Adjustment disorder is a psychological response to a significant life stressor that impairs daily functioning. In veterans, it is commonly triggered by discharge from the ADF, operational events, postings decisions, or workplace trauma. It is claimable through DVA when the causative stressor is service-related.
Adjustment disorder can resolve over time or develop into a more persistent condition like depression or PTSD. If your adjustment disorder has persisted or evolved, both the original diagnosis and the subsequent condition may be claimable.
Why Adjustment Disorder is common in the ADF
The ADF creates specific stressors that commonly cause adjustment disorder: compulsory discharge following medical problems, unexpected postings, role changes, and the significant transition challenges that come with leaving military service. These are recognised stressors in the relevant Statement of Principles.
Medical access
Provisional Access to Medical Treatment (PAMT)
Adjustment Disorder is not currently on the PAMT list. However, if your Adjustment Disorder is related to a mental health condition, you may be eligible for Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC) — which provides funded mental health treatment without a liability determination. Speak to your GP about a DVA mental health referral.
Statement of Principles — in plain English
DVA assesses your claim against a Statement of Principles (SoP). Here are the key factors that most commonly apply to Adjustment Disorder claims, translated from the legal language.
Experiencing a significant psychosocial stressor during or as a direct result of service
Stressor of sufficient severity to cause significant impairment, within 3 months before onset
Conditions that commonly develop alongside
Veterans with Adjustment Disorder often develop related conditions that may also be claimable. These are worth assessing at the same time as your primary claim.
What to expect for impairment points
Adjustment disorder is assessed for impairment under GARP M. By definition, adjustment disorder resolves with time or as the stressor is removed. If the condition has become chronic or evolved into depression, the impairment assessment will reflect the current clinical picture.
Use the DVA PI Points CalculatorWhat a strong Adjustment Disorder claim looks like
Clinical diagnosis from a psychologist or psychiatrist
Documentation of the specific causative stressor and its connection to service
Evidence of functional impairment: treatment records, work records, GP notes
DVA currently takes 3–6 months to decide most initial liability claims. Complex or multi-condition claims can take longer. Lodging a complete, decision-ready claim upfront reduces back-and-forth.
Processing times guideCommon questions about Adjustment Disorder claims
Ready to claim Adjustment Disorder?
Book a free consultation and we'll walk you through whether your condition meets the SoP factors, what evidence you need, and how to build a decision-ready claim.
Book a free consultationRelated conditions