Here for Those Who Serve
Welcome to mlcoa
mlcoa has supported the veteran community for over 20 years, offering independent, veteran-informed, service-related medical assessments that assist veterans and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) to make decisions about liability, healthcare, rehabilitation, incapacity and permanent impairment.
Over the period 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, mlcoa completed approximately 4,500 veteran medical assessments. The average time from booking an appointment to the finalised report being sent to DVA was 32 days.
If DVA has referred you to mlcoa for a medical assessment, we will support you through every step of the process. Our goal is to ensure you feel respected and informed throughout the process.
It’s important to know that we are an independent company, and do not work for DVA. Our medical assessment services are provided to a range of Australian customers, industries and schemes, including workers compensation, CTP (motor vehicle accidents) and DVA.
About us
Over 300 health practitioners nationally, including medical specialists and sub-specialists
Supporting approximately 4,500 veterans per year with assessments and services
Fast access to appointments accommodating your needs and schedule
Dedicated, highly knowledgeable DVA-trained team
Veteran friendly approach: respectful, transparent, compassionate
Flexible options including face-to-face and telehealth for your convenience
What is a Veteran Medical Assessment?
A veteran medical assessment (sometimes referred to as an Independent Medical Assessment (IMA) or Independent Medical Examination (IME), is a comprehensive and collaborative clinical interview, physical examination (where applicable) and assessment. Conducted by an appropriately qualified health practitioner, to provide an independent, non-biased opinion about your health condition(s)written in a comprehensive medical report and provided to DVA for their consideration during the process of DVA making a determination on your liability or compensation claim.
The aim is to assist you, as the veteran, and DVA, to make reliable, accurate and well-informed decisions when processing and managing your claim.
The assessment is not about treatment. It enquires about the nature of your injuries or illness, the historical details (including previous and current treatment), and seeks to understand the impact(s) of the injury or illness on you, in your current health context.
The assessment will be completed collaboratively with a health practitioner experienced in the field of military medicine, impairment and DVA processes.
The common conditions we assess
Our health practitioners are trained in the conditions most commonly linked to military service. We can assess for Initial Liability (IL), Incapacity Assessments (ICA), and Permanent Impairment (PI), across the following conditions:
- Mental health conditions such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, sexual dysfunction
- Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) conditions (such as additional review of hearing loss or tinnitus that may have previously undergone Audiologist review), nasal fractures, bruxism and dental attrition
- Musculoskeletal injuries e.g. back, shoulder, knee, osteoarthritis, strains and sprains
- Gastrointestinal and abdominal conditions such as hernia, irritable bowel syndrome
- Skin conditions such as solar damage, skin cancers, tinea
- Intermittent conditions that impact Activities of Daily Living
- Ophthalmic conditions such as pterygium, pinguecula, cataract
How it works: A step-by-step guide to a Veteran Medical Assessment with mlcoa
Referral from DVA
Referral from DVA
You will be referred to mlcoa by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs for an independent medical assessment to support you and DVA in managing your claim and the impacts on your current health.Scheduling your appointment
Scheduling your appointment
Our team will contact you to book your appointment at a time and place that is convenient for you. We offer in-person or telehealth options tailored to your needs. In certain circumstances, DVA may contact you and schedule the appointment with mlcoa.Preparing for the day
Preparing for the day
We will let you know what to bring to your assessment (such as photo ID, medical records, list of medications). You may request a support person or chaperone.Attending the assessment
Attending the assessment
You’ll meet with a health practitioner who will:– Review your medical and service history
– Ask about symptoms and lifestyle
– Conduct a physical exam, if required
After the appointment
After the appointment
The health practitioner provides a report in response to questions from DVA, including completion of any relevant Medical Impairment Assessment (MIA) forms. The report outlines the condition(s) to be assessed, history, context, relevant other medical history, examination findings, and investigation findings (where relevant).The report is not a decision report. Rather, it assists DVA in determining your claim and the impact of your condition(s).
You will be provided with a voluntary Customer Satisfaction survey to provide anonymous feedback on the IME assessment.
What happens next?
What happens next?
Reports are usually completed and provided to DVA within 10 business days. DVA uses the report to help determine the outcome of your claim. If you have any queries relating to the content in the IME report, please contact your DVA Delegate directly.Learn more about your Veteran Medical Assessment
How mlcoa supports you
From your first contact to final report delivery, our team is here to:
- Help you understand the process
- Coordinate with your schedule and needs
- Provide privacy and comfort
- Ensure you have a voice throughout
We know navigating the claims process can be stressful, so we’re here to support you every step of the way. We also offer resources in video and print to help you feel prepared.
- Anonymous
“Very happy with the service, arrived early and was able to see the specialist earlier than my scheduled appointment.”
- Anonymous
“Engaging and professional. Provided clear options moving forward.”
- Anonymous
“Very considerate, professional staff at all levels.”
- Anonymous
“I was happy with my experience using mlcoa”
- Anonymous
“Doctor was very professional and has a strong knowledge of the system and was very supportive and understanding.”
- Anonymous
“Overall very satisfied with mlcoa services.”
- Anonymous
“My Dr was very kind and understanding. Makes the process a little easier.”
- Anonymous
“The team were most respectful, caring and most professional. The consultant was exceptional, listened attentively and explained in detail the outcome of the visit. A most caring, professional gentleman. Thank you.
- Anonymous
“I felt like I ‘mattered’.”
- Anonymous
Commonly asked questions
What is the purpose of my veteran medical assessment?
The purpose of your assessment is to provide an independent, veteran-informed medical opinion that helps the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) make informed decisions about your claim. It is not a treatment session, but a collaborative clinical assessment that considers your service, health history and current needs.
Who will assess me?
You will be assessed by a fully qualified and impartial health practitioner – typically a medical specialist – who is experienced in military-related conditions and DVA processes. All practitioners are trained to deliver respectful, veteran-centred care.
Will I receive a copy of the report?
Yes. Unless the report is marked as exempt, it will be shared with both you and your nominated treating doctor once completed. Reports are generally finalised within 10 business days.
Can I bring a support person to my appointment?
You can bring a support person if requested in advance and determined as appropriate by the health practitioner that is conducting the assessment. We will always do our best to facilitate this, taking into account the nature of the assessment and the opinion of the practitioner about suitability.
Can I request a chaperone?
Absolutely. mlcoa can provide a trained chaperone for your appointment upon request—particularly during any physical examinations.
How long does the assessment take?
Most assessments take up to an hour. If you’re being assessed for multiple or complex conditions, your appointment may take longer.
What should I bring to my assessment?
We’ll let you know exactly what to bring, but generally, you should have:
- Photo ID
- Relevant medical records or specialist reports
- Imaging (such as X-rays or MRIs, if available)
- A list of your current medications
Where will the assessment happen?
Appointments can be held either in-person at a private mlcoa suite or via secure telehealth, depending on what best suits your needs and circumstances.
mlcoa consulting suites are in accessible and convenient locations. They include private consulting rooms, plus large and comfortable reception spaces, supportive administration staff, and toilet facilities.
What types of conditions does mlcoa assess?
Our health practitioners are experienced in assessing conditions most commonly linked to military service, including:
- Mental health conditions (e.g. PTSD, depression, anxiety)
- Musculoskeletal injuries (e.g. back, shoulder, knee)
- Hearing-related conditions (e.g. tinnitus, hearing loss)
- ENT and dental conditions (e.g. nasal fractures, bruxism)
- Gastrointestinal, skin, and eye conditions
- Conditions impacting daily activities or causing permanent impairment
Will my personal information remain private?
Yes. mlcoa adheres to strict privacy protocols in line with Australian privacy laws. Your information is only shared with DVA and your healthcare providers as allowed under your consent. For more details, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
How does mlcoa support me throughout the process?
From booking to report delivery, we’re here to:
- Ensure you understand the process
- Respect your time, privacy, and preferences
- Offer telehealth or in-person flexibility
- Provide a respectful, transparent, and compassionate experience
We aim to make the process as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Does mlcoa work for DVA?
No.
mlcoa is an independent company. For over 35 years we have provided highly regarded and reliable independent medical opinions across a range of schemes and industries, including workers compensation, CTP (motor vehicle accidents) and Department of Veterans’ Affairs.