Can I Be Compensated for a Psychological Condition?
Serving in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) can be both rewarding and demanding. The unique pressures of military life – from training and deployment to separation from family and exposure to trauma – can have a lasting impact on mental health.
It’s not uncommon for current and former ADF members to experience conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression linked to their service. But many people still ask the same question:
“Can I be compensated for a psychological condition under the DVA system?”
The short answer is yes – if your mental health condition is related to your military service, you may be entitled to compensation and support through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).
Understanding Psychological Injury Under DVA
Psychological or psychiatric conditions are treated in the same way as physical injuries under DVA legislation. If your service has caused or contributed to your condition, you can lodge a DVA claim for compensation.
Common accepted conditions include:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression and mood disorders
- Adjustment disorders
- Alcohol or substance-related conditions secondary to trauma
Your claim will need to establish a clear connection between your condition and your service, supported by appropriate medical evidence.
The Importance of Medical Evidence
To have your psychological claim accepted, DVA requires a diagnosis from a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist and evidence that your condition is linked to service.
That evidence might include:
- Incident reports or deployment records
- Statements from colleagues, commanders or family
- Clinical notes, treatment history and expert reports
The stronger and clearer your evidence, the greater the likelihood of a successful outcome.
What You May Be Entitled To
If your DVA psychological claim is accepted, your entitlements may include:
- Treatment and Counselling
Access to funded medical care, including psychology or psychiatry services,medications and mental health programs. - Income Support
If your condition affects your ability to work, you may receiveweekly payments to replace lost income under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) or the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA). - Permanent Impairment Compensation
If your mental health condition results in lasting impairment, you may be eligible for alump sum payment. The amount depends on the assessed degree of impairment and the impact on your daily life. - Rehabilitation and Vocational Support
Comprehensive rehabilitation services may be provided to support your recovery, includingassistance with retraining, education or returning to work. - Additional Benefits for Families
DVA also offers support for partners anddependants where a veteran’s psychological condition affects family life or leads to permanent incapacity or death.
Don’t Be Afraid to Seek Help
Despite growing awareness, many serving and former Defence force members still feel hesitant about lodging a DVA claim for a psychological condition. Some worry it could reflect badly on their service record or career. Others simply don’t know where to start.
It’s important to remember that mental health injuries are genuine service-related injuries. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness – it’s an acknowledgment of your service and the challenges that come with it.
DVA claims for psychological conditions are now among the most common types of claims accepted, reflecting a growing understanding of the mental health impacts of Defence service.
How a DVA Lawyer Can Help
The DVA claims process can be complex, particularly when dealing with multiple conditions or past deployments. An experienced DVA lawyer can help you:
- Gather and present the right medical evidence
- Ensure your condition is assessed under the correct legislation
- Appeal a rejected claim or challenge an incorrect impairment rating
- Access the full range of benefits you’re entitled to
Having legal support can make a significant difference in ensuring your condition – and your service – are properly recognised.
Get in Touch
At TGB Lawyers, we’ve represented Defence Force members, veterans and their families in DVA claims for more than 25 years.
If you’re living with a psychological condition related to your service, we can help you understand your rights and guide you through the claims process with compassion and experience.
Don’t pay a percentage of your compensation IN FEES – choose a lawyer who values transparency and fairness every step of the way, Get In Touch.