Review of Decision
Review options depend on the type and date of the decision.
What the VETS Act 2026 means for your claim
If your claim was received before 1 July 2026
Your claim is processed under the All Acts. The pathway in this app reflects the rules, evidence requirements, and forms that apply to it.
If your claim is received from 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) closed to new compensation claims on 1 July 2026. We 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 transitioned 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 2 July 2026).
This is a guide only. Always verify with DVA or a qualified advocate before lodging a claim.
If you disagree with a DVA decision, you have review rights. Review options depend on the type and date of the decision. Check the review rights in your decision letter before choosing a pathway.
Most compensation and rehabilitation decisions made on or after 21 April 2025 can be taken directly to the Veterans' Review Board (VRB). The current VRB application form is D9541, and you may also be able to apply using the VRB's other lodgement options. Decisions made before that date, and some decision categories, can have different review arrangements.
For some decisions, you can ask DVA to reconsider. A reconsideration is a request made in writing. There is no single form that applies to every review request. Follow the review rights in your decision letter or use the current review option in MyService.
Time limits apply to every review pathway and vary by decision type. Always verify with DVA or a qualified advocate before lodging.
Key Points
- Review options depend on the type and date of the decision
- Check the review rights in your decision letter before choosing a pathway
- Most decisions on or after 21 April 2025 go directly to the VRB (form D9541)
- Some decisions use a written reconsideration request with no specific form
- Time limits apply and vary by pathway. Verify with DVA before lodging
Evidence DVA Generally Considers Required
- Copy of the decision you want reviewed
- The review rights section of your decision letter
- Written explanation of why you disagree
- Any new evidence that supports your case
Evidence DVA Generally Considers Recommended
- Updated medical reports if condition has changed
- Additional service records not previously provided
- Legal or advocate opinion on the decision
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 since 1 July 2026: New death benefit claims received from 1 July 2026 are 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.