Service Area
Where will I assist a veteran?
From Monto, Eidsvold, Mundubbera, and Gayndah through to Biggenden, Childers, and Bundaberg, we serve as an advocate for veterans in rural and regional areas. Our not-for-profit organization focuses on providing essential support, including assistance with DVA compensation, to those who receive minimal services due to their location.
Not for Profit Advocate Services
If you have an injury or health condition that relates to your service, you need to submit a claim to access medical care and compensation. One claim can include multiple conditions.
To establish liability, we need to submit the evidence provided to support your claim and determine if it is service related.
Veterans’ service is covered by 3 Acts, known as the MRCA, VEA and DRCA. Which Act you are covered by will depend on the service that relates to your injury or disease. Generally, if your condition relates to:
- service after 1 July 2004, then the MRCA will apply
- service before 1 July 2004, then either the VEA, the DRCA or both will apply
- service that spans 1 July 2004, then one or more of the VEA, DRCA and MRCA will apply.
DRCA
The DRCA covers most peacetime ADF service between 3 January 1949 and 30 June 2004. British Nuclear Testing defence service. Hazardous and peacekeeping service between 3 January 1949 and 30 June 2004. Operational service between 7 April 1994 and 30 June 2004, including warlike and non-warlike service.
VEA
The Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) covers service in wartime and certain operational deployments, as well as certain peacetime service between 7 December 1972 and 30 June 2004.
For peacetime service eligibility, a member who had not completed a qualifying period of three years' service prior to 7 April 1994 is not covered under the VEA, unless they were medically discharged.
MRCA
The Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) provides rehabilitation and compensation coverage for members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) who served on or after 1 July 2004.
DVA - Updates
What happens on 1st July 2026
Any compensation being received under the VEA and/or DRCA before 1 July 2026 will continue to be paid as usual. These DVA payments will also remain indexed normally. Any new or updated claims lodged from 1 July 2026 will be assessed under the MRCA. If you are a veteran holding a GOLD CARD under the VEA, there will be no change to your entitlements. For those seeking assistance, an advocate from a not-for-profit organization can help navigate these processes.
Australian Defence Veterans' Covenant
The Oath
The Covenant Oath is a declaration on behalf of the Australian people to give enduring and formal recognition of veterans and families.
The Oath can be found in the Federal Register of Legislation, at Australian Veterans’ Recognition (Putting Veterans and Their Families First) Act 2019.
The Lapel Pin
The Covenant Lapel Pin serves as a vital tool for Australians to identify veterans, whether they are in uniform or not, particularly for those who may be advocating for their compensation with the DVA. There are two versions of the Lapel Pin: one for veterans who have served in the permanent forces and another for those with reserve servi
The Covenant Lapel Pin serves as a vital tool for Australians to identify veterans, whether they are in uniform or not, particularly for those who may be advocating for their compensation with the DVA. There are two versions of the Lapel Pin: one for veterans who have served in the permanent forces and another for those with reserve service, highlighting the importance of recognition in the not-for-profit sector for our veterans.
Veteran's Card
Veteran's Card
When a veteran is eligible for Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC) but does not yet possess a Veteran Card, a request for recognition through the Covenant will lead to the issuance of a Veteran Card. This process, supported by various Not For Profit organizations and advocates, ensures that fully funded mental health treatment is available.
When a veteran is eligible for Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC) but does not yet possess a Veteran Card, a request for recognition through the Covenant will lead to the issuance of a Veteran Card. This process, supported by various Not For Profit organizations and advocates, ensures that fully funded mental health treatment is available. The Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) plays a crucial role in providing compensation and services to veterans in need.
