As a former serving member and now an advocate with the Tactical Advocacy Group (TAG), I've seen firsthand how challenging the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) claims process can be. It's not just about understanding the system - it's about avoiding the many traps that can lead to delays, rejections or under-compensation. Over the years, I've helped thousands of veterans navigate this process, and I want to share the most common pitfalls and how you can steer clear of them.
What Are the Most Common DVA Claims Mistakes?
The seven most common mistakes veterans make include submitting incomplete documentation, misunderstanding eligibility requirements, failing to link conditions to service, using outdated medical evidence, overlooking lifestyle impacts, being underprepared for reviews, and attempting the process alone. Each of these pitfalls can delay your claim by months or result in reduced compensation, but they're all avoidable with proper preparation and expert guidance.
1. Missing or Incomplete Documentation
One of the biggest mistakes I see is veterans submitting claims without the necessary evidence to back them up. Missing documents, incomplete medical records or unclear service timelines often result in claims being delayed or denied outright.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Get organised early: Gather all your medical records, complete service history and supporting documents before lodging. This includes anything that connects your condition directly to your military service.
- Create a claims checklist: Document every piece of evidence systematically, including service records from PMKeyS, medical diagnoses, treatment history and incident reports.
- Seek professional help early: At TAG, we work closely with veterans to ensure all documentation is comprehensive and accurate before submitting a claim. Don't leave this critical step to chance.
2. Not Fully Understanding DVA Eligibility Requirements
Another common issue is misunderstanding what's required to qualify for specific entitlements. Each benefit and compensation type has unique eligibility criteria under MRCA, DRCA or VEA, and the requirements aren't always straightforward.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Educate yourself on which Act applies: Your service dates determine whether you claim under MRCA (service from July 2004), DRCA (peacetime service 1949-2004) or VEA (wartime and specific operations).
- Understand claim types: Know the difference between Initial Liability claims, Permanent Impairment claims, Incapacity Payments and Special Rate Disability Pension.
- Use an experienced advocate: Having been in your shoes, I know how important it is to have someone who understands the legislation inside-out and can guide you through the process.
3. Failing to Clearly Link Your Condition to Military Service
To receive DVA compensation, there must be a clear, documented connection between your condition and your military service. This is where many claims fall short, particularly for mental health conditions or injuries that developed gradually over time.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Build the evidentiary bridge: Use detailed medical reports, incident records, deployment histories and witness statements to establish the connection between your service and your condition.
- Document every relevant incident: Even if something seemed minor at the time, it could be crucial evidence for your claim years later.
- Get specialist medical input: Sometimes a specialist report explicitly linking your condition to service activities can make the difference between acceptance and rejection. At TAG, we help connect you with DVA-experienced medical professionals.
4. Using Outdated or Insufficient Medical Evidence
Outdated or incomplete medical assessments are another major stumbling block. Veterans sometimes rely on old reports that don't reflect current symptoms, or they lack detailed information about the severity and functional impacts of their conditions.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Keep medical evidence current: Ensure your reports are recent (within 6-12 months) and accurately reflect the current impact of your condition on daily functioning.
- Quantify functional impairment: DVA needs to understand exactly how your condition affects your ability to work, exercise, socialise and complete daily activities.
- Understand GARP M assessments: For MRCA claims, knowing how the Guide to Assessing Permanent Impairment works helps you gather the right evidence. We guide veterans through this complex process.
5. Overlooking the Impact on Your Lifestyle
Many veterans focus solely on their physical or mental diagnosis without fully considering how it affects their daily life. Under MRCA, lifestyle rating is crucial for calculating compensation, and overlooking this aspect can lead to significant under-compensation.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Document daily struggles comprehensively: Detail how your condition affects your ability to work, maintain relationships, participate in social activities, exercise and handle routine daily tasks.
- Consider the holistic impact: Think about how your conditions interact. PTSD might affect your sleep, which impacts your concentration at work, which affects your earning capacity.
- Combine medical and lifestyle assessments: At TAG, we ensure both the impairment points and lifestyle rating accurately reflect your situation, maximising your compensation outcome.
6. Being Underprepared for Reviews or Appeals
When claims are denied, it's easy to rush into a Veterans Review Board (VRB) hearing or Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) appeal without fully addressing the reasons for rejection. This approach often leads to another denial and wastes valuable time.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Treat appeals like new claims: A review isn't just a second chance - it's an opportunity to strengthen your case substantially. Submit fresh medical evidence and address every gap identified in the initial determination.
- Understand why you were rejected: Carefully review the DVA delegate's reasoning. Did they question service connection? Was medical evidence insufficient? Was impairment rating disputed?
- Get expert representation: As an advocate, I've successfully guided hundreds of veterans through VRB hearings and ART appeals, ensuring their voices are heard and their evidence is compelling.
7. Not Reaching Out for Professional Help
Finally, one of the most significant issues I see is veterans trying to navigate this complex process entirely on their own. The DVA system can be overwhelming, and going it alone often leads to missed opportunities, unnecessary delays or inadequate compensation outcomes.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Seek experienced advocacy support: Groups like TAG exist specifically to help veterans like you. We understand the system, we know what DVA looks for, and we're here to fight for the entitlements you've earned.
- Understand free vs paid advocacy: While Ex-Service Organisations (ESOs) provide valuable free advocacy, they're increasingly under-resourced. Private advocates like TAG provide dedicated, personalised support focused on maximising your outcome.
- Use all available resources strategically: DVA provides tools like MyService and Claims Lodgement Assistance. Combined with our expertise, these resources become incredibly powerful.
What Should I Do If I've Already Made These Mistakes?
If you've already lodged a claim and recognise any of these mistakes, don't panic. Claims can be supplemented with additional evidence even during processing. For rejected claims, you have reconsideration and appeal rights. The key is acting quickly and getting expert help to strengthen your case.
How Can TAG Help Me Avoid DVA Claims Mistakes?
At Tactical Advocacy Group, we provide comprehensive support throughout your entire DVA claims journey:
- Pre-lodgement review: We assess your case before submission, identifying gaps and strengthening evidence
- Complete documentation support: We help gather all necessary medical records, service histories and supporting evidence
- Medical coordination: We connect you with DVA-experienced specialists who understand what evidence is needed
- Lodgement assistance: We prepare and submit your claim through MyService, ensuring everything is complete
- Ongoing claim management: We track your claim's progress and respond to any DVA requests promptly
- Appeals representation: If needed, we represent you at VRB hearings and ART appeals
Final Thoughts: Get It Right the First Time
The DVA claims process is a journey, but it doesn't have to be one you take alone. As someone who's walked this path both as a serving member and now as an advocate, I understand the challenges you face. The most important thing you can do is prepare thoroughly, document everything comprehensively and seek experienced help when you need it.
At TAG, we're dedicated to ensuring veterans get the support and compensation they deserve. If you're struggling with a claim or just want to ensure you're on the right track, reach out for a free consultation. You've served your country - now let us serve you.
Ready to avoid these common mistakes? Contact Tactical Advocacy Group today for a free consultation. We'll review your situation and provide clear guidance on the best path forward for your DVA claim.
