By Kai Baldwin, Founder of BAC · First published 18 April 2026 · Reviewed against DVA sources on 11 September 2026. See sources
A DVA claim is the starting point for getting your service-related conditions recognised, treated and compensated. This is the plain-English version of how it works, who can claim, and the mistakes that get veterans knocked back.
What is a DVA Claim?
A DVA claim is a formal application to the Department of Veterans' Affairs to have a medical condition recognised as related to your military service. Once it's accepted, you get access to treatment, support, and compensation. That's the starting point for everything.
It doesn't matter whether you were Army, Navy, or Air Force. It doesn't matter whether you're still serving or you got out years ago. If your conditions are connected to your service, you may be eligible.
One more thing: since 1 July 2026 every new claim is assessed under one Act, the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA), no matter when your injury or condition happened, and I've laid out what changed on 1 July 2026 in a separate guide.
Who Can Make a DVA Claim?
You don't need to be discharged. Seriously. Both currently serving ADF members and veterans who've already separated can lodge claims. Your eligibility comes down to your service history and the conditions you're claiming for.
Don't wait until you're out. Lodging while you're still serving means easier access to Defence medical records and a head start on getting your entitlements sorted before transition.
Watch: What Can I Claim From DVA?
The DVA Claims Process
Mistakes I See All the Time
Not claiming everything at once. I can't tell you how many veterans come to me having only claimed one or two things when they've got a dozen conditions that are clearly service-related. Don't be that person.
Submitting with weak evidence. This is probably the biggest one. DVA isn't going to accept your claim on vibes. You need proper medical evidence, and it needs to clearly link your condition to your service.
Giving up after a knockback. A declined claim is not the end of the road. It can often be reviewed or appealed with better evidence. I've written up how DVA reviews and appeals work. Don't let one rejection stop you from getting what you're owed.
BAC tip: a thorough review of your full service history almost always reveals conditions you hadn't thought about claiming. This is the first thing I do during a free consult. You'd be surprised what comes out of that conversation.
How BAC Can Help
I manage the entire DVA claims process for you. Identifying all your eligible conditions, coordinating medical evidence, preparing your claim, lodging it, and chasing DVA until a decision is made. I've done this thousands of times and I know what works.
BAC charges a fixed fee. You know what it costs before we start, and 100% of your entitlement goes to you. No percentage cuts, no surprises. That's how it should be.
Sources
- Making a claim for a service-related condition (DVA): the claims process, MyService lodgement, the Claims Lodgement Assistance program, Veteran Support Officers, and incomplete claims being held until complete.
- VEA and DRCA compensation claims close 30 June (DVA): online or in-person meetings with a Claims Lodgement Assistant and one-on-one appointments with a Veteran Support Officer.
- The VETS Act: what it is and what it does (DVA): VEA and DRCA closed to new claims from 1 July 2026, with all new claims decided under the improved MRCA.