One of the most frustrating aspects of DVA claims is waiting. After submitting your claim, you’re left wondering when you’ll hear back, what’s happening with your application, and whether there’s anything you can do to speed up the process.
Here’s what you need to know about DVA processing times and how to avoid unnecessary delays.
Current DVA Processing Times (2025)
Initial liability claims:
- Simple claims: 8-16 weeks
- Complex claims: 16-26 weeks
- Mental health claims: 20-32 weeks
- Multiple condition claims: 24-40 weeks
Permanent impairment assessments:
- Standard assessments: 12-20 weeks
- Complex multi-condition: 20-32 weeks
- Mental health impairment: 16-28 weeks
Appeals and reviews:
- Internal reviews: 8-16 weeks
- Veterans’ Review Board: 6-12 months
- Administrative Appeals Tribunal: 12-24 months
Important: These are estimates. Individual circumstances vary significantly.
Why Claims Take So Long
DVA processing involves:
- Medical record review and analysis
- Service record verification
- Medical officer assessment
- Legal framework application
- Quality assurance review
- Decision documentation
Each step can encounter delays due to missing information, complex medical issues, or high claim volumes.
Factors That Slow Down Your Claim
Common delay causes:
- Incomplete applications – missing documents or information
- Unclear service connection – insufficient evidence linking conditions to service
- Missing medical records – DVA waiting for additional information
- Complex medical conditions – requiring specialist input or assessment
- Multiple conditions – each needs separate evaluation
- Inadequate initial evidence – triggering requests for more information
New Requirements: Complete Claims (March 2025)
From March 31, 2025: DVA will not process incomplete claims.
“Complete” claims must include:
- Medical diagnosis for each claimed condition
- Service records supporting connection to military service
- Comprehensive medical evidence
- All required forms properly completed
- Supporting documentation and witness statements
Incomplete claims will be returned rather than processed.
How to Avoid Delays
Before submitting:
- Gather all medical records before starting your claim
- Obtain proper medical diagnoses from qualified practitioners
- Collect service records that support your claims
- Prepare witness statements if applicable
- Use professional help to ensure completeness
What Happens After You Submit
Typical claim journey:
- Acknowledgment (1-2 weeks) – DVA confirms receipt
- Initial review (2-4 weeks) – Completeness check
- Medical assessment (4-12 weeks) – Medical officer review
- Decision preparation (2-6 weeks) – Final assessment and documentation
- Decision notification (1-2 weeks) – Letter sent to you
You should receive regular updates about your claim’s progress.
When DVA Requests More Information
Common additional requests:
- Updated medical reports
- Specialist assessments
- Service record clarifications
- Additional witness statements
- Functional capacity evaluations
Respond quickly – delays in providing requested information extend processing times significantly.
Tracking Your Claim
MyService portal allows you to:
- Check current claim status
- View processing stage
- Upload additional documents
- Receive automated updates
- Communicate with DVA directly
Regular checking helps identify any issues early.
How Professional Help Speeds Processing
Experienced advocates ensure:
- Complete initial applications – no missing information
- Quality medical evidence – meets DVA standards from start
- Strategic claim preparation – anticipates DVA requirements
- Prompt response to requests – professional networks enable faster evidence gathering
- Direct DVA communication – experienced advocates know who to contact
Red Flags That Indicate Problems
Contact DVA if:
- No communication for 4+ weeks beyond estimated timeframes
- Requests for information you’ve already provided
- Unclear or contradictory correspondence
- Missing acknowledgment of submitted documents
- Processing delays significantly exceed estimates
Expediting Urgent Claims
Priority processing may be available for:
- Terminal illness cases
- Severe financial hardship
- Urgent medical treatment needs
- Humanitarian circumstances
Professional advocacy can help establish priority processing criteria.
What You Can Do While Waiting
Productive activities:
- Continue medical treatment for your conditions
- Gather additional evidence that might strengthen your claim
- Prepare for potential permanent impairment assessments
- Document functional impacts of your conditions
- Maintain detailed records of symptoms and limitations
Appeals and Review Timeframes
If your claim is rejected:
- Internal review: Must be requested within 3 months
- Veterans’ Review Board: Application within 12 months
- Administrative Appeals Tribunal: Final appeal level
Professional representation significantly improves appeal success rates and can reduce timeframes.
Financial Support While Waiting
Options during processing:
- Interim medical treatment for eligible conditions
- Centrelink benefits if unable to work
- Emergency financial assistance in some circumstances
- Private health insurance for immediate medical needs
Managing Expectations
Realistic timeframes:
- Simple claims: 3-6 months total
- Complex claims: 6-12 months
- Multiple appeals: 1-3 years
- Complex permanent impairment: 12-24 months
Professional guidance helps set appropriate expectations and plan accordingly.
DrAdvocate.ai Efficient Processing
Our approach minimizes delays:
- Comprehensive initial applications that meet all DVA requirements
- Quality medical evidence prepared to DVA standards
- Strategic claim sequencing for optimal processing
- Direct DVA liaison using professional relationships
- Prompt response protocols for any additional requests
Result: Our clients typically experience processing times 20-40% faster than average.
Communication Tips
When contacting DVA:
- Reference your claim number clearly
- Be specific about your inquiry
- Keep records of all communications
- Follow up in writing when appropriate
- Remain professional and patient
Technology and Future Improvements
DVA is implementing:
- Automated processing for simple claims
- Digital document management
- AI-assisted initial reviews
- Streamlined assessment processes
These should reduce processing times over the next 2-3 years.
Time is valuable, especially when you’re dealing with service-related health conditions. Professional preparation and advocacy can significantly reduce the time between lodging your claim and receiving the benefits you deserve.