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If your service exposed you to asbestos or hazardous chemicals, you may be entitled to DVA support and entitlements for the health conditions that followed. We've helped over 9,000 veterans access their rightful entitlements through the DVA claims process.
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Expert Assistance With Your Asbestos & Chemical Exposure Claim
We start with a conversation about your service history, where and when you believe you were exposed and how your health has been affected since. We'll explain whether you're likely eligible for support and entitlements, walk you through the claims process and outline what evidence you'll need. There's no obligation and no cost.
Once you come on board, we gather your medical records, service documentation and exposure history. For asbestos and chemical exposure claims, we can connect you with qualified specialists who understand DVA assessment requirements and can help document the link between your service and your condition. We then prepare and lodge a complete, well-documented claim with DVA.
After lodgement, we liaise directly with DVA on your behalf, advocating for fair recognition of your conditions and their impact on your life. You stay informed at every stage while we work to have your service-related conditions properly recognised so you can access the entitlements available to you.
Hear from Hundreds of Veterans
Exceptional service, patient and it was a breeze and a great pleasure working with them
I highly recommend this Veterans First consulting for anyone navigating the DVA claims process. Their knowledge, professionalism, and dedication made what seemed like an overwhelming experience much easier to manage. They took the time to explain every step, and ensured my paperwork was accurate.
Made the process easier. Clear direction and transparency of process.
The team at Veterans First Consulting are unreal to deal with, communication is easy and response time is rapid, they're very helpful and you're never having to stress about sorting anything as they cover it for you. Excellent service
As a veteran this team went above and beyond, explaining all entitlements. Very knowlegable around the whole process and systems. Nothing was ever an issue. The team handiling mine where amazing and you wont find any advocates as nearly as good as them or caring and commited
Veterans First Consulting were so easy to work with, from the start of the process all the way through to the end. They were professional, thorough and patient with my claims process. They checked in regularly and looked into any queries I had. Highly recommend to handle your DVA claims.
Great to deal with, very knowledgeable and helpful every step of the way.
I am absolutley grateful for the team at Veterans First Consulting in their support through my DVA permanent impairment claim. The outcome I received reflected proper preparation and expert advocacy. If you're a veteran considering a DVA claim: don't go it alone. The expertise VFC provides is worth it.
Was very helpfull, they helped guide me through the confusing paper work and new the proccess well. I couldnt have done it with out them. Thank you to everyone in the VFC team.
Veterans First offered a great advocate experience. Good communication during the entire process and taking the stress and hassle out of arranging appointments.
I put off putting in my claims for a long time intimidated by the process doing it myself. I’m glad I made the decision to go with Veterans first. I have treatment plans for my conditions and a very generous payout thanks to the team.
The best firm to do PI claims specifically for defence members active or inactive.
Veterans First were extremely helpful in putting together my claim and dealt with DVA on my behalf. They kept me in the loop at all times throughout the whole process. Thanks to Fiona, Kim and the team at Veterans First. I highly recommend.
Great service, no fuss from a very professional team. I got all my DVA stuff sorted that I jad been putting off, with a great result.
Was recommend to me from friend, i found Very helpful and very experienced, i would recommend to others.
From the first phone call, they told me: "Personalised DVA claims. Done once. Done right." That stuck with me, and they backed it up the entire way through. They took something that could've been stressful and made it straightforward. And the result was nothing short of life changing. Highly recommended
Great service, great team. Provided good support throughout every step of the process.
VFC made the entire DVA process as simple and as stress free as you could ever want it. The consistent updates and explanation of what things mean took the uncertainty out of the process .They honestly hold clients interests as a priority.
Five stars still isn’t enough for Veterans First, so professional to deal with and made something so daunting and overwhelming a smooth and simple process. The outcome I got I don’t think I would’ve been able to get on my own.
I can’t recommend Veterans First Consulting highly enough. They submitted my claims to DVA and took care of organising all the required appointments. Their team was consistently supportive and made what could have been a stressful experience feel smooth and manageable.
My experience with Veterans First Consulting has been superb. Had I not made the initial call then I would still be suffering with medical issues. Their knowledge of and experience in dealing with DVA is second to none and without their assistance and guidance I would not be in the position that I am today.
I had the absolute pleasure of dealing with the team at Veteran’s First. They made the whole process a breeze with no stress at all. The team were all extremely helpful, friendly and professional. I’d highly recommend Veterans First to any Veteran thinking about going through with the DVA process.
The only reason I give Veterans First 5 stars is there isn't a higher option. They were incredible. They achieved an outcome I could not have gotten myself.Working with them was the best financial decision I have ever made. You don't need to deal with DVA directly. Well done team. From my family, thank you.
Leaving the ADF is very daunting, especially if it is due to medical matters. Veterans First consulting were there to support me from the very first phone call. I would have never been able to navigate through all the doctor’s appointments and discharge obligations without their help.
They walked me through the whole initial liability process and all conditions were accepted. During the permanent impairment stage, the Veterans First team were easy to talk to and I received maximum compensation. I was particularly impressed that when I asked to speak to the Director he called me within a few hours.
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I honestly can't recommend Veterans First Consulting highly enough. Throughout the whole process I was constantly kept up to date and informed. Every member of this team is a pleasure to deal with, nothing is ever too hard. Their knowledge of the full process from start to finish is second to none, no stone is left unturned.
These guys are life savers, couldn't have done it without them. Top tier service
Exceptional service, patient and it was a breeze and a great pleasure working with them
I highly recommend this Veterans First consulting for anyone navigating the DVA claims process. Their knowledge, professionalism, and dedication made what seemed like an overwhelming experience much easier to manage. They took the time to explain every step, and ensured my paperwork was accurate.
Made the process easier. Clear direction and transparency of process.
The team at Veterans First Consulting are unreal to deal with, communication is easy and response time is rapid, they're very helpful and you're never having to stress about sorting anything as they cover it for you. Excellent service
As a veteran this team went above and beyond, explaining all entitlements. Very knowlegable around the whole process and systems. Nothing was ever an issue. The team handiling mine where amazing and you wont find any advocates as nearly as good as them or caring and commited
Veterans First Consulting were so easy to work with, from the start of the process all the way through to the end. They were professional, thorough and patient with my claims process. They checked in regularly and looked into any queries I had. Highly recommend to handle your DVA claims.
Great to deal with, very knowledgeable and helpful every step of the way.
I am absolutley grateful for the team at Veterans First Consulting in their support through my DVA permanent impairment claim. The outcome I received reflected proper preparation and expert advocacy. If you're a veteran considering a DVA claim: don't go it alone. The expertise VFC provides is worth it.
Was very helpfull, they helped guide me through the confusing paper work and new the proccess well. I couldnt have done it with out them. Thank you to everyone in the VFC team.
Veterans First offered a great advocate experience. Good communication during the entire process and taking the stress and hassle out of arranging appointments.
I put off putting in my claims for a long time intimidated by the process doing it myself. I’m glad I made the decision to go with Veterans first. I have treatment plans for my conditions and a very generous payout thanks to the team.
The best firm to do PI claims specifically for defence members active or inactive.
Veterans First were extremely helpful in putting together my claim and dealt with DVA on my behalf. They kept me in the loop at all times throughout the whole process. Thanks to Fiona, Kim and the team at Veterans First. I highly recommend.
Great service, no fuss from a very professional team. I got all my DVA stuff sorted that I jad been putting off, with a great result.
Was recommend to me from friend, i found Very helpful and very experienced, i would recommend to others.
From the first phone call, they told me: "Personalised DVA claims. Done once. Done right." That stuck with me, and they backed it up the entire way through. They took something that could've been stressful and made it straightforward. And the result was nothing short of life changing. Highly recommended
Great service, great team. Provided good support throughout every step of the process.
VFC made the entire DVA process as simple and as stress free as you could ever want it. The consistent updates and explanation of what things mean took the uncertainty out of the process .They honestly hold clients interests as a priority.
Five stars still isn’t enough for Veterans First, so professional to deal with and made something so daunting and overwhelming a smooth and simple process. The outcome I got I don’t think I would’ve been able to get on my own.
I can’t recommend Veterans First Consulting highly enough. They submitted my claims to DVA and took care of organising all the required appointments. Their team was consistently supportive and made what could have been a stressful experience feel smooth and manageable.
My experience with Veterans First Consulting has been superb. Had I not made the initial call then I would still be suffering with medical issues. Their knowledge of and experience in dealing with DVA is second to none and without their assistance and guidance I would not be in the position that I am today.
I had the absolute pleasure of dealing with the team at Veteran’s First. They made the whole process a breeze with no stress at all. The team were all extremely helpful, friendly and professional. I’d highly recommend Veterans First to any Veteran thinking about going through with the DVA process.
The only reason I give Veterans First 5 stars is there isn't a higher option. They were incredible. They achieved an outcome I could not have gotten myself.Working with them was the best financial decision I have ever made. You don't need to deal with DVA directly. Well done team. From my family, thank you.
Leaving the ADF is very daunting, especially if it is due to medical matters. Veterans First consulting were there to support me from the very first phone call. I would have never been able to navigate through all the doctor’s appointments and discharge obligations without their help.
They walked me through the whole initial liability process and all conditions were accepted. During the permanent impairment stage, the Veterans First team were easy to talk to and I received maximum compensation. I was particularly impressed that when I asked to speak to the Director he called me within a few hours.
I honestly can't recommend Veterans First Consulting highly enough. Throughout the whole process I was constantly kept up to date and informed. Every member of this team is a pleasure to deal with, nothing is ever too hard. Their knowledge of the full process from start to finish is second to none, no stone is left unturned.
These guys are life savers, couldn't have done it without them. Top tier service
Why Veterans Choose Us for Asbestos and Chemical Exposure Claims
Many asbestos and chemical exposure conditions can take years, or even decades, to appear. Our team understands how DVA assesses these claims under MRCA and what evidence is typically needed from the start.
Exposure-related conditions can affect multiple body systems. We review your full medical picture, including secondary conditions, so your claim captures all relevant entitlements available to you.
Have other questions?
Contact us so we can help.
Yes. If you developed a health condition linked to asbestos exposure during your ADF service, you can lodge a DVA claim under MRCA. You'll need to show a connection between your service, the exposure and your diagnosed condition. DVA assesses each claim on a case-by-case basis. For step-by-step instructions, see our How to Make a DVA Claim guide.
Asbestos exposure can lead to conditions including mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer and pleural thickening. Chemical exposure to substances like beryllium, cadmium, lead or firefighting foams can cause respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological and other conditions. If a qualified specialist confirms the link to your service, you can claim. For more details on eligible conditions and entitlements, see our What Can I Claim From the DVA? guide.
Service records, deployment history, your specific role in the ADF and the locations where you served all help establish exposure. For Navy veterans, DVA recognises that asbestos was likely to be present on certain listed RAN vessels between 1 January 1940 and 31 December 2010, so if you served on one of those ships during that period you generally don’t need to prove exposure individually. Our team helps you compile the right evidence to support your claim. See details in our DVA Initial Liability guide.
Impairment points vary depending on the specific condition, its severity and how it affects your daily life. Respiratory conditions, cancers and organ damage can each attract significant points. When multiple conditions stem from the same exposure, they can be claimed together and may combine under DVA's assessment framework. For a full breakdown of impairment ratings, see our DVA Impairment Points Table guide.
From initial lodgement through to a permanent impairment determination, it’s common for the full process to take around 18–24 months, and sometimes longer, depending on medical assessments, evidence gathering and DVA processing times. Some straightforward permanent impairment claims may resolve in about 12 months, but this should be viewed as a minimum rather than a guarantee. For typical processing stages and timelines, visit our DVA Claims Timeframe guide.
If your claim under MRCA or DRCA was lodged between 18 June 2017 and 30 June 2026, you may be able to access treatment through the Provisional Access to Medical Treatment (PAMT) program while your claim is being assessed. If DVA later accepts your condition, you may be issued a Veteran White Card for that accepted condition or, in some cases, a Veteran Gold Card based on your overall level of impairment and service. These cards provide DVA-funded treatment, but what’s covered depends on your eligibility and the type of card you hold. More details in our DVA Provisional Access to Medical Treatment guide.
Yes. A single exposure event, such as working around asbestos on a Navy vessel, can lead to multiple health conditions over time. Each condition can be claimed separately, and combined impairment points may affect your overall level of entitlements, including potential eligibility for a Gold Card at 60 or more points, which can provide broader access to DVA-funded treatment. Learn more in our DVA Permanent Impairment guide.
We don't charge any upfront fees for our initial consultation, and we clearly explain our fee structure before you decide to proceed. Our focus is on providing specialist DVA claims support, and all costs are discussed and agreed with you in advance.
Join thousands of veterans in getting the support they deserve. Leave us a note and our experts will be in touch shortly to discuss your new claim or claim reassessment.
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