Incident Report / Exposure Description
This is a guide onlyWe do not collect or store anything you write. Have your statements reviewed by an advocate before submitting to DVA.
When you need thisWhen there is no formal incident report in your service records, or when the existing report does not capture the full picture. Many service incidents were never formally reported.
Many veterans have experienced incidents or ongoing exposures during service that were never formally documented. This is extremely common — incidents often went unreported, reports were lost, or exposures were considered "just part of the job" at the time.If there is no formal incident report, your own written account becomes a key piece of evidence. DVA understands that not everything was reported, but they need you to describe what happened in as much detail as possible.Even if a formal report exists, your own description provides additional context and detail that the official report may not capture.
What DVA assessors generally look for
- DVA understands that many incidents were not formally reported. The absence of a report does not mean the incident did not happen.
- Assessors look for consistency between your description and what is known about your service (unit, location, deployment dates).
- Specific details that can be cross-referenced with service records (dates, locations, operations) strengthen the description.
- Explaining why the incident was not reported at the time (culture, operational tempo, fear of impact on career) is understood and expected.
Section-by-Section Guide
Work through each section. Answer each prompt in your own words.1
When and where
Why this section mattersDVA needs to place the incident in context with your service history.
Questions to answer in this section- When did the incident or exposure occur? (Exact date if possible, or approximate: "June 2007", "during my second deployment to East Timor".)
- Where were you? (Base, forward operating base, training area, ship, specific location.)
- What unit were you with at the time?
- What was your rank and role?
- Was this during a deployment, exercise, or routine duties?
2
What happened
Why this section mattersA clear, factual description of the event is the core of this document.
Questions to answer in this section- Describe what happened in your own words. Start from the beginning and work through to the end.
- If this was a single event: What led up to it? What happened during? What happened immediately after?
- If this was an ongoing exposure: What were you exposed to? How often? For how long?
- What were the conditions? (Weather, time of day, operational context.)
Writing tipWrite it like you are explaining to someone who was not there. Be factual and step through the events in order. You do not need to use military jargon — plain language is fine.
3
Who else was present
Why this section mattersWitnesses can corroborate your account. Even naming people helps DVA verify details.
Questions to answer in this section- Who else was present during the incident or exposure?
- Can you name specific people? (Full names if possible, or rank and surname.)
- Are you still in contact with any of them? (They could provide buddy statements.)
- Was anyone else injured or affected?
4
Injuries or effects at the time
Why this section mattersDVA needs to understand whether there were immediate consequences.
Questions to answer in this section- Were you injured at the time? What injuries?
- Did you receive any medical treatment at the time? (RAP, field hospital, base medical centre.)
- Were there any immediate symptoms? (Pain, shock, difficulty hearing, emotional distress.)
- Did you continue working after the incident, or were you stood down?
5
Reporting and records
Why this section mattersDVA wants to know what records exist and why some may not.
Questions to answer in this section- Was a formal incident report filed at the time? If yes, do you have a copy or reference?
- If no report was filed, why not? (Not considered serious at the time, operational tempo, culture of not reporting, fear of career impact.)
- Are there any other records that might document this? (Unit diaries, deployment reports, medical records from the time, photographs.)
- Have you requested your service records from Defence Archives? They may contain relevant information.
Tips
- Even approximate dates help. If you cannot remember the exact date, use context: "during my first deployment", "about six months after posting to Townsville".
- Unit histories and deployment records can help you reconstruct dates and locations. Request your service records from Defence Archives (1800 333 362) if you have not already.
- Old photos, letters, emails, or social media posts from the time can help you remember details.
- Ask former colleagues if they remember the incident — their memories may fill in gaps.
- Write down everything you remember, even if it seems minor. You can always edit later.
- If the exposure was ongoing (like noise, chemicals, or physical demands), describe a typical day to give DVA a picture of what it was like.
- It is okay to say "I do not remember exactly" — just provide what you can.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not explaining why there is no formal report — DVA understands this, but you need to say it.
- Being too brief — a sentence or two is not enough. Walk DVA through what happened.
- Not mentioning other people who were present — witnesses strengthen your account.
- Forgetting to mention medical treatment received at the time, even if it was informal (the medic gave you painkillers, you went to the RAP).
- Not requesting service records — Defence Archives may have unit diaries, deployment reports, or medical records that support your account.
- Mixing up details from different incidents — if you have multiple incidents to describe, write each one separately.
What to do next
This is a guide only. We do not collect or store any information. Always verify with DVA directly or with a qualified advocate.