The Department of Veterans’ Affairs has released updated processing information for treatment travel, health approvals, privately incurred medical expenses and rehabilitation equipment.
The figures provide a useful indication of current service levels, but they are not guaranteed timeframes for every application. A claim can take longer where information is missing, the circumstances are complex or DVA needs clarification.
DVA treatment travel reimbursements
DVA reports that monthly travel reimbursement claims are now approximately 400% higher than before 1 July 2026.
Despite that increase, DVA says treatment travel reimbursement claims are currently taking:
- a median of 9 days; and
- an average of 19 days.
The difference between the median and average suggests that while many claims are processed relatively quickly, a smaller number of slower or more complex claims increase the overall average.
More than 47,000 travel reimbursements have reportedly been processed under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 during the current financial year, compared with approximately 58,000 throughout 2025–26.
DVA recommends lodging travel reimbursement claims through MyService where possible.
Medical expenses paid by a veteran
A veteran may sometimes pay an eligible medical expense personally and then seek reimbursement through a Medical Expenses Privately Incurred claim, commonly called a MEPI claim.
DVA says complete MEPI applications submitted through its online webform are generally being processed within 10 to 14 days.
For MEPI claims submitted through other channels, the reported average processing time reduced from 83 days in August to 52 days in September 2026.
This makes the lodgement method and completeness of the application particularly important. Veterans should retain invoices, receipts, referral or approval information and any correspondence relevant to the expense.
Prior approval for health services
Only a small proportion of DVA-funded health services require prior approval. For those that do, DVA reports that the average processing time reduced from 61 days in August to 58 days in September.
DVA introduced a new Health Approvals system enhancement in early October 2026. The department says this is intended to improve workflow management and prioritisation.
If treatment requires prior approval, veterans should avoid assuming that the approval has been granted merely because a request has been lodged. Confirming the approval position before incurring a substantial cost can reduce the risk of a reimbursement dispute.
Rehabilitation aids and appliances
Average processing times under the Rehabilitation Appliances Program reduced from 62 days in August to 40 days in September.
This program may cover approved equipment and services that assist eligible veterans to maintain independence and quality of life. The appropriate process and evidence will depend on the item being requested and the veteran’s circumstances.
Booked Car with Driver waiting times
DVA also reports that calls requesting its Booked Car with Driver service are routinely being answered within three to six minutes, with queues rarely exceeding ten minutes.
This telephone waiting time is different from the time required to arrange or complete transport, and individual availability may vary.
How to reduce avoidable delays
Before submitting a reimbursement or approval request, it can help to check that:
- the correct form or online channel is being used;
- all required sections have been completed;
- invoices and receipts are clear and legible;
- the veteran’s identifying and payment details are accurate;
- any referral or prior approval documents are attached; and
- a copy of the complete submission is retained.
If DVA requests further information, responding promptly and keeping a record of the response may help prevent additional delay.
What if a reimbursement is delayed?
A published processing figure is not itself a legal deadline. However, if an application has been outstanding well beyond the usual timeframe, a veteran can contact DVA to confirm that it was received, ask whether information is missing and request an update.
Where a delay is causing financial hardship or affecting access to treatment, the veteran should explain that clearly and ask what escalation or urgent-assistance options may be available.
For broader information about entitlements and compensation, see KSC Law’s guides to DVA claims and DVA medical conditions. Veterans who need advice about a disputed reimbursement, approval or claim can also contact KSC Law.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Processing times can change and individual matters may take longer.
Source: Department of Veterans’ Affairs — DVA continues to improve access to treatment and support services (21 October 2026).