APPEALS AND VETERANS' REVIEW BOARD

DVA Appeals and Veterans' Review Board: Support When Your Claim Is Denied

A DVA rejection doesn't have to be the final answer. We've supported over 9,000 veterans through complex DVA claims and appeals, and our team understands how the Veterans' Review Board and Administrative Review Tribunal assess appeals and how to address the issues raised in your original decision.

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9,000+

Veterans Helped

650+

5-Star Reviews

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Team of Experts

OUR DIFFERENCE

Why Veterans Choose Us

Expert Guidance Through the Appeals Process

Receiving a DVA rejection can feel like a dead end, especially when you've already invested months waiting for a decision. Our MRCA specialists understand exactly what DVA delegates look for and where claims commonly fall short.

We identify the gaps in your original submission and address the reasons for rejection with the appropriate medical and service evidence.

Experienced Support for Complex Appeals

Many veterans accept unfavourable decisions because the appeals process seems too difficult to tackle alone. Our team has extensive experience representing veterans before the Veterans' Review Board and the Administrative Review Tribunal.

We know how to present your case clearly and advocate for the entitlements you’re eligible for under DVA legislation.

Personalised Support Tailored to Your Case

Every rejected claim has different circumstances, and generic advice won't help you succeed on appeal. We review your specific situation, identify the root cause and develop a tailored strategy to address DVA's concerns.

You'll know exactly what's happening with your appeal at every stage.

Book a Free Consultation

I personally cannot recommend Veterans First Consulting enough! These guys have been seamless to work with. Whilst helping out with my claims process they were always very transparent and prompt, I always felt very well looked after.

5 Stars
Josh .

How It Works

We help make the DVA appeals process clearer by reviewing the decision, identifying the issues raised and organising supporting evidence. From preparing submissions to liaising with the VRB or ART, we guide you through each stage.

01

Appeal Assessment

We review the original decision, claim material and reasons for rejection. This helps identify what evidence or clarification may be needed before the appeal is prepared.

02

Building Your Appeal Case

We gather supporting evidence, prepare submissions and organise the appeal material. This may include medical records, service records or specialist opinions that respond to the issues raised by DVA.

03

Representation at VRB or AAT

We liaise with the VRB or ART, help manage communication and keep you prepared for each stage. We also support you with follow-up requests while the appeal is being reviewed.

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Hear from Hundreds of our Satisfied Clients

5 Stars

Great to deal with, very knowledgeable and helpful every step of the way.

Jock N
May 27, 2026
5 Stars

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.

Thomas F
May 22, 2026
5 Stars

Professional and caring, a great experience with all the members of the Veterans First team from start to finish. Highly recommend making contact.

Leslie E
May 19, 2026
5 Stars

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.

Luke M
May 12, 2026
5 Stars

Veterans First offered a great advocate experience. Good communication during the entire process and taking the stress and hassle out of arranging appointments.

Levi B
May 6, 2026
5 Stars

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.

M M
May 6, 2026
5 Stars

The best firm to do PI claims specifically for defence members active or inactive.

Dominique E
May 6, 2026
5 Stars

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.

Jale Q
May 5, 2026
5 Stars

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.

Duncan S
Apr 30, 2026
5 Stars

Was recommend to me from friend, i found Very helpful and very experienced, i would recommend to others.

Scott P
Apr 29, 2026
5 Stars

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

DLC
Apr 21, 2026
5 Stars

Great service, great team. Provided good support throughout every step of the process.

nicholas d
Apr 21, 2026
5 Stars

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.

Joel I
Apr 20, 2026
5 Stars

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.

Derek D
Apr 20, 2026
5 Stars

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.

Dean W
Apr 20, 2026
5 Stars

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.

David Hazell
Apr 20, 2026
5 Stars

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.

Bryce C
Apr 19, 2026
5 Stars

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.

Joel H
Mar 25, 2026
5 Stars

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.

Mike
Mar 24, 2026
5 Stars

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.

Heath W
Mar 21, 2026
5 Stars

Couldn’t recommend them enough. Any veterans out there that need to put claims in without dealing with dva direct this is the place to go.

Michael W
Mar 6, 2026
5 Stars

Veterans First Consulting were very helpful, supportive and professional making the process very smooth.

Louise B
Mar 6, 2026
5 Stars

Veteran First provided outstanding service. The team was professional, friendly, and always willing to help. Communication was clear and timely, and I felt respected and supported throughout. I highly recommend them to any veteran looking for reliable and genuine support.

Mahesh K
Mar 6, 2026
5 Stars

Very happy dealing with VFC. They took the dramas out of the DVA paperwork and booked all required medical appointments. Had my own gp out of his depth with DVA paperwork and when he left the practice I changed to VFC and was very happy with the communication and outcome.

J w
Feb 2, 2026
5 Stars

These guys are life savers, couldn't have done it without them. Top tier service

Tyler F
Feb 1, 2026
5 Stars

The team made the whole process super simple and hassle free. I got a geat result and it was very much worth the fee.

Tom R
Jan 30, 2026
5 Stars

Great to deal with, very knowledgeable and helpful every step of the way.

Jock N
Jock N
May 27, 2026
5 Stars

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.

Thomas F
Thomas F
May 22, 2026
5 Stars

Professional and caring, a great experience with all the members of the Veterans First team from start to finish. Highly recommend making contact.

Leslie E
Leslie E
May 19, 2026
5 Stars

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.

Luke M
Luke M
May 12, 2026
5 Stars

Veterans First offered a great advocate experience. Good communication during the entire process and taking the stress and hassle out of arranging appointments.

Levi B
Levi B
May 6, 2026
5 Stars

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.

M M
M M
May 6, 2026
5 Stars

The best firm to do PI claims specifically for defence members active or inactive.

Dominique E
Dominique E
May 6, 2026
5 Stars

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.

Jale Q
Jale Q
May 5, 2026
5 Stars

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.

Duncan S
Duncan S
Apr 30, 2026
5 Stars

Was recommend to me from friend, i found Very helpful and very experienced, i would recommend to others.

Scott P
Scott P
Apr 29, 2026
5 Stars

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

DLC
DLC
Apr 21, 2026
5 Stars

Great service, great team. Provided good support throughout every step of the process.

nicholas d
nicholas d
Apr 21, 2026
5 Stars

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.

Joel I
Joel I
Apr 20, 2026
5 Stars

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.

Derek D
Derek D
Apr 20, 2026
5 Stars

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.

Dean W
Dean W
Apr 20, 2026
5 Stars

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.

David Hazell
David Hazell
Apr 20, 2026
5 Stars

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.

Bryce C
Bryce C
Apr 19, 2026
5 Stars

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.

Joel H
Joel H
Mar 25, 2026
5 Stars

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.

Mike
Mike
Mar 24, 2026
5 Stars

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.

Heath W
Heath W
Mar 21, 2026
5 Stars

Couldn’t recommend them enough. Any veterans out there that need to put claims in without dealing with dva direct this is the place to go.

Michael W
Michael W
Mar 6, 2026
5 Stars

Veterans First Consulting were very helpful, supportive and professional making the process very smooth.

Louise B
Louise B
Mar 6, 2026
5 Stars

Veteran First provided outstanding service. The team was professional, friendly, and always willing to help. Communication was clear and timely, and I felt respected and supported throughout. I highly recommend them to any veteran looking for reliable and genuine support.

Mahesh K
Mahesh K
Mar 6, 2026
5 Stars

Very happy dealing with VFC. They took the dramas out of the DVA paperwork and booked all required medical appointments. Had my own gp out of his depth with DVA paperwork and when he left the practice I changed to VFC and was very happy with the communication and outcome.

J w
J w
Feb 2, 2026
5 Stars

These guys are life savers, couldn't have done it without them. Top tier service

Tyler F
Tyler F
Feb 1, 2026
5 Stars

The team made the whole process super simple and hassle free. I got a geat result and it was very much worth the fee.

Tom R
Tom R
Jan 30, 2026

Common DVA FAQs

Have other questions?
Contact us so we can help.

The Veterans' Review Board is usually the first step in appealing a DVA decision. It's a less formal process where board members with veteran experience review your case. If you're not satisfied with the VRB outcome, you can appeal to the Administrative Review Tribunal, a more formal legal process.

If the Veterans' Review Board doesn't rule in your favour, you may be able to appeal further to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). We can assess whether an ART appeal is appropriate for your situation and identify any additional evidence that could strengthen your case at that level.

Success depends on the strength of your evidence and how well your case addresses DVA's reasons for rejection. Professional guidance can help ensure your appeal is properly prepared and supported by relevant evidence. However, no advocate can guarantee results, as each case is assessed on its merits.

The required evidence depends on the reason your claim was rejected. Common additions include updated medical assessments, specialist opinions linking your condition to service or service records that weren't previously submitted. We review your case to identify exactly what's needed to address DVA's concerns. Details are in our guide on DVA Initial Liability claims.

For appeals, there are no upfront costs. Our fees are linked to the outcome of your case, and we’ll explain exactly how this works before you decide to proceed, so you understand your options.

You generally have 12 months from the date of DVA's decision to appeal to the Veterans' Review Board. Missing this deadline can limit your options, so we recommend seeking advice as soon as you receive a rejection. The ART has different timeframes depending on the type of review. Always check your decision letter.

Contact us for a free initial consultation. We'll review your DVA decision notice and discuss your options. If we believe an appeal has merit, we'll explain the next steps and what's involved in building a stronger case for your entitlements. Contact us to get started.

Yes, you can appeal most DVA decisions. If your initial liability or permanent impairment claim was rejected, you have the right to request a reconsideration or take your case to the Veterans' Review Board. Time limits apply, so it's important to act promptly after receiving an unfavourable decision. Refer to our DVA Appeals guide.

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Start Your DVA Appeal Today

Don’t go through the process alone—our experts ensure you receive the support you deserve. We’ve already helped over 9,000 veterans secure their rightful entitlements. Contact us and we will be in touch shortly.

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