Independent Medical Reports for DVA Appeals
If your Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) claim has been declined or you disagree with a compensation decision, you may be able to apply for an independent review through the Veterans’ Review Board (VRB).
A comprehensive, independent medical report can provide important clinical evidence to support your appeal.
Australian Veteran Health Services (AVHS) provides objective, evidence-based specialist medical assessments prepared specifically for veterans seeking review of DVA decisions.
Our reports may assist with appeals involving:
- Liability decisions
- Permanent impairment assessments
- Incapacity decisions
- Rehabilitation decisions
- Mental health conditions
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Chronic pain conditions
- Other service-related medical conditions
The VRB Appeal Process
If you have received an unfavorable decision from the DVA, obtaining an independent specialist medical report is a critical step in building your case for review. AVHS provides objective diagnostic assessments and expert clinical opinions specifically designed to address the reasons for rejection and support your appeal to the Veterans’ Review Board.
DVA rejection received: Receive your formal determination letter from the DVA.
Review Reasons for Decision: AVHS can review the specific grounds on which your claim was rejected.
Lodge VRB appeal: Formally submit your application for review to the Veterans’ Review Board.
Arrange Diagnostic Assessment: Book a specialist clinical assessment or seek a formal opinion through AVHS.
Address rejected condition(s): AVHS ensure the resulting medical report specifically addresses the conditions or service-links contested by the DVA.
Submit report: Provide the new specialist evidence to the VRB for consideration.
Claim reimbursement: Apply for reimbursement of the report costs via DVA Form D7526.
Attend ADR/hearing: Participate in the Alternative Dispute Resolution process or a formal Board hearing.
Receive VRB decision: Await the independent determination from the Board.
Our Medical Officers provide comprehensive reports that may include:
- Detailed review of your medical history
- Assessment of your current condition
- Review of relevant service documentation
- Consideration of DVA documentation
- Clinical examination (where appropriate)
- Opinion regarding diagnosis
- Opinion regarding causation and service relationship
- Functional impact assessment
- Prognosis
- Investigations and additional imaging that was not performed for the original claim
Why an Independent Report Matters
When reviewing an appeal, the Veterans’ Review Board may consider additional medical evidence that was not available during the original DVA decision-making process.
An independent report may help:
- clarify complex medical issues
- address questions raised in the original decision
- provide updated clinical evidence
- explain the relationship between military service and the claimed condition
- document the impact of the condition on daily functioning
The outcome of any appeal depends on the individual circumstances of each case.
Fees
VRB appeal reports are privately funded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can AVHS guarantee my appeal will be successful?
Do I need a referral?
No, a referral is NOT required. We do however require the details of your determination from the DVA.
Can assessments be completed by telehealth?
If applicable. We can discuss this further.
What documents do I need to provide?
You will need to provide the following:
· DVA decision letter
· Previous medical reports
· Relevant imaging
· Service records (if available)
· Current medication list
· ADF service records
· ADF Medical records