Veterans Knowledge HubMy condition has been accepted — what now?
An accepted Initial Liability claim means DVA agrees your condition is linked to your service. It is a gateway: a needs assessment then looks at which treatment, payments and support may follow.
Quick answer
EditorialAcceptance is step one
OfficialLiability being accepted doesn't pay compensation by itself. It opens the door to treatment and to other claims and assessments.
Needs assessment comes next
OfficialUnder the MRCA a needs assessment must happen before any compensation is paid. It is usually done by phone.
Treatment card
OfficialDVA may send you a Veteran Card – Specific Conditions (White Card) automatically when it accepts a condition.
Keep DVA in the loop
GuidanceTell DVA if your condition gets worse, your work changes or your circumstances change. Some payments depend on it.
What 'liability accepted' means
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When DVA accepts Initial Liability, it has decided the Commonwealth is responsible for your injury or illness because it is related to your ADF service. Your decision letter lists the accepted condition(s).
- Since 1 July 2026, new claims are decided under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA). Payments you already get under the VEA or DRCA continue.
- DVA says that when an Initial Liability claim succeeds, the letter explains how to access benefits such as incapacity payments or permanent impairment through a needs assessment.
- You can check your accepted conditions at any time in MyService.
Source: DVA – What to expect after you have submitted a compensation claim
The needs assessment
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A needs assessment is a conversation with a DVA delegate about how your accepted condition affects you and what support you may need. It happens after liability is accepted.
- When: under the MRCA it can happen at any time after acceptance, but it must be done before any compensation can be paid. Veterans covered only by the VEA or DRCA who claim compensation under the MRCA also need one.
- How: usually by phone, at a time that suits you. You can have a support person with you, such as an advocate, family member or friend.
- Before it: DVA may explain the process and review your files and medical reports.
- What it can cover: medical treatment, incapacity payments if you can't work, help returning to work (including aids), help at home, mobility and transport, taking part in your community, and permanent impairment payments.
- After it: the delegate makes referrals, and the relevant DVA area contacts you about next steps. Urgent needs are handled first.
- Things change? You can ask for another assessment, for example if your condition gets worse, your diagnosis or treatment changes, or you can no longer do some tasks at work or home.
If you are still serving, Defence is responsible for your treatment.
Source: DVA – Needs assessment
What may follow: a map of possible support
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These are the main entitlements that may follow an accepted condition. Each has its own eligibility rules, so treat this as a map, not a promise.
| Support | This may apply if… |
|---|---|
| Treatment (White Card) | you have an accepted condition and need treatment for it. DVA usually sends the card automatically. |
| Permanent impairment (PI) | your condition has stabilised and leaves a lasting impairment of at least 10 impairment points (5 for some conditions). |
| Incapacity payments | your accepted condition stops you working or reduces what you can earn. |
| Rehabilitation | you are medically able to take part and have needs (health, daily life or work) linked to an accepted condition. |
| Household services | your accepted condition stops you doing household tasks you used to do, such as cleaning or mowing. |
| Attendant care | your accepted condition stops you doing essential personal care, such as showering or dressing, and you live at home. |
| Aids and equipment (RAP) | a health professional assesses a clinical need for aids, equipment or home changes linked to a condition covered by your card. |
| Travel for treatment | you travel to approved treatment. From 1 July 2026 these claims are assessed under the MRCA. |
| Gold Card | you meet a Gold Card pathway, such as 60 or more MRCA impairment points (see below). |
| Special Rate Disability Pension (SRDP) | you have 50+ impairment points, get MRCA incapacity payments and can't work more than 10 hours a week, among other rules. |
Source: DVA – Needs assessment; DVA – Veteran Card – Specific Conditions
Treatment for your accepted condition
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The Veteran Card – Specific Conditions (White Card) covers clinically needed treatment in Australia for the conditions listed on it. DVA says it may send the card automatically when it accepts a condition.
- Treatment is usually free if your provider accepts the card. Some high-cost dental items may have out-of-pocket costs.
- When you start with a new provider, show them which conditions are accepted. You can view these in MyService or by calling 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).
- For prescriptions, show the card to your doctor and pharmacy. DVA lists a co-payment of $7.70 per item until you reach the yearly safety net.
- If you get a bill for treatment in Australia, don't pay it. Contact DVA first.
- The card may also help you access Open Arms counselling, Veterans' Home Care, aids and equipment and travel for treatment.
Permanent impairment compensation
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Permanent impairment (PI) compensation is paid for lasting effects of your accepted conditions, combined with how they affect your lifestyle.
- Basic rules: you need an impairment from an accepted condition that is likely to continue indefinitely, and the condition must have stabilised. An interim payment may be possible if it hasn't stabilised yet.
- Minimum: 10 impairment points, or 5 points for hearing loss, loss of fingers or toes, or loss of taste or smell.
- How it is measured: DVA asks you to see a medical practitioner, then uses the GARP M guide. You also fill in a D2670 Lifestyle Rating form.
- Payment choice: PI is paid fortnightly, and you may be offered a lump sum or part lump sum. You have six months from the offer to choose, and the choice is final.
- Advice: if you are awarded PI at 50 or more impairment points, DVA can reimburse qualified financial and legal advice up to set limits.
See the full PI page and current MRCA compensation rates.
If your condition affects your work
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- Incapacity payments compensate for lost earnings when an accepted condition stops or limits your work. They may be identified at your needs assessment, or you can claim with D1360 Claim for Incapacity for Service/Work or in MyService. You need medical evidence that you are fully or partly unfit for work.
- The rate starts at 100% of your normal earnings (less what you earn and some super). After 45 weeks it can drop to between 75% and 100%, depending on the hours you can work. Payments are generally taxable and usually stop at Age Pension age.
- If you get incapacity payments, you may be expected to take part in rehabilitation if you are medically able.
- The Special Rate Disability Pension (SRDP) is a tax-free alternative for people whose capacity to work is severely limited. DVA offers it in writing to people who meet the criteria. You have 12 months to decide, and you must get financial advice first.
Source: DVA – What are incapacity payments; DVA – Special Rate Disability Pension
Gold Card pathways
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The Veteran Card – All Conditions (Gold Card) covers treatment for all conditions. Having one condition accepted doesn't give you a Gold Card on its own. MRCA pathways DVA lists include:
- 60 or more MRCA impairment points
- getting, or being eligible for, the SRDP (the card is marked 'TPI')
- getting, or being eligible for, the Additional Disablement Amount
- qualifying service and being aged over 70
- for veterans previously covered by the DRCA: 60+ impairment points and either a new MRCA condition after 1 July 2026 or an increase of at least 5 impairment points
There are other pathways, such as for some VEA and service pension recipients and some dependants. DVA usually sends the card automatically if it knows you are eligible.
What to do next: a checklist
Guidance
- Read your decision letter carefully and keep a copy. Note exactly which condition(s) were accepted.
- Check your accepted conditions and card details in MyService.
- Before your needs assessment, jot down how your condition affects work, home life, getting around and your social life. DVA encourages you to think about this beforehand.
- Ask a trained advocate or someone you trust to join the call if you'd like support.
- Ask about each area in the map above that might apply to you, rather than waiting for it to come up.
- Before booking a medical report for your claim, check that DVA has requested and approved it. Otherwise you may have to pay for it.
- If you disagree with any part of the decision, check the time limits for a review straight away.
Keeping DVA informed
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Many payments depend on your current circumstances. DVA asks people to tell it about changes. For example:
- Incapacity payments: any work or earnings, starting study, other payments (including Commonwealth super), changes of address, and travel of more than 3 months. You also need to provide medical certificates when asked and return the annual review form when DVA sends it.
- Help at home: changes in the help you need, hospital stays, moving, and applying for NDIS or My Aged Care services (see Household services).
- Your health: if your condition gets worse or your treatment changes, you can ask for an additional needs assessment.
You can update many details in MyService or call 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372). If someone helps you deal with DVA, you can formally appoint them using D9325 Appointing a third party.
Source: DVA – What are incapacity payments; DVA – Needs assessment
Official timeframes to know
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| What | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Needs assessment | Any time after acceptance, but before any MRCA compensation is paid |
| Choosing a PI lump sum | 6 months from the offer (DVA can extend in special circumstances) |
| Accepting an SRDP offer | 12 months from the written offer |
| Veteran Payment (if you were on it) | Stops 42 days after DVA decides your mental health claim |
| Incapacity payment rate | May reduce after 45 weeks, depending on hours worked |
For review deadlines, see the single review pathway.
Source: DVA – PI under the MRCA; DVA – SRDP; DVA – Veteran Payment; DVA – Incapacity payments
If a condition isn't accepted, you can ask the VRB to review it – for VEA claims, apply within 3 months to keep full back pay (VRB time limits).
Common situations & what helps
Guidance
Common situations veterans run into, and practical steps that may help. This is general guidance, not a promise of an outcome. Always check the official rule linked under each one.
Accepted, but not sure what happens next
The situation: DVA has accepted your condition, and you're waiting to hear about treatment or payments.
What helps: A needs assessment usually comes next, and it must happen before compensation is paid. It may help to jot down how your condition affects sleep, work, home tasks, getting around and family life, including on bad days. You can have a support person with you.
Official rule: DVA – Needs assessment
Treatment started under PAMT
The situation: You were getting treatment under PAMT while you waited, and now your claim has been accepted.
What helps: DVA says your treatment moves to normal arrangements without a break. DVA sends a Veteran Card – Specific Conditions (White Card) if you don't have one. Check that your provider accepts the card before your next appointment.
Official rule: DVA – Get treatment while you wait on a claim (PAMT)
A new problem caused by your accepted condition
The situation: Your accepted condition seems to have led to another health problem.
What helps: A condition caused by an accepted condition may be claimed as its own condition, with its own diagnosis. From 1 July 2026, presumptive liability covers some of these follow-on conditions (called 'sequelae'). Ask DVA or an advocate whether this applies to you.
Official rule: DVA – Presumptive liability
Veteran experiences (5)
Experience
Adding new conditions after others were accepted
Outcome not knownWhat happened: A veteran with several conditions already accepted under MRCA wanted to claim additional skin cancer conditions. They were unsure whether the new conditions should be lodged together and whether the PI process would require their previously accepted conditions to be reassessed.
What other veterans said: Commenters distinguished lodging additional conditions from starting a Permanent Impairment assessment. Some reported that additional accepted conditions were later considered when their PI position was reassessed.
Check the official rule: DVA – Permanent impairment payments under the MRCA
A worsened condition left off a DRCA PI claim
QuestionWhat happened: A veteran with a DRCA PI claim already underway realised that a previously accepted condition had worsened but had not been listed in the PI claim. They were unsure whether the condition could still be included in the assessment or would need to be dealt with separately.
What other veterans said: Comments highlighted that the way conditions are assessed can differ between DRCA and MRCA. The practical lesson is to check which Act applies to each condition rather than assuming an earlier assessment method will continue unchanged.
Check the official rule: DVA – The MRCA
Claim allocated to a delegate: how much longer?
Still waitingWhat happened: After a lengthy wait, a veteran’s Initial Liability claim was finally assigned to a delegate. The veteran was then unsure how much longer the claim might take once allocation had occurred.
What other veterans said: Other veterans described a second period of waiting after Initial Liability was accepted while Permanent Impairment evidence and determination were progressed. The comments reinforce that acceptance of liability does not mean the compensation assessment is complete.
Check the official rule: DVA – Claim processing times
Accepted condition got worse: new claim or not?
ReassessedWhat happened: A veteran with accepted ankle conditions experienced ongoing problems after stabilisation surgery and was later told that an additional structural issue might require more extensive surgery. They were unsure whether the deterioration and newly identified issue required a fresh Initial Liability claim or could be dealt with under the existing accepted conditions.
What other veterans said: A commenter suggested that where an already accepted condition has worsened, updated specialist evidence about deterioration and further treatment may be relevant. Whether a new liability claim is required depends on the circumstances and should be checked against DVA's current rules.
Check the official rule: DVA – Claim for liability and/or reassessment of compensation
Tinnitus accepted: does PI start automatically?
ApprovedWhat happened: A veteran had a tinnitus claim accepted at Initial Liability and was unsure what happened next. They wanted to know whether a PI claim would begin automatically or whether a separate application was required.
What other veterans said: Commenters described checking the Initial Liability determination, needs-assessment correspondence and MyService to see whether a PI claim had already been raised automatically before lodging anything further.
Check the official rule: DVA – What to expect after you submit a claim
Experiences collected October 2026. Got a correction? Use the feedback form.
Official sources
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- dva.gov.auWhat to expect after you have submitted a compensation claim of Veterans' AffView source
- dva.gov.auNeeds assessmentView source
- dva.gov.auVeteran Card - Specific ConditionsView source
- dva.gov.auPermanent impairment payments under the MRCAView source
- dva.gov.auWhat are incapacity payments and how to get themView source
- dva.gov.auSpecial Rate Disability PensionView source
- dva.gov.auVeteran Card - All ConditionsView source
- dva.gov.auVeteran PaymentView source
- dva.gov.auDVA rehabilitationView source
- dva.gov.auHousehold services compensationView source
- dva.gov.auAttendant careView source
- dva.gov.auAids, equipment and modifications through the Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP) | DeView source
- dva.gov.auClaim travel expenses under the improved MRCAView source
- dva.gov.auHow to find your accepted conditions and check your legislation in MyServiceView source
- dva.gov.auSingle review pathwayView source
- dva.gov.auVeterans' Legislation Reform – Frequently asked questionsrView source
All links opened and checked 2026-10-02.