Focus: VETS Act implementation and strategic decision-making Key angle: When to lodge claims before/after July 2026:

The biggest changes to DVA legislation in decades are coming in July 2026. As Australia’s only Medical Doctor and Veterans Advocate, I’ll explain exactly what these changes mean for your claims and how to prepare.

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Major DVA Legislation Changes Coming July 2026: What Veterans Need to Know

Published by Dr. Tom | DrAdvocate.ai | June 2025

On February 13, 2025, Parliament passed the Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2024 (the VETS Act) – the most significant reform to veterans’ compensation legislation in Australian history. As your Medical Doctor and Veterans Advocate, I want to ensure you understand exactly what these changes mean for your current and future DVA claims.

The Big Picture: Three Acts Become One

Currently, veterans must navigate three complex pieces of legislation:

• Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA)
• Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA)
• Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA)

From July 1, 2026, all new claims will be processed under a single, improved MRCA.

What This Means for Current Recipients

Good news: Your existing payments are protected. If you’re currently receiving compensation under VEA or DRCA, your payments will continue uninterrupted and will still be indexed annually. This is called “grandfather protection.”

Key Improvements Coming in 2026

1. Higher Travel Reimbursements

The improved system will provide higher travel reimbursement amounts for all veterans when using a private vehicle for treatment, regardless of distance traveled.

2. Increased Funeral Benefits

• VEA funeral benefits will increase to $3,000
• Funeral expenses up to $14,062 will be reimbursed for all service-related deaths

3. New Additional Disablement Amount (ADA)

Similar to the current Extreme Disablement Adjustment (EDA), this will compensate veterans of Age Pension age or older who have a high degree of incapacity due to service-related conditions.

4. Presumptive Conditions

The Repatriation Commission will be able to specify injuries and diseases that can be accepted on a presumptive basis where they have a common connection with military service.

Critical Decision: Lodge Now or Wait?

This is where having both medical and advocacy expertise becomes crucial. Veterans now face an important decision: submit claims under the current system before July 1, 2026, or wait for the new arrangements.

Consider Lodging Now If:

• You have conditions that are easier to prove under current VEA or DRCA provisions
• You want certainty about your entitlements under existing legislation
• Your medical evidence is readily available

Consider Waiting If:

• The new MRCA provisions may be more beneficial for your specific conditions
• You need time to gather comprehensive medical evidence
• Your case would benefit from the streamlined processes

The Medical Evidence Advantage

As both a Medical Doctor and Veterans Advocate, I can help you make this crucial decision by:

• Assessing your medical conditions against both current and future legislation
• Preparing comprehensive medical evidence that meets DVA requirements
• Strategic timing of your claim for maximum benefit
• Professional guidance through whichever system is most advantageous

Automatic Transitions

Veterans currently receiving DRCA incapacity payments will automatically transition to MRCA incapacity payments on the commencement date, often resulting in higher payments.

What You Should Do Now

1. Review your current entitlements and any conditions you haven’t yet claimed
2. Gather medical evidence for any service-related conditions
3. Seek professional advice about optimal timing for your specific situation
4. Don’t rush – you have until July 1, 2026, to make informed decisions

Why Professional Guidance Matters

The complexity of these changes means veterans need expert guidance to navigate the transition successfully. Having both medical expertise to properly document your conditions and advocacy experience to understand the legal implications ensures you make the best decisions for your individual circumstances.

Contact DrAdvocate.ai at 0408 409 693 or [email protected] for a free consultation about how these changes affect your specific situation.