Osteoarthritis of the Hip

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.

Physical EligibleVETS Act 2026

Also known as: Hip ArthritisOsteoarthritis of the hip is degenerative wear in the hip joint, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Veterans commonly develop hip osteoarthritis from load carrying, running, marching, and hip injuries during service. The SoP recognises several pathways including: direct joint trauma during service, physical loading of the joint over time, and BMI above 25 for a cumulative period. These thresholds are from current SoP instruments. Always verify the current instrument at rma.gov.au.

Provisional Access to Medical Treatment ()Hip osteoarthritis is on the PAMT list.

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

Having a specified injury to the hip during service — fracture, dislocation, labral tear
Carrying loads of at least 25 kilograms while on foot for at least 4 hours per day on at least 30 days in a 12-month period
Running or jogging for at least 20 kilometres per week for at least 10 years
Being obese for at least 10 years where contributed to by service
Performing activities involving repetitive hip loading

Reference: SoP No. 22 of 2023 (Reasonable Hypothesis) / SoP No. 23 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 engaging in weight-bearing physical activities, carrying heavy loads, or sustaining a hip injury during service — with clinical onset of osteoarthritis 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 hip osteoarthritis was caused or materially contributed to by physical activities or injuries during service.

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

Hip imaging (X-ray or MRI)Imaging confirming osteoarthritic changes in the hip joint.How to get it: Ask your GP for a referral for hip X-ray or MRI.Estimated time: 1-3 weeks

Service records showing physical demands or hip injuryDocumentation of activities or injuries affecting the hip during service.How to get it: Request from Defence.Estimated time: 4-8 weeks

Medical nexus reportA report linking your hip condition to service.How to get it: Ask your GP or orthopaedic specialist.Estimated time: 2-4 weeks

The same physical activities that cause knee osteoarthritis often cause hip osteoarthritis — consider claiming both
If you carried heavy packs during marches and patrols, document this specifically
Specify high-intensity weight-bearing service activities: pack marching with 25kg+ loads, repetitive jumping/landing from vehicles or aircraft, prolonged running on hard surfaces during PT
Claim both hips if both are affected

Medical nexus statement (from your doctor)

A medical opinion linking your hip osteoarthritis to service.

What to ask your doctor

I am making a DVA claim for hip osteoarthritis. I carried heavy loads and ran extensively during my service. Could you write a report?

Personal statement (your own words)

Describe service physical demands, any injuries, onset of symptoms, and current impact on daily life.

Suggested structure

Physical demands of your service — running, marching, load carrying
Any hip injuries during service
When hip problems started
Current impact on mobility

Common mistakes to avoid

✗Not being specific about physical demands
✗Not claiming both hips if both affected

Treatments DVA may cover

Physiotherapy and exercise physiology
Pain management
Orthopaedic specialist consultations
Hip replacement surgery if indicated
Post-surgical rehabilitation

Next steps to consider

Proceed to Permanent Impairment claim
Claim the other hip if affected
Claim related joint conditions
Consider Incapacity Payments if mobility limits your work

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.

When you are readyBuild your evidence checklist

Osteoarthritis of the Hip

Required

Recommended

Ready to take the next step?