Osteoarthritis of the Knee

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: Knee ArthritisOsteoarthritis of the knee is a degenerative joint condition where the cartilage in the knee wears down over time, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It is very common among veterans due to the physical demands of service — running, marching, load carrying, and knee injuries. 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. For knee osteoarthritis, the SoP also considers activities involving repeated bending, kneeling, squatting, or running on hard surfaces. The SoP requires proof of repeated weight-bearing activity of high intensity — specify activities such as pack marching or repetitive jumping/landing in your evidence. These thresholds are from current SoP instruments. Always verify the current instrument at rma.gov.au.

Provisional Access to Medical Treatment ()Knee 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 Knee Arthritis, DVA generally considers the following factors:

Having a specified injury to the knee during service — fracture, dislocation, meniscal tear, or ligament injury
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 on hard surfaces for at least 20 kilometres per week for at least 10 years during and after service
Being obese for at least 10 years where contributed to by service
Having kneeling or squatting for at least one hour per day, on at least 30 days within a 12-month period, for a total period of at least two years
Having an intra-articular injection to the knee during service

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 knee 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 knee 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

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

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

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

DVA generally considers military physical training requirements (running, march-outs) to be relevant evidence of repetitive joint loading
If you had a knee injury during service, make sure it is documented — even if you did not report it at the time, describe it in your personal statement
Claim both knees if both are affected — each is a separate condition
DVA generally considers the physical fitness requirements of military service to go beyond normal civilian activity levels
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

Medical nexus statement (from your doctor)

A medical opinion linking your knee osteoarthritis to the physical demands of service.

What to ask your doctor

I am making a DVA claim for knee osteoarthritis. I ran and marched extensively during my service. Could you write a medical report?

Personal statement (your own words)

Describe the physical demands you experienced, any injuries, when knee problems started, and the current impact.

Suggested structure

Physical training and fitness test requirements during service
Load-carrying activities — weights, distances, frequency
Running and marching — distances, frequency, surfaces
Any knee injuries during service
When knee problems started
Current impact on mobility and daily activities

Common mistakes to avoid

✗Not quantifying the physical demands — give specific distances, weights, and frequencies
✗Not mentioning both knees if both are affected

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

Not claiming both knees when both are affectedGet imaging for both knees and claim each separately if both show osteoarthritis.

Not connecting the physical demands of service to knee degenerationEnsure your nexus report and personal statement clearly describe the physical activities and loads that stressed your knees.

Treatments DVA may cover

Physiotherapy and exercise physiology
Pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs
Knee braces and supports
Specialist orthopaedic consultations
Knee replacement surgery if clinically indicated
Post-surgical rehabilitation

Next steps to consider

Proceed to Permanent Impairment claim once stabilised
Claim the other knee if it is also affected
Claim related conditions (hip, back, ankle) if affected
Consider whether chronic pain has contributed to mental health conditions

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.

When you are readyBuild your evidence checklist

Osteoarthritis of the Knee

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