DVA Mental Health Claim: How Veterans Can Access Treatment, Support and Compensation
Struggling with a DVA mental health claim or unsure where to begin? You’re not alone—many veterans face barriers when seeking support for conditions like PTSD, depression, or anxiety, uncertain of what help is available or how to access it. Under the MRCA, veterans can receive treatment, compensation, and counselling through structured DVA-funded pathways that don’t need to feel overwhelming. Let’s break down what you need to know to get the support, care, and recognition you deserve.
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What Is a DVA Mental Health Claim?
A DVA mental health claim allows current and former ADF members to access fully funded treatment—and in some cases, compensation—for mental health conditions. Support is available through two key pathways under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA): Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC) and Permanent Impairment compensation.
Each pathway meets different needs—one provides immediate access to treatment, while the other recognises long-term impacts with financial support.
Understanding Non-Liability Health Care
NLHC gives eligible veterans access to fully funded mental health treatment, without needing to prove that their condition was caused by service.
To qualify, you must have completed at least one day of Continuous Full-Time Service (CFTS) in the ADF. Once approved, your treatment is covered through the Veteran White Card—you’ll never be asked to pay for care related to your mental health, for as long as it’s needed.
Covered conditions include:
Depression
Anxiety disorders
Substance use disorders
Other clinically recognised mental health conditions
Services under NLHC may include:
Appointments with GPs, psychologists and psychiatrists
Counselling and therapy
Medication prescribed to treat mental health conditions
Inpatient or hospital-based mental health care
Before starting treatment, it’s important to:
Get a referral from your GP (you cannot self-refer)
Check that your chosen provider accepts the Veteran White Card as payment
If you already hold a DVA Gold Card, you’re automatically eligible for mental health treatment, with no need for additional approvals.
For a deeper look at your care options, visit our guide to Veterans Mental Health Services.
When a Permanent Impairment Claim Applies
If your mental health condition has been accepted by DVA as service-related and continues to impact your daily life, you may be eligible for Permanent Impairment compensation. This claim is about recognising the longer-term effects of your condition.
To qualify, you must:
Have your condition formally accepted by DVA
Be assessed as having at least 10 impairment points under MRCA
Undergo a psychiatric assessment conducted by a psychiatrist (not a GP or psychologist)
Compensation may be provided as:
A lump sum—to cover significant costs or life changes
Periodic payments—for ongoing financial stability
Veterans often begin with NLHC for treatment, then progress to a compensation claim if their condition becomes more disabling over time. No matter your path, preparing your claim with the right medical evidence improves your chance of a smooth and successful outcome.
Open Arms: Support Without the Paperwork
For those who want to speak to someone right away—or who are unsure about making a claim—Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling is a confidential, peer-informed service that’s free for all veterans and their families.
No diagnosis, referral, or DVA claim is needed. Open Arms offers short-term counselling, support during transitions, and help preparing for treatment or claims if you’re not quite ready to begin the DVA process.
To explore more options and understand how treatment fits into your broader claim strategy, visit our guide to Veteran's Psychology and Mental Health Services. With the right guidance, you don’t have to walk the path alone.
Understanding DVA Claims & Eligibility
Getting a DVA mental health claim right from the start means understanding your options under MRCA. Here’s how NLHC and Permanent Impairment claims differ and what you need to qualify.
Non-Liability Health Care: Early Access to Treatment
NLHC is often the first step for veterans seeking mental health support. If you’ve served one day or more in Continuous Full-Time Service, you’re eligible.
This program doesn’t require a service connection for your condition and allows access to:
Therapy with a psychologist or psychiatrist
Prescribed medication for mental health conditions
Short-term or hospital-based care
Treatment begins with a GP referral, who will assess your needs and refer you to an appropriate DVA-approved provider.
Permanent Impairment Compensation: When Conditions Have a Lasting Effect
A Permanent Impairment claim applies if your condition is:
Service-related
Has been formally accepted by DVA
Has caused at least 10 impairment points
Compensation can be paid as a lump sum or ongoing income. The assessment must come from a psychiatrist, not a psychologist or GP, and include a medical report that DVA uses to calculate impairment points.
Why Professional Support Matters
Submitting a DVA mental health claim is more than just ticking boxes—it’s a process that requires strategy, evidence, and precision from the outset. Without the right foundation, claims may face:
Delays due to missing or unclear documentation
Rejection from incorrect eligibility assumptions
Unnecessary stress from needing to appeal or re-lodge forms
Engaging professionals who understand the DVA system can make a real difference. A knowledgeable advocate can:
Help gather clear medical evidence that meets DVA’s requirements
Ensure all forms are completed accurately and submitted in the correct sequence.
Structure your claim to reflect your condition clearly, using language and formats that DVA assessors expect
Anticipate common errors that cause delays or confusion
Advise on what supporting documents matter most for your case
Understanding your eligibility and preparing your documentation thoroughly are the first steps toward securing the care and compensation you’re entitled to. With the right guidance, you’ll avoid common setbacks and approach your claim with clarity and confidence.
Common Challenges Veterans Face with DVA Claims
Lodging a DVA mental health claim can be complex—especially when managing symptoms at the same time. These are the most common challenges veterans encounter, and how to navigate them more confidently.
Delays in Processing
Non-Liability Health Care approvals for mental health treatment are typically processed quickly.
Permanent Impairment claims, however, can take much longer—anywhere from 6 to 9 months to 1.5 to 2 years, depending on complexity.
One major bottleneck is delegate assignment, which can take up to 4 months before your file is reviewed.
Providing accurate, complete documentation from the beginning can help prevent delays.
Learn more in our guide DVA Claims Timeframe.
White Card Mental Health Confusion
Many veterans are unsure if their White Card covers mental health treatment.
If your card was issued under NLHC, it should include treatment for all mental health conditions, even if the condition hasn’t been formally accepted by DVA.
However, not all White Cards include mental health coverage, so it’s important to check.
How to check your White Card coverage:
Go to ‘Your card’.
Click ‘View card details’.
Click ‘Conditions listed’.
Look for one of the following:
‘All mental health conditions – treatment only’
A specific condition listed with ‘Treatment Only’ or ‘Treatment’
Before booking an appointment, confirm that your provider accepts Veteran Cards for payment.
How Veterans First Consulting Helps You Get It Right
This is where professional help truly pays off. At Veterans First Consulting, we guide veterans through each part of the DVA claims process—ensuring you meet eligibility criteria, submit the correct forms at the right time, and present your medical evidence clearly.
We help reduce:
Delays from missing or incorrect paperwork
Stress from navigating confusing forms
The chance of needing to appeal due to preventable errors
Helping veterans prepare strong, evidence-backed claims makes the process more efficient and far less frustrating. You served your country—we’re here to serve you with advocacy that puts your wellbeing first.
How to Start Your DVA Mental Health Claim
Starting a DVA mental health claim might feel like a big step—but it doesn’t have to be a confusing one. Whether you're seeking treatment under Non-Liability Health Care or looking to pursue a Permanent Impairment claim, following the right process from the start will save you time, reduce stress and increase the likelihood of a positive outcome.
This section walks you through the key steps to lodge your claim and explains the forms, referrals and assessments that make up the journey.
Step 1: Get a GP Referral
Every DVA-funded mental health treatment plan begins with your GP. A referral from your GP is mandatory—not optional—and is your entry point into accessing services under NLHC or for an accepted condition. Your GP will also help identify whether a further psychiatric assessment is needed, especially if you're preparing a claim for compensation.
Step 2: Book a Psychiatric Assessment
A formal psychiatric assessment is required if you're pursuing a Permanent Impairment claim. This must be completed by a psychiatrist, not a psychologist or GP, in line with MRCA regulations. The resulting report will confirm your diagnosis and provide clinical evidence that DVA uses to assess your condition and determine your impairment rating.
This assessment plays a vital role in the outcome of your claim, so it’s important to ensure the proper medical professional completes it and includes all relevant details.
Step 3: Submit Your Claim Through MyService or by Paper Form
Once you have your supporting documents—including your psychiatric report and any other medical evidence—you can submit your claim via MyService (DVA’s online portal) or by using a paper form.
If you’re progressing to a Permanent Impairment claim, you’ll also need to complete the D1360 form—the official DVA Permanent Impairment Assessment form. This form must be completed only after DVA formally accepts your condition. Submitting it too early can lead to automatic rejection or delays.
To understand exactly what this form involves and how it fits into the overall claims process, refer to our breakdown of the DVA Permanent Impairment Assessment form.
Take Control of Your DVA Mental Health Claim Today
Navigating a DVA mental health claim can be challenging, but with the right support, you can access fully funded treatment through Non-Liability Health Care or seek compensation for long-term impacts via a Permanent Impairment claim. From eligibility to documentation, expert guidance helps ensure your claim is accurate, timely and strategically prepared—so you can focus on your recovery, not the red tape. Don’t leave your mental health claim to chance—start your claim today and get the support you need to secure the care and compensation you deserve.
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