Sprain and Strain

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: Sprain or Strain InjurySprain and strain covers injuries where a ligament is stretched or torn (sprain) or a muscle or tendon is stretched or torn (strain). These injuries are very common among veterans due to physical training, lifting, running, jumping, and operational activities during service. This SoP covers sprains and strains in any part of the body. SoP 27 and 28 of 2020. Note: some body regions have their own dedicated SoP — for example, rotator cuff syndrome (shoulder), internal derangement of the knee, and joint instability each have separate SoPs with different factors. If your injury matches a dedicated condition, use that condition guide instead.

Provisional Access to Medical Treatment ()Sprain and strain is on the PAMT list. You may be able to get treatment while your claim is being assessed.

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

A sprain: experiencing a significant physical force applied to or through the affected joint at the time the injury occurred — examples include falls, collisions, lifting weights, running, jumping, stepping down from a height, throwing objects, and climbing
A strain: forceful stretching or high-intensity use of the affected muscle or tendon at the time the injury occurred — examples include lifting weights, push-ups, pull-ups, throwing objects, running, kicking, jumping, and climbing
Worsening of a sprain: experiencing a significant physical force applied to or through the affected joint at the time the condition worsened
Worsening of a strain: forceful stretching or high-intensity use of the affected muscle or tendon at the time the condition worsened
Not being able to get appropriate treatment for the sprain or strain before the condition worsened

Reference: SoP No. 27 of 2020 (Reasonable Hypothesis) / SoP No. 28 of 2020 (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 a specific physical force or activity during service — with clinical onset at the time of the event — 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 sprain or strain was caused by a specific physical force or activity 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

Clinical diagnosis of a sprain or strainA diagnosis from your GP, physiotherapist, or specialist confirming the type and location of the injury (e.g. "left ankle ligament sprain" or "right hamstring strain").How to get it: See your GP. Imaging (ultrasound or MRI) may be needed to confirm the grade of the injury.Estimated time: 1-3 weeks

Service records showing the incident or physical demandsDocumentation of the event that caused the injury — training accident, operational activity, physical training, or other service-related activity.How to get it: Request from Defence Archives: 1800 333 362. Allow 6-8 weeks. Check MyService first.Estimated time: 4-8 weeks

Medical nexus report linking the injury to serviceA written opinion from your doctor stating that your sprain or strain was caused or contributed to by a specific service activity or event.How to get it: Ask your treating doctor: "Can you provide a written statement linking my sprain/strain to the physical demands or incident during my military service?"Estimated time: 2-4 weeks

Personal statement describing the injury and its impactYour own written account of how the injury happened, the treatment you received, and how it has affected you since.How to get it: Write this yourself in plain language. Describe the event, your symptoms, and how the injury affects your daily life now.

Buddy or witness statementA statement from someone who witnessed the injury or can describe the physical demands of the activity that caused it.How to get it: Ask a former colleague. Form D2141 (Statement in Support of Claim) can be used.

Tips for this condition

Specify the exact body part and side (e.g. "right ankle sprain", "left hamstring strain") — DVA claims are specific to the affected body region
If the injury happened during a specific event (training accident, fall, lifting incident), describe that event clearly
If your injury matches a condition with its own dedicated SoP (such as rotator cuff syndrome, internal derangement of the knee, or joint instability), use that condition guide instead — it will have more specific evidence guidance
If you have injuries to multiple body parts from the same event, you can claim each separately

Medical nexus statement (from your doctor)

A medical opinion linking your sprain or strain to a specific service-related activity or event.

What to ask your doctor

I am making a DVA claim for a sprain/strain I suffered during service. The injury happened during [specific activity]. Could you write a report linking my injury to this event?

Personal statement (your own words)

Describe what happened, when, where, and how it has affected you. Be specific about the event and the body part.

Suggested structure

The specific event or activity that caused the injury
The body part and side affected
When the injury happened — date or approximate period
What force or activity was involved (lifting, running, fall, collision)
Treatment received at the time (sick parade, medical centre, hospital)
Whether the injury recurred or worsened during service
Current impact on your daily life and work

Common mistakes to avoid

✗Being vague about the injury event
✗Not specifying the exact body part and side
✗Not mentioning recurrence if the injury happened more than once

Mistakes veterans commonly make when claiming for Sprain or Strain Injury, and how to avoid them.

Claiming under "sprain and strain" when a more specific SoP appliesCheck whether your injury has its own dedicated condition guide (e.g. rotator cuff syndrome for shoulder injuries, internal derangement of the knee for certain knee injuries). If unsure, ask DVA or a free advocate.

Not specifying the exact body part and sideAlways state the specific body part and left/right side in your claim (e.g. "sprain of left ankle" not just "sprain").

Not describing the specific event or activity that caused the injuryDescribe exactly what happened: what activity, what force was applied, and when the pain started.

Treatments DVA may cover

Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
Pain management and anti-inflammatory medication
Bracing or supportive devices if needed
Surgical repair for complete tears (ligament reconstruction, tendon repair)
Graduated return-to-activity program

Next steps to consider

If your condition is permanent and stable, consider a Permanent Impairment claim
If you have injuries to multiple body parts, claim each separately
Consider claiming secondary conditions that may have developed due to the original injury (e.g. arthritis in the affected joint)
If the injury led to a chronic condition with its own SoP (e.g. osteoarthritis), consider claiming that as a secondary condition

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

Sprain and Strain

Required

Recommended

Ready to take the next step?