Thoracolumbar Spondylosis (Mid-Lower Back)

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: Mid-Back ConditionThoracolumbar spondylosis involves degenerative changes across the thoracic (mid-back) and lumbar (lower-back) spine. It is common in veterans who endured prolonged physical demands including load carrying, vehicle operations, and manual handling tasks.

Provisional Access to Medical Treatment ()This condition 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 Mid-Back Condition, DVA generally considers the following factors:

Carrying loads of at least 25 kilograms while on foot for at least 4 hours per day on at least 30 days within a 12-month period
Having a trauma to the thoracolumbar spine during service
Performing activities involving repeated thoracolumbar loading
Whole-body vibration exposure (e.g. armoured vehicle, helicopter operations)
Being obese for at least 10 years where obesity was contributed to by service conditions
Flying in high-performance aircraft

Reference: SoP No. 62 of 2019 (Reasonable Hypothesis) / SoP No. 63 of 2019 (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 carrying heavy loads, repetitive physical tasks, or sustaining a relevant spinal injury during service — with clinical onset 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 thoracolumbar spondylosis 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

Spinal imaging (X-ray, CT, or MRI)Imaging confirming degenerative changes in the thoracolumbar spine.How to get it: Ask your GP for a referral for spinal imaging.Estimated time: 1-3 weeks

Service records showing physical demandsDocumentation of your trade, postings, and physical activities during service.How to get it: Request from Defence.Estimated time: 4-8 weeks

Medical nexus reportA report linking your spinal condition to the physical demands of service.How to get it: Ask your treating doctor or specialist to write a report.Estimated time: 2-4 weeks

The evidence requirements and approach are very similar to lumbar spondylosis — follow the same strategies
If you have degeneration across multiple spinal regions (cervical, thoracic, lumbar), consider claiming each as a separate condition
Vehicle vibration exposure (APCs, trucks, helicopters) is a recognised SoP factor — document this if applicable

Medical nexus statement (from your doctor)

A medical opinion linking your thoracolumbar spondylosis to service activities.

What to ask your doctor

I need a medical report for my DVA claim linking my mid-to-lower back degeneration to my military service duties.

Personal statement (your own words)

Follow the same approach as for lumbar spondylosis — describe service demands, onset, and current impact.

Suggested structure

Your military trade and physical duties
Specific load-carrying, vehicle operations, or manual handling tasks
When back problems started
Current impact on daily life

Common mistakes to avoid

✗Not distinguishing between different spinal regions
✗Being vague about physical demands

Treatments DVA may cover

Physiotherapy
Pain management
Specialist consultations
Imaging and diagnostics
Surgery if indicated
Exercise physiology

Next steps to consider

Proceed to Permanent Impairment claim once stabilised
Claim related spinal and secondary conditions
Consider Incapacity Payments if the condition 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

Thoracolumbar Spondylosis (Mid-Lower Back)

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