Adjustment Disorder

This guide covers what DVA looks for when assessing this condition, including the relevant Statement of Principles factors, the evidence you should gather, and common preparation tips. Expand each section for more detail.

You are reviewing the condition-specific guidance to understand what evidence and preparation DVA expects.

Mental Health EligibleVETS Act 2026

Also known as: Adjustment Disorder (Stress Reaction)Adjustment disorder is a mental health condition where you develop a significant emotional or behavioural reaction to an identifiable stressor — such as a difficult posting, workplace conflict, relationship breakdown, or other life event connected to your service. It is diagnosed when your reaction is stronger than expected or causes problems with daily functioning, but does not meet the full criteria for PTSD, depression, or anxiety disorder. If your doctor has diagnosed you with PTSD, depressive disorder, or anxiety disorder, use those specific guides instead — this guide is for adjustment disorder only. SoP 58 and 59 of 2025. Note: adjustment disorder is typically time-limited and is expected to improve within six months after the stressor ends. If your symptoms persist or worsen, your doctor may reassess your diagnosis.

Non-Liability Health Care ()Adjustment disorder qualifies for Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC). You can access free mental health treatment without needing to prove your condition is linked to service. Contact DVA or ask your GP about NLHC.

DVA uses Statements of Principles () from the Repatriation Medical Authority to determine whether a condition can be linked to service. For Adjustment Disorder (Stress Reaction), DVA generally considers the following factors:

Experiencing a category 1A stressor within three months before the condition started — for example, a life-threatening event, serious physical attack, assault, or being held captive
Experiencing a category 1B stressor within three months before the condition started — for example, killing or maiming a person, witnessing someone being killed or critically injured, or witnessing atrocities
Being exposed to repeated or extreme details of severe traumatic events in a work role within three months before the condition started — for example, first responders collecting remains or drone operators viewing strikes
Having a close family member or personal relationship person experience a category 1A stressor within three months before the condition started
Experiencing a category 2 stressor within three months before the condition started — for example, workplace bullying, relationship breakdown, social isolation, racism, sexism, severe financial hardship, or serious legal issues
Having a medical illness or injury that resulted in severe physical or cognitive disability within three months before the condition started
Having a miscarriage, foetal death in-utero, or stillbirth within three months before the condition started
Living or working in a hostile or life-threatening environment for at least four weeks within three months before the condition started (RH standard only)
Worsening: not being able to get appropriate treatment before the condition worsened

Reference: SoP No. 58 of 2025 (Reasonable Hypothesis) / SoP No. 59 of 2025 (Balance of Probabilities). RH applies to operational/warlike service; BoP applies to peacetime service. Verify at rma.gov.au.Source: rma.gov.au — verify this directly with DVA for your circumstances.

DVA uses two different standards of proof depending on your type of service. Understanding which applies to you can help you prepare your evidence.

Reasonable Hypothesis (RH)Applies to: operational, warlike, or non-warlike serviceUnder the Reasonable Hypothesis standard (operational/warlike/non-warlike service), DVA generally considers that experiencing a recognised stressor (category 1A, 1B, or 2) connected to service — with adjustment disorder developing within three months — is sufficient to raise a reasonable hypothesis. The RH standard also includes living or working in a hostile or life-threatening environment for at least four weeks.

Balance of Probabilities (BoP)Applies to: peacetime serviceUnder the Balance of Probabilities standard (peacetime service), DVA generally considers that the veteran must show it is more likely than not that the adjustment disorder was caused by a recognised stressor connected to service. The hostile/life-threatening environment factor is not available under BoP.

In plain EnglishIf you had operational or warlike service, the Reasonable Hypothesis (RH) standard applies — this is a lower threshold and includes additional factors. If your service was peacetime only, the stricter Balance of Probabilities (BoP) standard applies. SoP instruments are updated periodically by the RMA. Always verify the current instrument at rma.gov.au/sops.

Benefit of the doubt: DVA is legally required to give you the benefit of the doubt if evidence is evenly balanced (s119 , s335 ). Learn more

DVA generally considers the standard of proof based on your service type. Verify this directly with DVA or a qualified advocate.

Required

Clinical diagnosis of adjustment disorderA diagnosis from your GP, psychiatrist, or psychologist confirming adjustment disorder. The diagnosis should specify the subtype if applicable (with depressed mood, with anxiety, with mixed features, etc.).How to get it: See your GP and describe your symptoms and what stressor triggered them. Ask for a referral to a psychiatrist or psychologist if you do not already have one.Estimated time: 2-4 weeks

Service records showing the stressor event or situationDocumentation of the stressor that triggered your adjustment disorder — for example, workplace incident reports, posting orders, deployment records, complaints, or medical records from the time.How to get it: Request from Defence Archives: 1800 333 362. Allow 6-8 weeks. Check MyService first. If the stressor was workplace bullying or conflict, check whether a formal complaint or investigation was recorded.Estimated time: 4-8 weeks

Medical nexus report linking adjustment disorder to a service-related stressorA written opinion from your treating mental health professional stating that your adjustment disorder was caused by an identifiable stressor connected to your service.How to get it: Ask your treating doctor or psychologist: "Can you provide a written statement confirming that my adjustment disorder is linked to [the specific stressor] that occurred during my military service?"Estimated time: 2-4 weeks

Personal statement describing the stressor and its impactYour own written account of what happened, when the stressor occurred during your service, how you reacted, and how it has affected your daily life.How to get it: Write this yourself in plain language. Describe the stressor, when your symptoms started, and the impact on your work, relationships, and daily functioning.

Buddy or witness statementA statement from someone who witnessed the stressor situation or observed changes in your behaviour and wellbeing afterwards.How to get it: Ask a former colleague or family member. Form D2141 (Statement in Support of Claim) can be used.

Tips for this condition

The key evidence for adjustment disorder is linking your symptoms to a specific, identifiable stressor connected to your service — make sure this is clearly described
Category 2 stressors include workplace bullying, relationship breakdown, social isolation, and financial hardship — these are common service-related stressors that many veterans do not realise are recognised by DVA
If your symptoms started more than three months after the stressor, the SoP timeframe may not be met — discuss this with your treating practitioner
If your symptoms have persisted or worsened significantly, ask your doctor whether your diagnosis should be reassessed — you may now meet criteria for PTSD, depression, or anxiety, which would mean a different claim pathway
You can access free mental health treatment through Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC) without proving service connection — ask DVA about NLHC when you contact them

Medical nexus statement (from your doctor)

A medical opinion linking your adjustment disorder to a specific stressor connected to your military service.

What to ask your doctor

I am making a DVA claim for adjustment disorder. I experienced [describe stressor — workplace bullying, difficult posting, relationship breakdown during deployment, etc.] during my service, and my symptoms started shortly after. Could you write a report linking my adjustment disorder to this stressor?

Personal statement (your own words)

Describe the stressor, when it happened during your service, when your symptoms started, and how the condition has affected your daily life and functioning.

Suggested structure

The specific stressor that triggered your adjustment disorder — what happened and when
How the stressor was connected to your service — posting, deployment, workplace situation, etc.
When your symptoms started — within three months of the stressor
What symptoms you experienced — low mood, anxiety, difficulty coping, changes in behaviour
The impact on your daily life — work, relationships, sleep, social activity
Any treatment you have received — GP, psychologist, psychiatrist, medication
Whether your symptoms have improved, stayed the same, or worsened over time

Common mistakes to avoid

✗Not naming the specific stressor clearly
✗Not explaining the timeline between stressor and symptom onset
✗Not mentioning the impact on daily functioning

Mistakes veterans commonly make when claiming for Adjustment Disorder (Stress Reaction), and how to avoid them.

Not identifying a specific stressor connected to serviceClearly describe the specific event or situation that triggered your symptoms — when it happened, what it involved, and how it was connected to your service.

Confusing adjustment disorder with PTSD, depression, or anxietyCheck your diagnosis carefully. If your medical records say "adjustment disorder", use this guide. If they say PTSD, depression, or anxiety disorder, use those specific guides instead. If you are unsure, ask your treating practitioner to clarify.

Not seeking reassessment when symptoms persistIf your symptoms have lasted longer than six months after the stressor ended, go back to your treating practitioner and ask whether your diagnosis should be reassessed.

Not knowing about NLHC for mental healthContact DVA and ask about NLHC. You can access free mental health treatment while your claim is being assessed — or even if you decide not to lodge a claim at all.

Treatments DVA may cover

Psychology appointments — cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), counselling, or other evidence-based therapies
Psychiatrist review if medication is needed (antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication)
Open Arms counselling — free for veterans and families (1800 011 046)
Group therapy or peer support programs
Lifestyle support — exercise programs, sleep hygiene, stress management

Next steps to consider

If your symptoms persist or worsen beyond six months, ask your treating practitioner to reassess your diagnosis — you may now meet criteria for PTSD, depression, or anxiety, which could lead to a separate or amended claim
If adjustment disorder has affected your ability to work, check eligibility for Incapacity Payments
Consider claiming related conditions — for example, if you have developed alcohol use disorder as a way of coping with the stressor
Remember you can access free mental health treatment through NLHC regardless of your claim status

Actual entitlements depend on individual DVA assessment. This is indicative only.

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You do not need to have everything ready before you start. Use these tools to work through the process at your own pace.

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Official + GuidanceVerified March 2026

This page combines official DVA information with platform-authored guidance. Official sources are cited where applicable.

SoP factors sourced from RMA. Guidance text explains official processes in plain language.

RMA — Statements of Principles

This is a guide onlyThis information is a free guide. It is not legal advice, medical advice, or financial advice. Always verify with DVA directly or with a qualified advocate before lodging a claim.

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Adjustment Disorder

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