PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress 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: PTSDPost-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It is one of the most frequently claimed conditions by Australian veterans. Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and difficulty with everyday activities. The current SoP for PTSD (effective from 19 January 2026) enforces strict DSM-5 criteria. Your diagnosis must specifically meet DSM-5 diagnostic criteria — older DSM-IV diagnoses may need to be updated by your treating specialist. The SoP requires a defined Criterion A stressor involving actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. 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 Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC). You can access mental health treatment through DVA without needing to prove the condition is linked to your service. 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 PTSD, DVA generally considers the following factors:

Experiencing a Criterion A traumatic event as defined in DSM-5 — this includes being exposed to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence, either directly, as a witness, learning about it happening to a close family member or friend, or repeated exposure to distressing details of traumatic events as part of your duties
The traumatic event occurred during your service or was related to your service duties
Clinical diagnosis of PTSD by a psychiatrist, meeting DSM-5 criteria (note: DSM-IV criteria are no longer sufficient — the current SoP requires DSM-5). DVA requires a psychiatrist diagnosis for PTSD — a clinical psychologist or GP diagnosis is not sufficient
Symptoms must persist for more than one month after the traumatic event
For the reasonable hypothesis standard (RH — operational/warlike service): a clinical onset within a relevant period after experiencing a category 1A or 1B stressor. This is the lower, more veteran-friendly threshold
For the balance of probabilities standard (BoP — peacetime service): a clinical onset within a relevant period after experiencing a category 1A stressor. This is the stricter threshold

Reference: SoP No. 93 of 2023 (Reasonable Hypothesis) / SoP No. 94 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 category 1A or 1B stressor during service — such as actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence — with clinical onset of PTSD 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 PTSD was caused by a category 1A stressor experienced during service, supported by a formal DSM-5 diagnosis and clinical 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. You only need to point to a hypothesis that is reasonable, not prove it on the balance of probabilities. If your service was peacetime only, the Balance of Probabilities (BoP) standard applies, which requires showing it is more likely than not that your condition is service-related. 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 PTSD claim, 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 PTSD. 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 traumatic event (actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence) — directly, as a witness, or through repeated occupational exposure to distressing detailsEvidence that may help: Service records, deployment records, or incident reports placing you at the time and location of the event

RH onlyOnsetWithin 2 years before clinical onset

Having a significant other who experienced a severe traumatic event

RH + BoPOnsetBefore clinical onset

Being the victim of severe childhood abuse before clinical onset

RH onlyOnsetWithin 2 years before clinical onset

Experiencing a category 1A or 1B stressor (as defined in the SoP) during serviceEvidence that may help: Service records showing operational deployment, incident reports, or statutory declaration describing the stressor event

Factors relating to worsening

RH + BoPWorseningAt time of clinical worsening

Inability to obtain appropriate clinical management for PTSD

RH + BoPWorseningAt time of clinical worsening

Having clinically significant depressive symptoms at the time of worsening

RH + BoPWorseningAt time of clinical worsening

Having a clinically significant disorder of mental health at the time of worsening

BoP onlyWorseningAt time of clinical worsening

Having persistent pain of at least 3 months duration at the time of worseningEvidence that may help: Medical records showing chronic pain condition and treatment history

Source: SoP No. 93 of 2023 (RH) / SoP No. 94 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 psychiatristA formal clinical diagnosis of PTSD meeting DSM-5 criteria. DVA requires a psychiatrist diagnosis for PTSD — a clinical psychologist or GP diagnosis is not sufficient for this condition.How to get it: Ask your GP for a referral to a psychiatrist. Let them know it is for a DVA claim so they can provide appropriate clinical detail. You can also access mental health care through Open Arms (1800 011 046) for an initial assessment.Estimated time: 4-8 weeks for appointment and report

Service records showing the traumatic event(s)Documentation that places you at the time and location of the traumatic event. This could include deployment records, unit war diaries, incident reports, or your service history.How to get it: Request your service records from the Department of Defence. You can do this through the Defence Service Records portal or by contacting the Defence Records office. If you cannot obtain specific incident records, a statutory declaration describing the event can support your claim.Estimated time: 4-12 weeks depending on record type

Medical nexus reportA report from your treating specialist that explains how your PTSD is linked to your military service. This is often the most critical piece of evidence.How to get it: Ask your psychiatrist to write a report that connects your PTSD diagnosis to specific service-related events. Provide them with your service records so they can reference dates and events. The report should state their clinical opinion on the link between your service and your condition.Estimated time: 2-6 weeks after diagnosis

Buddy statements from fellow service membersStatements from people who served with you and can confirm the traumatic events you experienced. These can be particularly valuable when official records are limited.How to get it: Contact former colleagues and ask them to write a statutory declaration or statement describing what they witnessed. Each statement should be signed and witnessed. DVA provides form D2141 (Statement in Support of Claim) for this purpose.

GP treatment recordsRecords showing your history of seeking help for PTSD symptoms, including any medications prescribed. This helps establish a timeline of your condition.How to get it: Ask your GP surgery for copies of your medical records. You may need to fill out a records release form. Some clinics charge a small fee for copies.

Personal statement describing impact on daily lifeYour own written account of how PTSD affects your day-to-day functioning, relationships, work, and quality of life.How to get it: Write this yourself. Focus on specific examples of how your symptoms affect you — sleep, work, relationships, social activities. Be honest and detailed. See the statement guidance section below for tips.

Open Arms or other counselling recordsRecords of any counselling you have received through Open Arms or other mental health services. These help show the ongoing nature of your condition.How to get it: Contact Open Arms (1800 011 046) or your counselling provider and request copies of your treatment records. You may need to sign an authority to release information.

Tips for this condition

DVA requires a psychiatrist diagnosis for PTSD — a clinical psychologist or GP diagnosis is not sufficient for this condition
If you cannot get specific incident reports, a detailed statutory declaration of events can support your claim — be as specific as you can about dates, locations, and what happened
Multiple buddy statements are stronger than a single one — try to get statements from different people who were present
Keep a symptom diary if you can — it helps your treating doctor understand the pattern and severity of your symptoms
If you have been seeing a counsellor through Open Arms, those records can help show the duration and impact of your condition
Consider Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC) for mental health — you can get treatment while your claim is being assessed, without needing to prove the link to service first

Medical nexus statement (from your doctor)

A nexus statement is a medical opinion from your treating specialist that explains how your PTSD is connected to your military service. It is one of the most important pieces of evidence in your claim.

What to ask your doctor

I am making a DVA claim for PTSD. I experienced [brief description of event] during my service in [location/year]. Could you write a report linking my diagnosis to this event?
My psychiatrist has diagnosed me with PTSD. I need a medical report for DVA that explains the connection between my condition and my military service. Can you help with this?
I need a nexus report for my DVA claim. It should state your clinical opinion on whether my PTSD was caused by or contributed to by my military service.

Personal statement (your own words)

Start with your service background and the traumatic event(s). Then describe when symptoms began and how they progressed. Finally, explain the current impact on your daily life. Write in your own words — it does not need to be formal. Focus on specific examples rather than general statements. For instance, instead of "I have trouble sleeping," write "I wake up 3-4 times most nights from nightmares about the incident. On bad nights, I cannot get back to sleep and end up sitting in the lounge room until morning."

Suggested structure

The specific traumatic event(s) you experienced — date, location, what happened
When you first noticed symptoms (even if you did not recognise them as PTSD at the time)
How your symptoms affect your daily life — sleep, work, relationships, social activities
Any changes in behaviour noticed by family, friends, or colleagues
Treatment you have sought and how it has helped (or not)
How your functioning has changed compared to before the traumatic event(s)
Any impact on your ability to work or maintain employment

Common mistakes to avoid

✗Being too vague — "I saw bad things" is less helpful than describing specific events with dates and locations
✗Focusing only on the event and not enough on how it affects you now
✗Downplaying symptoms — many veterans minimise their difficulties out of habit. Be honest about your worst days
✗Not mentioning treatment history — include all the help you have sought, even if it did not work
✗Writing too formally — this is your personal account, not a legal document. Write as you would speak

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

Submitting a claim without a psychiatrist diagnosisGet a referral to a psychiatrist before lodging. Their report should include a formal DSM-5 diagnosis and clinical opinion on the service link.

Not identifying the specific traumatic event(s) linked to serviceIn your claim and personal statement, clearly describe the traumatic event(s) — when they happened, where, and what occurred. You do not need to provide every detail, but enough for DVA to identify the event.

Waiting too long to lodge — symptoms worsen and records become harder to obtainLodge sooner rather than later. You can also apply for NLHC to get treatment while your claim is being processed. If records are hard to find, explain this in your claim — DVA has access to Defence records and can help locate them.

Not mentioning all affected areas of life in the personal statementCover all areas: sleep, work, relationships, social life, daily tasks, mood, concentration. Be honest about the worst days as well as better days.

D2582 — Claim for Liability (VEA)Use this form to lodge your initial claim for PTSD. This is the primary form for establishing that your condition is linked to your service.

Form Guide DVA Forms

D9213 — Non-Liability Health Care — Mental HealthUse this form to get mental health treatment while your claim is being assessed. You do not need to prove the service link for NLHC for mental health conditions.

Form Guide DVA Forms

D2141 — Statement in Support of ClaimUse this form for buddy statements from fellow service members who can confirm the events you experienced.

Form Guide DVA Forms

D9287 — Diagnosis FormYour doctor completes this to confirm your diagnosis for DVA.

Form Guide DVA Forms

D2139 — Authority to Release InformationSign this to allow DVA to access your medical or service records directly.

Form Guide DVA Forms

Treatments DVA may cover

Psychiatrist and psychologist appointments covered by DVA
Medications for PTSD (e.g. antidepressants, prazosin for nightmares) covered by DVA
Trauma-focused therapy (e.g. Cognitive Processing Therapy, EMDR, Prolonged Exposure)
Open Arms counselling and group programs
Inpatient treatment programs if needed
Travel costs to attend approved treatment

Next steps to consider

Once your PTSD is accepted, continue with your treating specialist to manage your condition
Consider a Permanent Impairment (PI) claim once your condition has stabilised — your specialist will advise when this is appropriate
Check if you are eligible for Incapacity Payments if PTSD affects your ability to work (form D1360)
Consider claiming any related conditions that have developed (e.g. depression, anxiety, alcohol use disorder) — these may be accepted as secondary conditions
If you reach 60+ impairment points under MRCA, you may be eligible for a Gold Card covering all health conditions. 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.

After DVA accepts your PTSD 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 PTSD affects your ability to manage everyday tasks such as sleeping, concentrating, shopping, cooking, or leaving the house.

Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares
Trouble concentrating on everyday tasks
Avoiding crowded places or public transport
Difficulty managing personal care on bad days

Work and employmentDVA may ask whether PTSD affects your ability to work, including maintaining employment, managing workplace relationships, or handling work demands.

Reduced work hours or inability to maintain full-time employment
Difficulty managing workplace stress or conflict
Needing time off for treatment appointments

Learn more

Relationships and social lifeDVA may ask about the impact on your relationships with family, friends, and your broader social life.

Withdrawal from family or social activities
Difficulty maintaining close relationships
Irritability or emotional numbness affecting those around you

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
Travel to treatment appointments
Open Arms counselling or group programs

Home and transportDVA may ask whether your condition affects your ability to manage your home or get around.

Difficulty driving due to hypervigilance or anxiety
Needing help with household tasks on difficult days

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.

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

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

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