Ch 1 Introduction

Please note that changes to DVA’s legislative framework which commenced on 1 July 2026 have impacted the information contained in these chapters.

From 1 July 2026, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) were closed to new compensation claims, and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) became the single ongoing Act providing coverage for veterans, irrespective of service. 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-mrca-manuals-and-resources-library/policy-manual/ch-1-introduction

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1.5.1 Background:

Please note that changes to DVA’s legislative framework which commenced on 1 July 2026 have impacted the information contained in these chapters.

From 1 July 2026, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) were closed to new compensation claims, and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) became the single ongoing Act providing coverage for veterans, irrespective of service. 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-mrca-manuals-and-resources-library/policy-manual/ch-1-introduction/15-claims-potential-conflict-interest/151-background

1.5.2 Potential Conflict of Interest types

Please note that changes to DVA’s legislative framework which commenced on 1 July 2026 have impacted the information contained in these chapters.

From 1 July 2026, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) were closed to new compensation claims, and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) became the single ongoing Act providing coverage for veterans, irrespective of service. 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-mrca-manuals-and-resources-library/policy-manual/ch-1-introduction/15-claims-potential-conflict-interest/152-potential-conflict-interest-types

1.5.3 Claims by DVA Staff who are also clients or potential clients of DVA

Please note that changes to DVA’s legislative framework which commenced on 1 July 2026 have impacted the information contained in these chapters.

From 1 July 2026, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) were closed to new compensation claims, and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) became the single ongoing Act providing coverage for veterans, irrespective of service. 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-mrca-manuals-and-resources-library/policy-manual/ch-1-introduction/15-claims-potential-conflict-interest/153-claims-dva-staff-who-are-also-clients-or-potential-clients-dva

1.5.4 Claims by Family Members of DVA Staff

Please note that changes to DVA’s legislative framework which commenced on 1 July 2026 have impacted the information contained in these chapters.

From 1 July 2026, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) were closed to new compensation claims, and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) became the single ongoing Act providing coverage for veterans, irrespective of service. 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-mrca-manuals-and-resources-library/policy-manual/ch-1-introduction/15-claims-potential-conflict-interest/154-claims-family-members-dva-staff

1.5.5 Claimant known to a staff member

Please note that changes to DVA’s legislative framework which commenced on 1 July 2026 have impacted the information contained in these chapters.

From 1 July 2026, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) were closed to new compensation claims, and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) became the single ongoing Act providing coverage for veterans, irrespective of service. 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-mrca-manuals-and-resources-library/policy-manual/ch-1-introduction/15-claims-potential-conflict-interest/155-claimant-known-staff-member

1.5.6 Other possible Conflict of interest, actual or apparent

Please note that changes to DVA’s legislative framework which commenced on 1 July 2026 have impacted the information contained in these chapters.

From 1 July 2026, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) were closed to new compensation claims, and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) became the single ongoing Act providing coverage for veterans, irrespective of service. 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-mrca-manuals-and-resources-library/policy-manual/ch-1-introduction/15-claims-potential-conflict-interest/156-other-possible-conflict-interest-actual-or-apparent

1.1 Purpose of the MRCA

Please note that changes to DVA’s legislative framework which commenced on 1 July 2026 have impacted the information contained in these chapters.

From 1 July 2026, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) were closed to new compensation claims, and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) became the single ongoing Act providing coverage for veterans, irrespective of service. 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-mrca-manuals-and-resources-library/policy-manual/ch-1-introduction/11-purpose-mrca

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1.1.1 Commencement

Please note that changes to DVA’s legislative framework which commenced on 1 July 2026 have impacted the information contained in these chapters.

From 1 July 2026, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) were closed to new compensation claims, and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) became the single ongoing Act providing coverage for veterans, irrespective of service. 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-mrca-manuals-and-resources-library/policy-manual/ch-1-introduction/11-purpose-mrca/111-commencement

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1.1.2 Governance and Administration of the MRCA

Please note that changes to DVA’s legislative framework which commenced on 1 July 2026 have impacted the information contained in these chapters.

From 1 July 2026, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) were closed to new compensation claims, and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) became the single ongoing Act providing coverage for veterans, irrespective of service. 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-mrca-manuals-and-resources-library/policy-manual/ch-1-introduction/11-purpose-mrca/112-governance-and-administration-mrca

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1.1.3 DVA Structure

Please note that changes to DVA’s legislative framework which commenced on 1 July 2026 have impacted the information contained in these chapters.

From 1 July 2026, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) were closed to new compensation claims, and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) became the single ongoing Act providing coverage for veterans, irrespective of service. 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-mrca-manuals-and-resources-library/policy-manual/ch-1-introduction/11-purpose-mrca/113-dva-structure

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1.2 Persons Covered by this Act

Please note that changes to DVA’s legislative framework which commenced on 1 July 2026 have impacted the information contained in these chapters.

From 1 July 2026, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) were closed to new compensation claims, and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) became the single ongoing Act providing coverage for veterans, irrespective of service. 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-mrca-manuals-and-resources-library/policy-manual/ch-1-introduction/12-persons-covered-act

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1.2.1 Categories of Service

Please note that changes to DVA’s legislative framework which commenced on 1 July 2026 have impacted the information contained in these chapters.

From 1 July 2026, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) were closed to new compensation claims, and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) became the single ongoing Act providing coverage for veterans, irrespective of service. 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-mrca-manuals-and-resources-library/policy-manual/ch-1-introduction/12-persons-covered-act/121-categories-service

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1.3 Delegation

Please note that changes to DVA’s legislative framework which commenced on 1 July 2026 have impacted the information contained in these chapters.

From 1 July 2026, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) were closed to new compensation claims, and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) became the single ongoing Act providing coverage for veterans, irrespective of service. 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-mrca-manuals-and-resources-library/policy-manual/ch-1-introduction/13-delegation

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1.4 Dealing with Clients

Please note that changes to DVA’s legislative framework which commenced on 1 July 2026 have impacted the information contained in these chapters.

From 1 July 2026, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) were closed to new compensation claims, and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) became the single ongoing Act providing coverage for veterans, irrespective of service. 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-mrca-manuals-and-resources-library/policy-manual/ch-1-introduction/14-dealing-clients

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1.6 Medicare and the MRCA

Please note that changes to DVA’s legislative framework which commenced on 1 July 2026 have impacted the information contained in these chapters.

From 1 July 2026, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) were closed to new compensation claims, and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) became the single ongoing Act providing coverage for veterans, irrespective of service. 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-mrca-manuals-and-resources-library/policy-manual/ch-1-introduction/16-medicare-and-mrca

1.6.1 Where to Lodge Notices and Obtain Further Information

Please note that changes to DVA’s legislative framework which commenced on 1 July 2026 have impacted the information contained in these chapters.

From 1 July 2026, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) were closed to new compensation claims, and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) became the single ongoing Act providing coverage for veterans, irrespective of service. 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-mrca-manuals-and-resources-library/policy-manual/ch-1-introduction/16-medicare-and-mrca/161-where-lodge-notices-and-obtain-further-information

1.7.1 General

Please note that changes to DVA’s legislative framework which commenced on 1 July 2026 have impacted the information contained in these chapters.

From 1 July 2026, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) were closed to new compensation claims, and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) became the single ongoing Act providing coverage for veterans, irrespective of service. 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-mrca-manuals-and-resources-library/policy-manual/ch-1-introduction/17-mrca-claims-and-files-procedures/171-general

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1.7.2 Registering MRCA claims

Please note that changes to DVA’s legislative framework which commenced on 1 July 2026 have impacted the information contained in these chapters.

From 1 July 2026, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) were closed to new compensation claims, and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) became the single ongoing Act providing coverage for veterans, irrespective of service. 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-mrca-manuals-and-resources-library/policy-manual/ch-1-introduction/17-mrca-claims-and-files-procedures/172-registering-mrca-claims

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1.7.3 Interstate File Transfer Procedures

Please note that changes to DVA’s legislative framework which commenced on 1 July 2026 have impacted the information contained in these chapters.

From 1 July 2026, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) were closed to new compensation claims, and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) became the single ongoing Act providing coverage for veterans, irrespective of service. 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-mrca-manuals-and-resources-library/policy-manual/ch-1-introduction/17-mrca-claims-and-files-procedures/173-interstate-file-transfer-procedures

1.7.4 Client Creation Procedure (cleanskin only)

Please note that changes to DVA’s legislative framework which commenced on 1 July 2026 have impacted the information contained in these chapters.

From 1 July 2026, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) were closed to new compensation claims, and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) became the single ongoing Act providing coverage for veterans, irrespective of service. 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-mrca-manuals-and-resources-library/policy-manual/ch-1-introduction/17-mrca-claims-and-files-procedures/174-client-creation-procedure-cleanskin-only

1.9 Other Legislation

Please note that changes to DVA’s legislative framework which commenced on 1 July 2026 have impacted the information contained in these chapters.

From 1 July 2026, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) were closed to new compensation claims, and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) became the single ongoing Act providing coverage for veterans, irrespective of service. 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-mrca-manuals-and-resources-library/policy-manual/ch-1-introduction/19-other-legislation

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1.8.1 R&C ISH

Please note that changes to DVA’s legislative framework which commenced on 1 July 2026 have impacted the information contained in these chapters.

From 1 July 2026, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) were closed to new compensation claims, and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) became the single ongoing Act providing coverage for veterans, irrespective of service. 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-mrca-manuals-and-resources-library/policy-manual/ch-1-introduction/18-it-systems/181-rc-ish

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1.9.1 The Veterans' Entitlement Act 1986

Please note that changes to DVA’s legislative framework which commenced on 1 July 2026 have impacted the information contained in these chapters.

From 1 July 2026, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) were closed to new compensation claims, and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) became the single ongoing Act providing coverage for veterans, irrespective of service. 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-mrca-manuals-and-resources-library/policy-manual/ch-1-introduction/19-other-legislation/191-veterans-entitlement-act-1986

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1.8.2 PMKeyS

Please note that changes to DVA’s legislative framework which commenced on 1 July 2026 have impacted the information contained in these chapters.

From 1 July 2026, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) were closed to new compensation claims, and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) became the single ongoing Act providing coverage for veterans, irrespective of service. 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-mrca-manuals-and-resources-library/policy-manual/ch-1-introduction/18-it-systems/182-pmkeys

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1.9.2 The Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988

Please note that changes to DVA’s legislative framework which commenced on 1 July 2026 have impacted the information contained in these chapters.

From 1 July 2026, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) were closed to new compensation claims, and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) became the single ongoing Act providing coverage for veterans, irrespective of service. 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-mrca-manuals-and-resources-library/policy-manual/ch-1-introduction/19-other-legislation/192-safety-rehabilitation-and-compensation-defence-related-claims-act-1988

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1.8.3 DOLARS

Please note that changes to DVA’s legislative framework which commenced on 1 July 2026 have impacted the information contained in these chapters.

From 1 July 2026, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) were closed to new compensation claims, and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) became the single ongoing Act providing coverage for veterans, irrespective of service. 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-mrca-manuals-and-resources-library/policy-manual/ch-1-introduction/18-it-systems/183-dolars

1.9.3 The Compensation (Commonwealth Government Employees) Act 1971

Please note that changes to DVA’s legislative framework which commenced on 1 July 2026 have impacted the information contained in these chapters.

From 1 July 2026, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) were closed to new compensation claims, and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) became the single ongoing Act providing coverage for veterans, irrespective of service. 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-mrca-manuals-and-resources-library/policy-manual/ch-1-introduction/19-other-legislation/193-compensation-commonwealth-government-employees-act-1971

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1.8.4 CADET

Please note that changes to DVA’s legislative framework which commenced on 1 July 2026 have impacted the information contained in these chapters.

From 1 July 2026, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) were closed to new compensation claims, and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) became the single ongoing Act providing coverage for veterans, irrespective of service. 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-mrca-manuals-and-resources-library/policy-manual/ch-1-introduction/18-it-systems/184-cadet

1.9.4 The Commonwealth Employees Compensation Act 1930

Please note that changes to DVA’s legislative framework which commenced on 1 July 2026 have impacted the information contained in these chapters.

From 1 July 2026, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) were closed to new compensation claims, and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) became the single ongoing Act providing coverage for veterans, irrespective of service. 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-mrca-manuals-and-resources-library/policy-manual/ch-1-introduction/19-other-legislation/194-commonwealth-employees-compensation-act-1930

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1.8.5 DEFCARE

Please note that changes to DVA’s legislative framework which commenced on 1 July 2026 have impacted the information contained in these chapters.

From 1 July 2026, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) were closed to new compensation claims, and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) became the single ongoing Act providing coverage for veterans, irrespective of service. 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-mrca-manuals-and-resources-library/policy-manual/ch-1-introduction/18-it-systems/185-defcare

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1.9.5 Determination 2000/1 under section 58B of the Defence Act 1903;

Please note that changes to DVA’s legislative framework which commenced on 1 July 2026 have impacted the information contained in these chapters.

From 1 July 2026, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) were closed to new compensation claims, and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) became the single ongoing Act providing coverage for veterans, irrespective of service. 

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-mrca-manuals-and-resources-library/policy-manual/ch-1-introduction/19-other-legislation/195-determination-20001-under-section-58b-defence-act-1903

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