Review or appeal a decision
If we’ve made a decision that you don’t agree with, you can request a formal review.
Review of decision
When you can ask for a review
You can ask for a review if:
- we’ve made a decision that you don't agree with, or
- you're unhappy with the level of service you are or are not getting.
A decision could include:
- if your service is Qualifying Service
- if an illness or injury is related to Qualifying Service
- if you qualify for support
- what level of impairment applies to you.
How to ask for a review
You must submit an application for review within 6 months of being notified of the decision. We'll only accept a late application if there's a very good reason for the delay.
1. Talk to us first
We'll explain why the decision was made and can put things right if there's been a mistake. We may be able to resolve things without you having to go through a formal review.
2. Ask for a review of decision
If you're still unhappy, you can ask for a review of decision.
- Download the Review of Decision application form.
- Send the application form and any supporting information to us.
Review of decision application form [PDF, 621 KB]
What happens next
Your review will be considered by a Review Officer unless it is about whether you having Qualifying Service. If this is the case, your review will be considered by a Veterans' Service Review Panel.
Appeal a decision
If you disagree with the outcome of a review of decision you can appeal to the Veterans' Entitlement Appeal Board.
How to appeal a decision
You must submit an application to appeal within 6 months of the review decision.
To submit an application to appeal:
- Download the Review of Decision application form.
- Send the application form and any supporting information to us.
Appeal Against Review Decision application form [PDF, 376 KB]
What happens next
Your appeal is handled by the Veterans’ Entitlements Appeal Board.
More about the Veterans’ Entitlements Appeal Board
You can attend the appeal hearing — either in person or by video/teleconference.
We'll pay the cost of travel for you to attend the hearing, as long as the travel is within NZ and is reasonable.
You can also have a representative at the hearing. This must be agreed to by the appeal board in advance. We can't cover any costs for a representative to attend.
If you still disagree
If you disagree with the outcome, you can appeal to the High Court of New Zealand.
Contact the High Court of New Zealand(external link)(external link)