If DVA rejects your claim or you disagree with a decision, you can ask for a review. For most decisions made from 21 April 2025, you apply to the Veterans' Review Board (VRB) within 12 months, and if the Board doesn't resolve it, you may appeal to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) within 3 months of the Board's decision.
What to do if your DVA claim is rejected
- Read the reasons in your decision letter. It also explains how to ask for a review and the time limit.
- Talk to a free advocate, who can help you decide whether to seek a review and prepare it.
- Apply to the VRB within the time limit.
The single review pathway
From 21 April 2025, one review process applies to eligible DVA decisions across all Acts. It covers decisions on initial liability, disability compensation payments, permanent impairment compensation, incapacity payments and related entitlements. VEA income support and qualifying service decisions go straight to the ART.
You can apply to the VRB online at vrb.gov.au, by email to [email protected], or by post to VRB, GPO Box 1631, Sydney NSW 2001.
DVA appeal time limits
For decisions made from 21 April 2025:
- MRCA and DRCA matters: 12 months
- VEA entitlement matters: 12 months, but full arrears are only paid if you apply within 3 months
- VEA pension rate and attendant allowance matters: 3 months
- ART appeals: 3 months from the VRB decision
Decisions made before 21 April 2025 follow the older rules for their Act, and reviews already in progress continue under the old system.
Treatment during an appeal
If you were getting treatment under PAMT, it continues while you appeal a rejected claim. Read about PAMT.
Checked against DVA's website on 25 September 2026.