onset and progression
What To Do Next
- Use the Eligibility Checker to confirm this claim type suits your situation.
- Build your Evidence Checklist so you know exactly what to gather.
- Download the correct form from DVA and review our Form Guide.
- When ready, lodge your claim via MyService, phone, in person, or post.
- If you need help, consider a free advocate through an ex-service organisation. Call DVA on 1800 555 254.
Dependants and Survivors
Dependant definition: Dependants under MRCA include spouses, de facto partners, children (including step-children and adopted children), and in some cases dependent parents. The definition is broader than many veterans realise. Verify this directly with DVA.
War Widow/Widower claims from 1 July 2026: From 1 July 2026, new death benefit claims will be processed under the improved MRCA regardless of which Act the veteran's original service fell under. This provides standardised lump sum payments and Gold Card access for eligible dependants.
Children's education support: Eligible children of deceased or incapacitated veterans may also qualify for educational support under the MRCA Education and Training Scheme (MRCAETS) or the Veterans' Children Education Scheme (VCES). Verify eligibility with DVA.
This tool currently supports veteran self-claims only. Dependant and family claim pathways are not yet supported here. For guidance on these pathways, verify directly with DVA or speak with a qualified advocate.
This is a guide only. Always verify with DVA directly or with a qualified advocate before lodging a claim.