The Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) covers ADF members who had peacetime or training service between 7 December 1972 and 30 June 2004.
DRCA provides similar benefits to workers' compensation — initial liability, incapacity payments, and permanent impairment. However, until 21 April 2025, DRCA veterans did not have access to the Veterans' Review Board for appeals.
From 1 July 2026, DRCA closes to new compensation claims. DRCA incapacity payments automatically transition to the MRCA system, which may provide more generous benefits.
From 21 April 2025, DRCA review decisions go through the VRB first — this is part of the single review pathway established by the VETS Act.