DVA Remedial Massage: What Every Veteran Needs to Know About Accessing Treatment and Entitlements
Not sure if DVA remedial massage is covered under your card? You’re not alone—many veterans assume massage therapy is automatically included in their health services when, in fact, it’s only funded under specific conditions. According to the DVA’s Alternative Therapies policy, massage is not financed as a standalone treatment. Still, it may be included when delivered by a physiotherapist, chiropractor, or osteopath as part of an approved allied health plan. If you’re navigating DVA claims or exploring alternative therapies for chronic pain or injury, knowing the rules can save time, money, and stress. Let’s break down what you need to know about accessing the support you’ve earned.
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When Is Remedial Massage Covered by DVA?
Remedial massage can support recovery for veterans living with service-related pain or injury—but only when it’s accessed through the proper DVA-approved channels. Unlike private health cover, DVA has strict criteria for when massage is funded.
Under current policy, DVA only funds remedial massage when:
It is delivered during a consultation by a physiotherapist, chiropractor, or osteopath;
It is linked to an accepted service-related condition;
It forms part of a GP-referred treatment cycle.
This means you can’t book a private massage and expect to be reimbursed. Your GP must assess clinical needs, and an eligible allied health professional must deliver the treatment under a DVA-recognised session. The number of sessions is limited and reviewed regularly.
If you're unsure how allied health billing works under DVA, our guide to physiotherapy fees clearly outlines the steps, helping you avoid surprises at your next appointment.
The DVA Process for Allied Health
Massage therapy must be accessed through the DVA’s structured allied health model. Following this process helps avoid claim rejections and ensures your treatment is eligible for funding.
Step 1: Get a GP Referral
A GP referral is essential. It confirms that the treatment is clinically necessary and ties the request to an accepted service-related condition. It must also name the provider (physiotherapist, chiropractor or osteopath) delivering the care.
Step 2: Follow the Treatment Cycle
Each referral allows for up to 12 sessions or one year, whichever comes first. This cycle ensures your recovery stays on track and that your provider regularly updates your GP. If you hold a White Card, massage will only be funded when it treats an accepted condition.
Step 3: Ongoing Communication and Approvals
For ongoing care or high-cost services, your provider must seek prior DVA approval. Without this, claims beyond the referral cycle may not be paid.
Need clarity on your White Card? Our Veteran White Card guide breaks down exactly what’s covered and how it differs from Gold Card access.
What Veterans Should Know About Eligibility and Misconceptions
To access DVA remedial massage, you must have either:
A DVA Gold Card, which provides broader health coverage once you've reached 60 MRCA impairment points;
Or a White Card, which covers only your accepted service-related conditions.
Many veterans assume remedial massage is funded like Medicare or private insurance. It's not. You must follow the DVA process with a GP referral and treatment delivered by an eligible allied health provider—otherwise, you may be left with the bill.
Also, remember that MRCA uses impairment points, not percentages, to assess eligibility. A minimum of 10 points is required to qualify for permanent impairment compensation.
Unsure where you stand? See our guide on DVA Gold Card points to understand how eligibility is calculated.
Common Roadblocks Veterans Face When Seeking Allied Health Support
Claims can be delayed or denied even when you meet the eligibility criteria due to paperwork issues or policy misunderstandings. At Veterans First Consulting, we see these patterns often.
Missing or incomplete GP referrals can block your ability to start or continue treatment.
Treatment delivered outside a referral or after 12 sessions without new approval won’t be reimbursed.
Miscommunication between providers and DVA can result in funding gaps or claim errors.
These minor errors add up—especially when navigating other parts of the claims process. That’s why getting expert help early often prevents rework and delays down the line.
Support Beyond Massage—What Other Health Services Are Available?
Remedial massage is just one part of the care available to eligible veterans. DVA also funds a range of allied health services that can be integrated into a coordinated recovery plan.
These include:
Exercise physiology to support rehab and physical conditioning;
Physiotherapy to relieve pain, restore movement and aid recovery;
Podiatry for foot and lower limb health—particularly after long deployments;
Psychology for PTSD, depression or substance use, where accepted under DVA mental health support.
Each of these services requires a GP referral and operates under the 12-session treatment cycle. Veterans often see better outcomes when services are bundled together under a shared care plan. This ensures consistent communication, fewer missed steps and more holistic support.
If you're considering a broader plan that includes physical rehabilitation, our DVA exercise physiology guide is a smart place to begin.
Take Control of Your DVA Remedial Massage Entitlements
DVA does not cover standalone remedial massage. To be eligible, the treatment must be part of a GP-referred plan and delivered during a consultation with a physiotherapist, chiropractor, or osteopath for an accepted service-related condition. Missing paperwork or seeing an unapproved provider can lead to claim rejections. At Veterans First Consulting, we simplify the process—ensuring your claim is accurate, complete, and set up for success. Confused about what’s covered under your DVA card? Start Your Claim Today with Veterans First Consulting—your trusted partner in securing the benefits you’ve earned.
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