Anxiety Disorder (Generalised Anxiety)

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: AnxietyAnxiety disorder involves persistent and excessive worry that is difficult to control. It can cause restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep problems. Many veterans experience anxiety related to their service experiences. The SoP requires a clinical diagnosis meeting DSM-5 criteria for a specific anxiety disorder (generalised anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, etc.). DVA generally considers the distinction between anxiety disorder, adjustment disorder, and PTSD carefully — ensure your diagnosis is specific. Unlike PTSD, Anxiety Disorder does not strictly require a Criterion A life-threatening trauma for diagnosis — it can arise from a broader range of service-related stressors. These thresholds are from current SoP instruments. Always verify the current instrument at rma.gov.au.

Non-Liability Health Care ()All mental health conditions qualify for NLHC. Apply using form D9213 (mental health) through MyService, by phone, by email, or in person.

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

Experiencing a category 1A or 1B stressor within two years before the clinical onset
Experiencing a severe psychosocial stressor within two years before clinical onset
Having a medical condition linked to service that significantly contributes to the anxiety
Having experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) during service
Using certain medications linked to service that can trigger anxiety symptoms
Having another accepted psychiatric condition that contributes to the anxiety

Reference: SoP No. 100 of 2023 (Reasonable Hypothesis) / SoP No. 101 of 2023 (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 relevant stressor or ongoing stress during service — including traumatic events, sustained operational tempo, or a service-related condition — with clinical onset within a relevant period is sufficient to raise a reasonable hypothesis.

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 anxiety disorder was caused or materially contributed to by service, with a formal clinical diagnosis and supporting medical opinion.

In plain EnglishIf you had operational or warlike service, the Reasonable Hypothesis (RH) standard applies — this is a lower threshold that is more veteran-friendly. 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.

When you lodge a claim for anxiety disorder, you may be asked about how your condition relates to your service. The factors below are drawn from the published RMA Statements of Principles for anxiety disorder. Understanding them can help you prepare your evidence and know what to expect.

RH + BoPApplies under both and

RH onlyOperational/warlike service only

BoP onlyPeacetime service only

Factors relating to onset

RH onlyOnsetWithin 2 years before clinical onset

Experiencing a category 1A or 1B stressor (as defined in the SoP) within two years before clinical onsetEvidence that may help: Service records, deployment records, or statutory declaration describing the stressor event

RH + BoPOnsetWithin 2 years before clinical onset

Experiencing a severe psychosocial stressor within two years before clinical onsetEvidence that may help: Personal statement or service records describing the stressor and its impact

RH + BoPOnsetAt time of clinical onset

Having a medical condition linked to service that significantly contributes to the anxietyEvidence that may help: DVA acceptance letter for the related condition, plus specialist opinion linking the conditions

RH + BoPOnsetBefore clinical onset

Having experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) during service

RH + BoPOnsetAt time of clinical onset

Using certain medications linked to service that can trigger anxiety symptoms

RH + BoPOnsetAt time of clinical onset

Having another accepted psychiatric condition that contributes to the anxietyEvidence that may help: DVA acceptance letter for the primary psychiatric condition

Factors relating to worsening

RH + BoPWorseningAt time of clinical worsening

Inability to obtain appropriate clinical management for the condition

Source: SoP No. 100 of 2023 (RH) / SoP No. 101 of 2023 (BoP). Effective 19 January 2026. Data last verified 2026-04-12.View current SoPs at rma.gov.au

These factors are drawn from published RMA Statements of Principles. They may not reflect the most recent updates. The actual claim form may present questions differently. This is a guide only — always verify with DVA directly or with a qualified advocate before lodging a claim.

Required

Diagnosis from a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, or GPA formal diagnosis of generalised anxiety disorder or other specified anxiety disorder.How to get it: See your GP for an initial assessment. For stronger evidence, ask for a referral to a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.Estimated time: 2-6 weeks

Medical nexus reportA report from your treating doctor explaining how your anxiety is connected to service or to another accepted condition.How to get it: Ask your specialist to write a report linking your anxiety to specific service-related events or to another accepted DVA condition.Estimated time: 2-4 weeks

Evidence of the service-related stressor or linked conditionDocumentation of the events, circumstances, or accepted condition that contributed to your anxiety.How to get it: Service records, deployment records, or your DVA acceptance letter for the related condition.Estimated time: 4-12 weeks for Defence records

If your anxiety is secondary to an accepted condition like PTSD, consider asking your doctor whether they can comment on this relationship in their report
DVA generally considers a consistent treatment history to demonstrate the ongoing nature of the condition
Keep a record of situations that trigger your anxiety — this helps your doctor understand the pattern
If you avoid certain situations due to anxiety (e.g. crowds, driving, public transport), document these specifically

Medical nexus statement (from your doctor)

A medical opinion from your doctor explaining how your anxiety is linked to your service or to another accepted condition.

What to ask your doctor

I am making a DVA claim for anxiety disorder. I believe it is linked to my service in [location/unit]. Could you write a report for my claim?
My anxiety developed alongside my PTSD. I need a report explaining how they are connected for my DVA claim.

Personal statement (your own words)

Describe when anxiety started and what was happening at the time. Explain how it has progressed. Give specific examples of how it affects you now — situations you avoid, physical symptoms, impact on sleep and daily life.

Suggested structure

When you first noticed anxiety symptoms
What triggers your anxiety — specific situations, thoughts, or reminders
How anxiety affects your daily routines, work, and relationships
What you avoid because of anxiety
Physical symptoms (racing heart, sweating, shaking, nausea)
Treatment you have received

Common mistakes to avoid

✗Being too general — "I feel anxious" does not convey the severity. Give examples
✗Not mentioning avoidance behaviours — these are important indicators of severity
✗Not connecting the anxiety to service or to another accepted condition

Mistakes veterans commonly make when claiming for Anxiety, and how to avoid them.

Confusing anxiety disorder with normal stress responsesEnsure your doctor provides a formal clinical diagnosis using DSM-5 criteria, not just a note that you seem anxious.

Not distinguishing anxiety from PTSD symptomsDiscuss with your specialist whether your symptoms meet the criteria for anxiety disorder specifically, or whether they are part of another condition. You can claim both if they are clinically distinct.

Insufficient detail about how anxiety affects functioningIn your personal statement, describe specific examples of how anxiety limits your daily activities, work, and relationships.

Treatments DVA may cover

Psychiatrist and psychologist appointments
Anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness-based therapies
Open Arms counselling

Next steps to consider

Continue treatment with your specialist
Consider a Permanent Impairment claim once your condition stabilises
Consider claiming related conditions as secondary (depression, sleep disorder)
Check eligibility for Incapacity Payments if anxiety affects your work capacity

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

After DVA accepts your anxiety disorder as service-related, they may discuss how it affects your daily life. This helps DVA understand what support and services may be appropriate for you. Thinking about these areas ahead of time can help you feel more prepared.

Daily activities and routinesDVA may ask how anxiety affects your ability to manage everyday tasks such as leaving home, using public transport, attending appointments, or handling unexpected situations.

Avoiding situations that trigger anxiety (shops, crowds, driving)
Difficulty completing routine tasks due to worry or panic
Needing extra time or support to manage daily activities

Work and employmentDVA may ask whether anxiety affects your ability to work, including maintaining consistent attendance, handling workplace demands, or managing interactions with colleagues.

Difficulty attending work regularly due to anxiety episodes
Reduced capacity to handle stressful tasks or deadlines
Needing flexible work arrangements or reduced hours

Learn more

Relationships and social lifeDVA may ask about the impact on your relationships with family and friends, and your ability to participate in social activities.

Withdrawing from social events or family gatherings
Difficulty maintaining close relationships
Relying on others for tasks you find overwhelming

Treatment and ongoing careDVA may discuss what treatment you are receiving and whether you need help accessing or continuing care.

Regular psychology or psychiatry appointments
Medication management for anxiety
Travel to treatment appointments

Home and transportDVA may ask whether your condition affects your ability to manage your home or travel independently.

Difficulty driving due to panic attacks or heightened anxiety
Needing help with household tasks when anxiety is severe
Avoiding public transport

Learn more

From 1 July 2026: Under the improved MRCA, the post-acceptance process — including how DVA assesses your support needs — applies to all new compensation claims. If your claim was accepted before this date under the VEA or DRCA, the process may differ. Verify this directly with DVA.

Content last verified 2026-04-12. For detailed information on each support type, visit the Knowledge Hub.

The areas listed above are examples of what DVA may discuss. Actual support and services depend on your individual circumstances and DVA assessment. This is a guide to help you prepare — always verify with DVA directly or with a qualified advocate.

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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.

Check My Eligibility Build Evidence Checklist View Forms How to Lodge

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.

When you are readyBuild your evidence checklist

Anxiety Disorder (Generalised Anxiety)

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