From back and knee injuries to PTSD, anxiety and hearing loss, most conditions veterans live with can be claimed through DVA. Plain-English guides to the conditions we see most, how each is assessed, and how to begin a claim.
Not sure where your condition fits, or whether it connects to your service? Our expert team can help you work it out.
How It Works
How DVA assesses a condition
DVA decides whether a condition can be connected to your service using a Statement of Principles, and which legislation applies, MRCA, DRCA or the VEA, depends on when and where you served. Accepted conditions are then assessed for permanent impairment, which can affect compensation. See the DVA impairment points table for how scoring works, and the DVA claims page for the process.
Mental health, treatment first. Through Non-Liability Health Care, anyone with at least one day of ADF service can have treatment for any mental health condition funded by DVA, without first proving it is service-related. You do not need to wait for a claim to be decided to get help.
Musculoskeletal
Back, neck and joint conditions
Years of load carriage, marching and impact make these the most common claims of all.
- Spine
Lumbar spondylosis
Wear and tear of the lower back, and how to claim it.
Read more - Spine
Cervical spondylosis
Neck degeneration from helmet and pack load.
Read more - Spine
Thoracic spondylosis points
Mid-back spondylosis and how points are assessed.
Read more - Joints
Knee injuries
Tears, ligaments and wear from years of service.
Read more - Joints
Osteoarthritis
Joint wear, including the secondary pathway.
Read more - Joints
Rotator cuff
Shoulder tendon injuries from overhead load.
Read more - Compensation
Average back injury payout
What back injury claims can be worth.
Read more
Mental Health
Mental health conditions
Widely recognised, and treatment can be funded before a claim is even decided.
- Mental Health
ADF PTSD compensation
How PTSD is claimed and compensated.
Read more - Mental Health
Anxiety
Claiming anxiety, plus treatment you can access now.
Read more - Mental Health
Depression
Depression, including the secondary pathway.
Read more - Mental Health
Adjustment disorder
Common at the transition out of service.
Read more - Mental Health
Alcohol dependence
Often secondary to PTSD, depression or pain.
Read more - Mental Health
Mental health after the ADF
Coping after service, and where to start.
Read more - Mental Health
Insomnia
Breaking the cycle of sleepless nights.
Read more
Hearing and ENT
Hearing and ENT conditions
Noise exposure is part of service life, and hearing conditions are among the most frequently accepted.
Respiratory
Respiratory conditions
From dust and fumes to sleep-related breathing problems, respiratory conditions are well recognised.
Skin
Skin conditions
Years of sun exposure during service make skin conditions a common and claimable issue.
Vision
Vision conditions
Eye and sight conditions linked to service can be claimed and assessed for impairment.
Digestive
Digestive conditions
Digestive system conditions can be service-related and claimed like any other.
Other Conditions
Other and secondary conditions
Some conditions are easy to overlook, especially those that arise secondary to an accepted condition.