Administrative Review Tribunal

You may have the right to appeal to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) for review of decisions. This includes decisions made by the Veterans' Review Board (VRB), the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission (MRCC) or the Repatriation Commission.

What is the ART

The ART is an independent review body with the power to review all VRB decisions relating to claims determined under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) and the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA). The ART replaced the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) on 14 October 2024.

The ART can also review:

• Internal reconsideration decisions made by delegates of the MRCC under the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) and the MRCA
• certain Repatriation Commission decisions relating to service pension and specific veterans’ allowances.

The ART’s decisions are based on all of the evidence available in your case. As well as any other relevant factual information and applicable laws.

You can find out more on the ART website.

The scope of the ART

Under the VEA, the ART can review decisions of the VRB. It can also review certain decisions of the Repatriation Commission that relate to service pension and specific allowances, provided the decision has been first reviewed by the Commission.

Under the DRCA, the ART can review a decision of the MRCC, provided a reconsideration of that decision has been made.

Under the MRCA, the ART can review any decision of the VRB. It can also review certain reconsideration decisions by the MRCC.

Appeal timeframes

VEA

Appeals under the VEA must be brought to the ART within 3 months from when you receive the review decision. This will preserve the benefit of maximum possible payment.

Appeals may be accepted by the ART up to 12 months from when you receive the review decision. If your appeal is accepted late, the backdating of your benefits may be affected.

MRCA

Appeals under the MRCA from a VRB decision must be brought to the ART within 3 months of when you receive this decision. These appeals may be accepted by the ART up to 12 months from when you receive the review decision. If your appeal is accepted late, your benefits may be affected.

Reconsideration decisions under the MRCC must be brought to the ART within 60 days of when you receive this decision.

DRCA

From 21 April 2025, many compensation decisions made under DRCA will be open to review by the Veterans’ Review Board before going to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).

This means, any original decisions made before 21 April 2025 and reconsidered by DVA, must be brought to the ART within 60 days from when you receive a reconsideration decision.

From 21 April 2025, appeals under the DRCA from a VRB decision must be brought to the ART within 3 months of when you receive this decision. These appeals may be accepted by the ART up to 12 months from when you receive the review decision. If your appeal is accepted late, your benefits may be affected.

How to apply to the ART

To apply for a review, visit the ART website:

How to apply for Veterans' entitlements and military compensation.

Costs

No fees apply to requests for review by the ART of decisions under the VEA, DRCA and MRCA.

In some limited circumstances the ART may award you legal or associated costs relating to your application.

Who can represent you at the ART

You can deal directly with the ART or you can ask someone to help you. For example, this could be a:

• veterans' advocate
• family member or friend
• lawyer

Legal aid

If the ART is reviewing a VRB decision, legal aid may be available to you. Legal aid commissions are independent bodies established under state and territory legislation.

Visit the National Legal Aid website at www.nationallegalaid.org for more information on legal aid commissions and the types of services they provide.

Transitional arrangements

On 14 October 2024, all cases that are with the AAT automatically transfer to the ART. If you have an open case, you do not need to do anything.

DVA's approach to ART litigation

DVA has revised its Litigation Policy for Veterans’ ART Appeals.

This policy is for:

• our staff who act as Advocates (DVA Advocates)
• instructing officers
• external legal providers

It aims to provide guidance on our expectations for how litigation will be conducted on behalf of the Commissions in the ART and any subsequent appeals.

It is specifically intended to promote transparency and clarity as to how we will instruct our advocates and legal providers in the conduct of proceedings in the ART.

Contact the ART

To speak with the ART or to visit them in person, call: 1800 228 333.

You can find more information on their Contact Us page.