Glossary
Plain-English definitions of DVA terminology, acronyms, and jargon.
A
ADF
Australian Defence Force
The combined military forces of Australia — Army, Navy, and Air Force.
ART
Administrative Review Tribunal
The formal appeals body for reviewing DVA decisions (replaced the AAT).
D
DCP
Disability Compensation Payment
An ongoing fortnightly payment under VEA for accepted conditions.
DRCA
Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988
The Act covering peacetime/training service between 1972 and 2004. Closes to new claims from 1 July 2026.
DVA
Department of Veterans' Affairs
The Australian Government department that administers veterans' benefits.
DVA File Number
DVA Client Identifier (also known as DVA Card Number)
The unique reference number DVA uses to identify you — it starts with one letter followed by 7 or 8 numbers (e.g. N1234567). This is the same number printed on your Gold or White Card. You receive it when you first register with DVA or lodge your first claim. Quote this number in all correspondence with DVA.
G
GARP M
Guide to Determining Impairment and Compensation
The guide used to assess permanent impairment under MRCA.
GARP V
Guide to the Assessment of Rates of Veterans' Pensions
The guide used to assess disability rates under VEA.
Gold Card
DVA Health Card (All Conditions)
Covers all health care needs. Available at 60+ impairment points under MRCA. From 1 July 2026, VEA/DRCA veterans can access MRCA Gold Card eligibility through a 5-point worsening under the improved MRCA.
I
IME
Independent Medical Examiner
A doctor appointed by DVA to independently assess your condition.
ISS
Income Support Supplement
Additional income support payment available to some veterans.
M
MRCA
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004
The Act covering service from 1 July 2004 onwards. Becomes the single Act for all new claims from 1 July 2026.
MRCA_2026
Improved MRCA under VETS Act
The enhanced MRCA that applies to all new compensation claims from 1 July 2026.
MyService
DVA Online Portal
The online system for lodging claims, checking status, and managing your DVA interactions.
N
Nexus Statement
Medical opinion linking condition to service
A letter from your doctor saying your condition was caused or worsened by your service.
NLHC
Non-Liability Health Care
Treatment for mental health or cancer without proving it was caused by service.
P
PAMT
Provisional Access to Medical Treatment
Treatment for common conditions while your claim is being assessed.
PI
Permanent Impairment
A lump sum payment for a condition that has stabilised and won't significantly improve.
PMKeyS
Personnel Management Key Solution
The ADF's internal HR and payroll system, introduced around 2002. Your PMKeyS number is effectively your Service Number for anyone who served after this date. DVA does not use the term "PMKeyS" on their forms — they refer to it as your Service Number. Use your PMKeyS / Service Number when completing DVA forms and claims.
R
RMA
Repatriation Medical Authority
The body that sets the medical-scientific standards (SoPs) DVA uses to assess claims.
S
Service Number
ADF Service Identifier (also known as PMKeyS Number)
The identifier assigned to you by the ADF during your military service. Used by DVA to verify your service history with Defence. Found on your Certificate of Service, discharge papers, and ADF pay records. Veterans who served after around 2002 will know this as their PMKeyS number. Different from your DVA File Number.
SoP
Statement of Principles
Legal instruments listing the factors that can link a condition to service.
T
TPI
Totally and Permanently Incapacitated
A higher payment rate for veterans who cannot work at all due to accepted conditions.
V
VAN
Veteran Access Network
DVA presence on military bases to help serving members with claims.
VEA
Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986
The Act covering operational/warlike service. Closes to new compensation claims from 1 July 2026.
VETS Act
Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2025
The law that simplifies veterans' compensation from 1 July 2026 — all new claims under one improved MRCA.
VRB
Veterans' Review Board
Independent body that reviews DVA decisions. Free, informal, available to all veterans.
W
White Card
DVA Health Card (Specific Conditions)
Covers treatment for your specific DVA-accepted conditions only.
This is a guide only. Definitions are simplified for clarity.