From 1 July 2026, the Veterans' Entitlements, Treatments and Supports (VETS) Act closed the VEA and the DRCA to new claims. All new compensation and rehabilitation claims are now decided under one Act, an improved Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA), whenever you served. Payments you were already receiving continue.
What changed on 1 July 2026
- New claims are decided under one Act, the MRCA. Claims lodged under the VEA or DRCA before 1 July 2026 are still decided under those Acts.
- Existing VEA and DRCA payments, including TPI, continue uninterrupted and are indexed as normal.
- Conditions accepted under the VEA or DRCA are recognised under the MRCA.
- DVA now accepts more than 150 listed conditions automatically under presumptive liability, if your service meets the criteria. See which conditions.
- A new Additional Disablement Amount for severely impaired veterans over Age Pension age. Read about DVA pensions.
- Wider eligibility for Household Services and Attendant Care, now assessed under the MRCA for everyone. Read about Household Services.
- An injury can be accepted because it happened on duty, such as a heart attack or stroke, even if your duties didn't cause it.
- Funeral expenses reimbursed up to $15,530.09 for any service-related death.
- The higher travel rate for private car use when travelling for treatment, for all veterans.
- One education scheme, the MRCAETS, for eligible children.
What didn't change
The service pension, Income Support Supplement and Veteran Payment continue as before. War widow(er)'s pensions are still granted automatically in the same cases. Veterans' Home Care and community nursing aren't affected.
Reviews since April 2025
A single review pathway has applied since 21 April 2025: most decisions go to the Veterans' Review Board first, then the Administrative Review Tribunal. Read about DVA reviews and appeals.
Read DVA's summary of the VETS Act
Checked against DVA's website on 25 September 2026.