6 Common Challenges with DVA Claims (and Why Expert Legal Help Matters) 

6 Common Challenges with DVA Claims (and Why Expert Legal Help Matters) 

If you’re a current or former Australian Defence Force (ADF) member navigating a Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) claim, you’re not alone in finding the process complex, frustrating, and at times overwhelming. 

While DVA compensation exists to support veterans, many claims are delayed, rejected, or underpaid due to avoidable issues. 

In this short video, we outline six of the most common challenges we see with DVA claims – and below, we talk about each of them in more detail.

1. The legislation is complex

DVA claims are governed by multiple pieces of legislation, including the Veterans’ Entitlements Act (VEA) and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (MRCA). 

Each Act has its own rules, eligibility criteria and definitions. Understanding which legislation applies to your service, and how it applies, can be difficult without experience. 

Even small misunderstandings can impact whether your claim is accepted or how much compensation you receive.

2. Commonwealth law adds another layer of difficulty

Unlike state-based workers’ compensation schemes, DVA claims fall under Commonwealth legislation, which is often more detailed and technical. 

This means: 

• Strict legal tests must be met  

• Specific terminology must be used  

• Evidence must align precisely with legislative requirements. 

For many veterans, this creates an additional barrier when trying to manage a claim on their own.

3. DVA claims are document-heavy

A successful DVA claim is built on evidence – and often, a lot of evidence is needed. 

This can include: 

• Medical records  

• Service records  

• Incident reports  

• Specialist reports  

• Statements of Principles (SoPs). 

Understanding what documents are needed and how to present them, is critical. Missing or incomplete documentation is one of the most common reasons claims are delayed or denied.

4. Linking your condition to service isn’t always straightforward 

One of the key requirements of any DVA claim is proving a connection between your injury or condition and your military service. 

In some cases, this is clear. The link can be much harder to establish in other cases, particularly with: 

• Psychological injuries  

• Gradual onset conditions  

• Less common illnesses. 

This is where understanding the relevant Statements of Principles (SoPs) becomes essential, as they set out the factors that must be met for a condition to be accepted.

5. Missing medical evidence (especially for remote service)

Many veterans served in environments where: 

• Medical treatment was limited  

• Incidents weren’t formally recorded  

• Access to healthcare was restricted.  

As a result, there may be little or no contemporaneous medical evidence to support a claim. 

This doesn’t mean your claim will fail, but it does mean more work is often needed to: 

• Reconstruct evidence  

• Obtain supporting medical opinions  

• Provide detailed statements.  

 6. Injuries weren’t disclosed during service 

It’s not uncommon for ADF members to push through injuries or avoid reporting them at the time. 

Unfortunately, this can create challenges later when making a DVA claim, as there may be: 

• No official record of the injury  

• Gaps in medical history  

• Questions about when and how the condition arose.  

Again, this doesn’t prevent a claim, but it does make the process more complex and reliant on evidence. 

Why getting legal advice early can make a difference 

DVA claims can be highly technical, and small errors can lead to significant delays or missed entitlements. 

At TGB Lawyers, we regularly assist veterans with: 

• Preparing and lodging DVA claims  

• Gathering and presenting medical evidence  

• Navigating Statements of Principles  

• Appealing rejected claims or unfavourable decisions.  

We understand the system, and more importantly, we understand the unique challenges veterans face. 

Start with a free initial consultation 

If you’re struggling with a DVA claim, or not sure where to start, we’re here to help. 

Contact TGB Lawyers today for a free initial consultation to understand your rights and get your claim on the right track. 

Call us on (08) 8212 1077 or complete our online enquiry form [insert link] and one of our experienced DVA claims lawyers will be in touch very soon.