Depressive Disorder (Major Depression)

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: DepressionDepressive disorder, also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and difficulty functioning. It is very common among veterans and can develop on its own or alongside other conditions like PTSD. The SoP requires a clinical diagnosis meeting DSM-5 criteria. For Reasonable Hypothesis, a severe stressor or cumulative stressors during service must be established. Clinical assessment must differentiate from adjustment disorder and PTSD. Note: the SoP for adjustment disorder requires symptom onset within exactly 3 months of the identified service stressor — if symptoms appear later, a different diagnosis (such as PTSD or depressive disorder) may be more appropriate. 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. You can access treatment through DVA without needing to prove the service link. 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 Depression, DVA generally considers the following factors:

Experiencing a severe psychosocial stressor (a significant life event or ongoing situation) within two years before the clinical onset of the condition
Having a medical condition that is linked to service, where that condition is a significant contributor to the depression
Being the victim of severe, sustained harassment or bullying during service
Experiencing social isolation related to service — such as prolonged deployment away from family and support networks
Having a clinically significant pain disorder linked to service (chronic pain conditions accepted by DVA can contribute to depression)
Using certain medications or substances linked to service that can cause depressive symptoms

Reference: SoP No. 83 of 2015 (Reasonable Hypothesis) / SoP No. 84 of 2015 (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 during service — such as a traumatic event, ongoing occupational stress, or a service-related condition contributing to depression — with clinical onset within a relevant period is sufficient to raise a reasonable hypothesis of service connection.

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 depressive disorder was caused or materially contributed to by service, supported by a formal clinical diagnosis and 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 depression, 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 depressive 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 + BoPOnsetWithin 2 years before clinical onset

Experiencing a severe psychosocial stressor (a significant life event or ongoing difficult situation) within two years before the clinical onsetEvidence that may help: Service records, deployment records, or personal statement describing the stressor event or ongoing situation

RH + BoPOnsetAt time of clinical onset

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

RH + BoPOnsetWithin 2 years before clinical onset

Being the victim of severe, sustained harassment or bullying during service

RH + BoPOnsetWithin 2 years before clinical onset

Experiencing social isolation related to service — such as prolonged deployment away from family and support networks

RH + BoPOnsetAt time of clinical onset

Having a clinically significant pain disorder linked to service (chronic pain contributing to depression)Evidence that may help: Medical records of chronic pain condition and treating specialist opinion on its contribution to depression

RH + BoPOnsetAt time of clinical onset

Using certain medications or substances linked to service that can cause depressive symptoms

Factors relating to worsening

RH + BoPWorseningAt time of clinical worsening

Inability to obtain appropriate clinical management for the condition

Source: SoP No. 83 of 2015 (RH) / SoP No. 84 of 2015 (BoP). Effective 30 November 2015. 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 depressive disorder. While a GP diagnosis can be accepted, DVA generally considers specialist diagnoses to be more comprehensive for complex cases.How to get it: See your GP for an initial assessment and referral to a psychiatrist or psychologist if needed. Ask them to document the diagnosis in their clinical notes and provide a written report for your DVA claim.Estimated time: 2-6 weeks

Medical nexus report linking depression to serviceA report from your treating doctor explaining how your depression is connected to your military service, service-related events, or another accepted DVA condition.How to get it: Ask your treating psychiatrist or psychologist to write a report. If your depression is secondary to another accepted condition (like PTSD or chronic pain), they should explain this relationship clearly.Estimated time: 2-4 weeks after diagnosis

Service records or evidence of the contributing stressorIf your depression is linked to a specific event or circumstance during service, documentation supporting this. If it is secondary to another condition, your DVA acceptance letter for that condition.How to get it: Request records from Defence or provide your DVA acceptance letter for the primary condition. If claiming as a primary condition, identify the service-related stressor in your claim.Estimated time: 4-12 weeks for Defence records

Treatment history showing duration and severityRecords of past treatment for depression — GP visits, specialist appointments, medications prescribed, hospital admissions.How to get it: Request medical records from your GP and any specialists you have seen. Most clinics can provide these within a few weeks.

Personal statement describing impact on your lifeYour written account of how depression affects your daily functioning — work, relationships, motivation, and overall wellbeing.How to get it: Write this in your own words. Be specific about how your symptoms affect different areas of your life. See the statement guidance section below.

Statement from partner, family member, or close friendA letter from someone close to you describing the changes they have noticed in your mood, behaviour, and functioning.How to get it: Ask a family member or close friend to write a statement describing specific examples of how your depression has affected you. It should be signed and dated.

Tips for this condition

If your depression developed after or alongside another service-related condition (like PTSD or chronic pain), this is called a secondary claim — consider asking your doctor whether they can comment on this relationship
DVA generally considers ongoing treatment records to be strong evidence of the severity and duration of your condition
Keep records of any medications you have been prescribed and how they have worked — this helps show the treatment journey
If you have been hospitalised for depression, those records are important supporting evidence
Consider applying for NLHC to start treatment while your claim is being assessed

Medical nexus statement (from your doctor)

A medical opinion from your treating doctor that explains how your depression is connected to your military service or to another accepted service-related condition.

What to ask your doctor

I am making a DVA claim for depression. I believe it is linked to [service event / my accepted PTSD / chronic pain from service]. Could you write a medical report for my claim?
My depression developed after [describe circumstances]. I need a nexus report for DVA explaining the connection to my service.

Personal statement (your own words)

Start with when you first noticed changes in your mood or motivation. Describe the service context — what was happening at the time. Then explain how your depression has progressed and how it affects your life now. Be specific with examples.

Suggested structure

When you first noticed symptoms of depression — even if you did not recognise it at the time
What was happening in your service or life at that time
How your mood, energy, and motivation have changed
Impact on your work, relationships, and daily activities
Treatment you have received and how it has helped or not
If your depression is linked to another condition, explain how they interact

Common mistakes to avoid

✗Being too brief — "I feel sad" does not convey the full impact. Describe specific examples
✗Not connecting the depression to service or to another accepted condition
✗Leaving out treatment history — include everything you have tried, even if it did not work
✗Not describing the impact on daily activities, work, and relationships

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

Not clearly identifying the service-related cause or contributing factorWork with your treating doctor to clearly identify the service-related stressor, event, or condition that contributed to your depression. If it is secondary to an accepted condition, state this clearly.

Claiming depression as primary when it is actually secondary to PTSD or another accepted conditionIf your depression developed as a result of another service-related condition, claim it as a secondary condition. Your specialist should explain this relationship in their report.

Minimal evidence of treatment historySeek help early and keep records. Even if you have not seen a specialist, GP records showing you have discussed symptoms and tried medications demonstrate the reality of your condition.

Treatments DVA may cover

Psychiatrist and psychologist appointments covered by DVA
Antidepressant and other medications covered by DVA
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based therapies
Open Arms counselling and group programs
Inpatient treatment if needed

Next steps to consider

Continue with your treating specialist to manage your condition
Consider a Permanent Impairment claim once your condition has stabilised
Check if you are eligible for Incapacity Payments if depression affects your ability to work
Consider claiming any related conditions (anxiety, sleep disorder) as secondary conditions
If you reach 60+ impairment points under MRCA, you may be eligible for a Gold Card. From 1 July 2026, VEA/DRCA veterans can also reach this threshold through a 5-point worsening under the improved MRCA. Verify this directly with DVA
If your condition has worsened since your last Permanent Impairment assessment, you can request a reassessment — a 5-point increase may unlock expanded benefits

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

Ready to take the next step?

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.

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Depressive Disorder (Major Depression)

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