How to Lodge

Choose a lodgement method that works for your situation.

This page explains the different ways you can submit your claim to DVA — online via MyService, by phone, in person, or by post. Most veterans lodge through MyService. Choose the method that works best for your situation.

You are ready to lodge — choose the submission method that suits you.

Terminally ill?Contact DVA on 1800 838 372 for the Seriously Ill Program. Your claim will be prioritised — do not use standard lodgement channels.
DVA mandatory requirements (Complete Claims since 31 March 2025)

DVA requires these three items with every compensation claim lodged since 31 March 2025. Claims lodged without them are placed on hold until the missing items are provided. Learn more

DVA requires:

Confirm you have these three items before lodging. Without them, DVA will place your claim on hold.

Note: Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC) for mental health does not require a formal diagnosis — you only need to identify the condition. The diagnosis requirement above applies to compensation claims and cancer NLHC claims.

Verify this directly with DVA. This is a guide only.

Highly recommended (supports your preparation and may avoid delays):

  • Statement linking your condition to service (nexus statement)
  • Relevant service records
  • Any supporting medical evidence

These items are not required at lodgement but DVA may request them during assessment.

Build Evidence Checklist

Before you lodge

Completed form All evidence attached Copies kept for your records

From 31 March 2025, claims must be complete when lodged. Check your evidence

Your claim, your way

Most veterans lodge their own claim. You can do it independently, get help along the way, or — if you prefer — appoint someone to handle it for you.
Do it yourselfUse our tools to prepare your evidence and forms, then lodge directly with DVA using the methods below. Most veterans take this path.
Get help along the wayAn advocate can answer questions, check your paperwork, and help you prepare — while you stay in charge. Free help is available from ESOs like RSL and Legacy. Paid support options also exist.Find support near you
Prefer someone to manage it for you?This is a different arrangement. You appoint an advocate or legal firm to lodge and manage your claim on your behalf by signing an Authority to Act (form D9325). You can move to this option at any stage.
View D9325 form guide
VETS Act 2026

What the VETS Act 2026 means for your claim

If you lodge before 1 July 2026

Your claim is currently processed under the VEA / DRCA / MRCA. The pathway in this app reflects the rules, evidence requirements, and forms that apply now.

If you lodge on or after 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) close to new compensation claims from that date. We will 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 transition 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 17 March 2026.

This is a guide only. Always verify with DVA or a qualified advocate before lodging a claim.

We prepare your claim — you lodge it via MyService

This app helps you assemble a complete, well-prepared claim package. When you're ready, you download your lodgement pack and upload it into MyService (myGov sign-in) yourself. We don't lodge claims directly — DVA's MyService is the official channel.

Solo advocates: lodge via MyService directly. Organisation advocates: lodge via MyOrg (PRODA-authenticated). The pack works for both.

Recommended

MyService (Online)

Lodge online through the DVA portal. Available 24/7. This is the primary lodgement channel for most claim types.

PI, War Widows, and Dependant claims are not yet in MyService — those use paper forms below.

Go to MyServiceRead our step-by-step walkthrough before you start

Other channels — only when MyService is unavailable

Use these channels for the three claim types not yet in MyService (Permanent Impairment, War Widows, Dependants).

Phone

Call DVA and a claims officer will guide you through it.

Call 1800 555 254

In Person

Visit a DVA office or Veteran Access Network location.

Find nearest office

Post

Mail your completed form and evidence to DVA.

Post to: GPO Box 9998, your capital city. Keep copies of everything.

View DVA forms

Already lodged?

Find out about confirmation, assessment, processing times, and review options.

What happens next
Track your claim

Quick links

Call DVA: 1800 555 254Find a free advocateAuthority to Act (D9325)Evidence Builder

This is a guide only. Always verify with DVA directly or with a qualified advocate before lodging a claim.

When you are readyLearn about lodging via MyService