DVA Appeals & Reviews

DVA Appeals and Reviews.
A Knockback Is Not a Verdict.

DVA said no, or said yes at a number that doesn't add up. That letter is one delegate's call on the evidence they had, and it can be reviewed.

Book a Free Consultation → Read the Full Guide
Who This Is For

You've Got a DVA Decision
You Don't Agree With.

Veterans and serving members with a DVA compensation decision they want looked at again: a rejected Initial Liability claim, or a Permanent Impairment amount that undersells what you live with. The Veterans' Review Board (VRB) reviews both.

Not sure an appeal is the right move? If the fight is about impairment points rather than whether the condition was accepted, a worsening claim can be the better path.

Watch: Claim Knocked Back? It's Not the End of the Road.

What BAC Does

From the Letter to the Hearing

Read the Reasons

The letter sets out the reasons, the pathway and the time limit that applies to you. I read it line by line and tell you straight where the reasoning fell short.

  • Reasons and time limit decoded
  • Date received written down
  • Honest call: appeal or worsening claim

Find the Missing Evidence

The VRB takes a fresh look at the facts, so the job is a better file than the delegate had. The gap is almost never the condition. It's the link to service.

  • Statement of Principles factors checked
  • Specialist reports that answer the question
  • Service records showing the incident

Lodge the VRB Application

It goes directly to the VRB, not through DVA, and must say why you disagree and attach the new evidence. I write it and lodge it well inside the 12 months from receiving notice of an MRCA decision.

  • Written grounds for disagreement
  • Evidence bundle attached
  • Lodged well inside the limit

Sit Beside You at the Hearing

The VRB is not a courtroom. Three members look over your case, and DVA lets you bring an advocate. That's my seat. BAC is not a law firm and I don't provide legal representation; I work the primary claim and the VRB stage.

  • Hearing preparation with you
  • Advocate at the table
  • Plain explanation of next steps
What You'll Need

Bring Me These and We Start

  • The decision letter, every page, and the date you received it
  • The reports and records DVA had when it decided
  • Anything new: specialist reports, treating notes, service records
  • A short timeline: condition, service link, treatment
Common Questions

Questions I Get Asked Most

How long do I have to appeal a DVA decision?

+
For an MRCA decision, 12 months from the date you receive notice to apply to the VRB. Older DRCA and VEA decisions have their own limits, some as short as 30 days, so go by the appeal rights in your letter and apply early.

Does it cost anything to go to the VRB?

+
A VRB review is free, and no fees apply at the ART. DVA may reimburse some medical document and travel costs, but not legal advice or representation. BAC's fee is fixed and agreed before we start.

Can BAC represent me at the ART?

+
No. BAC is not a law firm, and DVA's VETS Act page says veterans will need legal representation at the ART. If it goes that far I'll tell you straight and help you find it, and DVA says Legal Aid may be available when the ART reviews a VRB decision.

Bring me the letter first. I'll read the reasons, tell you whether a review or a worsening claim is the better move, and find the evidence that was missing. Not lodged yet? Start with Initial Liability and build the file properly; the full appeals and reviews guide has the detail on every stage. Fixed fee. No percentage cuts. You know what it costs before we start, and every dollar of your entitlement stays yours.

Don't Let One Letter
Be the Last Word.

Send me the decision. I'll tell you straight what can be done.

Free · Confidential · Fixed Fee · Veteran Owned & Led

Ready to start? Free consultation.
(07) 2103 0427
Chat with Kai →