DVA Medical Records: How to Access Personal Information and Strengthen Your Claim

Understanding What Is Personal Information?

DVA classifies personal information as any record of your health, treatment history, claim outcomes, or service-related documentation. This may include:

• Service-related medical summaries
• Treatment records and clinical notes
• Claim documentation under MRCA
• Specialist reports or correspondence

Veterans can access this information through two pathways:

• Personal Information Access (PIA): An informal process for straightforward documents like accepted claim files and treatment records.
• Freedom of Information (FOI): A formal route used if a PIA request is denied or if you’re seeking complex or sensitive information.

FOI Request Requirements

If you lodge an FOI request, you must:

• Apply in writing (via email or post)
• State that it’s made under the Freedom of Information Act 1982
• Include enough detail to help DVA locate the documents
• Provide a return email or postal address

What Can’t Be Accessed?

Some documents may not be released under MRCA, including those that:

• Are unrelated to your personal claim
• Are publicly available elsewhere
• Are legally privileged (e.g. legal advice to DVA)
• Contain internal DVA opinions, drafts or recommendations
• Could cause harm if released, in the opinion of the MRCC

If you’re unsure where to start—or don’t have a current claim, you can submit an enquiry to DVA’s Information Access Unit (IAU). Most veterans begin with a PIA request, and DVA will advise if a FOI application is needed.

How to Access Your Personal Information

Although you don’t need to access these records to submit a claim, reviewing them can provide clarity about what DVA holds and how your history is represented. There are a few ways to do this:

Option 1: Use MyService

If your claim was submitted via MyService, log in through myGov to:

• View personal and contact details
• Track your claim status
• Review accepted conditions
• See treating provider information

Note: MyService does not include paper-based claims or your complete service history, which must be requested from Defence.

Option 2: Contact Your DVA Delegate

If you submitted a manual claim or want to clarify a current application, contact your assigned delegate. They can only discuss current claims, not past ones, and are often the quickest point of contact.

Option 3: Submit an Information Request

If you need broader access, complete the Access Personal Information Form (D9330) to request:

• Medical treatment records
• Claim documentation
• Specialist reports or DVA correspondence

You’ll need to include:

• Your full name and contact details
• Certified ID (e.g. driver’s licence or passport)
• Consent if acting on behalf of someone else
• Your preferred delivery method (email or post)

Send the completed form to DVA by email or post. Processing may take several weeks depending on the complexity and age of the records.

Why Personal Information Access Matters

DVA’s decision-making process already includes your ADF medical records, so you’re not expected to gather or submit these separately. However, accessing your personal information can still be useful if you’d like to understand what DVA has on file. It may help clarify how your condition and service history are recorded, give insight into what DVA may consider when reviewing your claim, and support clearer communication with your advocate or delegate. While not required, having visibility over your records can offer peace of mind and help you feel more prepared throughout the process.

Take Control of Your DVA Claim Today

Understanding what DVA holds on your file can improve communication and give you peace of mind throughout the claims process. If you’d like help navigating your next step, start your claim today with expert support from Veterans First Consulting.