Veterans' Review Board Application
Independent review of DVA decisions — available to all veterans.
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 (from 21 April 2025). 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.
The Veterans' Review Board (VRB) is an independent body that reviews DVA compensation decisions. It provides a less formal and less adversarial setting than a court.
From 21 April 2025, all veterans — including those previously covered only by DRCA — can use the VRB as their first external review step. This is part of the single review pathway: VRB then ART (Administrative Review Tribunal).
The current application form is D9541, hosted on the VRB website (vrb.gov.au). You may also be able to apply using the VRB's other lodgement options. Applications are generally due within 12 months of the decision. Check the review rights in your decision letter and verify time limits with the VRB or DVA.
VRB hearings are free. You can represent yourself or use a DVA-accredited advocate.
Key Points
- Independent review — not DVA
- Free, informal, less adversarial
- Available to ALL veterans from 21 April 2025
- DRCA veterans can now use VRB (previously could not)
- Current application form: D9541 (on vrb.gov.au). Other lodgement options may be available
- Next step if unsuccessful: ART (Administrative Review Tribunal)
Evidence DVA Generally Considers Required
- Copy of the DVA decision being appealed
- Completed VRB application (form D9541 or another VRB lodgement option)
- Statement explaining why you disagree with the decision
Evidence DVA Generally Considers Recommended
- Additional medical evidence
- Legal or advocate representation
- New evidence not previously available to DVA
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.