An Initial Liability claim is the first step in the DVA compensation process. It asks DVA to formally accept that a medical condition you have was caused by, or is connected to, your military service. This is sometimes called "getting liability accepted."
Until DVA accepts liability for your condition, you generally cannot access compensation or treatment through DVA for that condition. That is why this claim is considered the foundation — everything else builds on it.
What DVA looks at when assessing your claim:
DVA generally considers three main things. First, a diagnosis — you need a formal diagnosis of your condition from a qualified medical practitioner. Second, evidence of a link to service — this is often provided through a nexus statement from your treating doctor, explaining how your condition connects to specific events, activities, or exposures during your service. Third, Statements of Principles (SoPs) — these are medical-scientific standards set by the Repatriation Medical Authority (RMA) that list the known factors connecting conditions to service.
Two standards of proof apply. If you had operational (warlike or peacekeeping) service, your claim is assessed under the "reasonable hypothesis" standard, which is a lower bar. If your service was peacetime only, the "balance of probabilities" standard applies, which requires a stronger case.
How to lodge:
Before 1 July 2026, the form you use depends on which Act covers your service — D2582 for VEA, D2051 for MRCA, or D2020 for DRCA. Most claims can be lodged through MyService online. From 1 July 2026, all new compensation claims go through the improved MRCA under the VETS Act changes, regardless of when you served.
From 31 March 2025, DVA checks claims for completeness at intake. A complete claim requires a fully completed form, correct proof of identity, and a medical diagnosis. If any of these are missing, the claim is placed on hold — but your lodgement date is still registered. DVA will advise what is needed. Use the Evidence Builder in this navigator to check you have the mandatory items ready.
Provisional Access to Medical Treatment (PAMT) may let you start treatment while your claim is being assessed, if your condition is one of the 20 most commonly accepted conditions. Ask DVA about PAMT when you lodge.
This is a guide only. Verify this directly with DVA or a qualified advocate before lodging your claim.