From 1 July 2026, the improved MRCA lets DVA accept listed injuries and diseases as service-related without you proving a Statement of Principles factor. That is presumptive liability. You do not lodge a separate “presumptive” form. If the claim is eligible, DVA assesses it that way.
Who it can apply to
- The claim was lodged on or after 1 July 2026.
- You have a confirmed diagnosis of a condition on the Commission’s list.
- Your service meets the criteria written for that condition (type of service, length, onset window — they are not all the same).
DVA’s public categories (not a complete list of names — confirm on the official page and the Determination) include: cancers prescribed for ADF firefighters; 30 or more conditions for Point Cook firefighters (1957–1986); 30 or more for F-111 deseal/reseal workers; 40 or more linked to specified workplace exposures; 80 or more common service-related conditions, including some sequelae of an already accepted condition; and some conditions linked to veterans who have experienced abuse.
How long it can take
DVA’s Conditions and claims processing times page (last updated 15 October 2026) says: if you are claiming an eligible presumptive-liability condition and provide a confirmed diagnosis from an appropriately qualified medical practitioner, your claim may be determined in less than two weeks as part of the allocation process. That is a “may”. The same page still publishes 116 days as the last-12-months average for all MRCA initial liability. Do not treat two weeks as a guarantee, and do not treat 116 days as your fate if you are actually on the list with a diagnosis attached.
What to do
- 1Get a diagnosis in writing from an appropriately qualified practitioner before you lodge, or attach the one you already have.
- 2Lodge from 1 July 2026 as an MRCA initial-liability claim. In MyService that is one condition per claim (DVA how-to, 18 September 2026).
- 3Say the diagnosis in the doctor’s words. If you believe it is presumptive, say that and point to the Determination — do not skip the diagnosis.
- 4If DVA then runs the ordinary SoP path anyway, ask in writing whether they considered presumptive liability and, if not, why.