DVA and Depression: Claims, Treatment and Support

Depression and military service

Depression is more than feeling down. It can bring persistent low mood, loss of interest, fatigue, disturbed sleep and difficulty functioning day to day. For veterans, it often connects to the cumulative stress of service, traumatic experiences, the loss of military identity and structure after discharge, or the grind of living with a chronic physical injury. It commonly occurs alongside PTSD and anxiety, which is why these conditions are best understood together.

The secondary pathway worth knowing

Many veterans do not realise depression can be claimed as a secondary condition. Living with constant pain from an accepted back, knee or shoulder condition takes a real toll on mental health, and where depression develops as a consequence of an accepted physical condition, it can be claimed as secondary to it. If you already have a musculoskeletal condition accepted, it is worth reviewing whether depression should be part of the picture.

Treatment you can access now

Can you claim depression through DVA?

Yes. A depressive disorder can be claimed for compensation where it connects to your service. It is assessed against the relevant Statement of Principles, and a claim can be accepted where service caused it, materially aggravated it, or where it arises secondary to another accepted condition. The applicable legislation, MRCA, DRCA or the VEA, depends on when and where you served.

The evidence that helps

A clear diagnosis is the foundation. Our guide on getting the right DVA diagnosis covers how to approach it, and our guide to anxiety claims is worth reading where the two go together.

How depression is assessed for compensation

Once accepted, the impact is assessed for permanent impairment using the recognised psychiatric rating approach, which considers how the condition affects areas such as self-care, relationships, work and social function. Because depression so often coexists with other mental health conditions, they are usually assessed together rather than separately, and how much it contributes depends on that individual assessment.

Frequently asked questions

Can depression be linked to a physical injury?

Yes. Where depression develops as a consequence of an accepted physical condition, such as chronic pain from a back or knee injury, it can often be claimed as a secondary condition.

Can I get treatment before my claim is accepted?

Yes. Non-Liability Health Care covers treatment for any mental health condition with as little as one day of ADF service, regardless of whether it is yet accepted as service-related.

Where can I get support right now?

Open Arms offers free, confidential counselling for veterans and families, 24 hours a day, on 1800 011 046. If you need to talk to someone urgently, Lifeline is available any time on 13 11 14.