Knee injuries are among the most common musculoskeletal conditions in ADF veterans, caused by the demands of load carriage, running, parachuting, and physically demanding training. The DVA SoP covers a range of knee pathologies, from internal derangement of the knee (IDK) to meniscal tears, ligament injuries, and patellofemoral disorders.
Each distinct knee pathology can be claimed separately. A veteran with ACL reconstruction history, meniscal tears, and patellofemoral syndrome following years of ADF service may have three or more separate claimable knee conditions.
Why Knee Injuries is common in the ADF
Repeated running on hard surfaces, load carriage, parachuting, physical contact training, and occupational accidents all place significant stress on the knee joint. ADF training culture has historically discouraged reporting minor injuries, meaning many veterans accumulated significant knee pathology that was never formally documented during service.
Medical access
Provisional Access to Medical Treatment (PAMT)
Knee Injuries is on the PAMT list. This means you can access funded medical treatment while your DVA claim is being assessed — you do not need to wait for a liability decision to start treatment.
Physiotherapy and knee rehabilitation programs
Orthopaedic specialist consultations
Imaging (MRI) as clinically indicated
Hydrotherapy
Deadline: PAMT applications for Knee Injuries must be lodged by 30 June 2026. After this date, PAMT will no longer be available as the VETS Act takes effect. Do not wait.
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 Knee Injuries claims, translated from the legal language.
Trauma to the knee during service activities
Physical trauma to the knee joint, not necessarily formally recorded at the time
Cumulative physical loading of the knee: running, load carriage
At least 1,000 hours of qualifying physical activity within a 10-year period for osteoarthritic change
Parachuting with compressive loading on the knee joint
At least 20 descents carrying qualifying equipment weights
Conditions that commonly develop alongside
Veterans with Knee Injuries 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
Knee impairment is assessed based on range of motion, stability, meniscal integrity, and functional limitation. Each distinct knee pathology (e.g., medial meniscal tear vs. ACL laxity vs. patellofemoral syndrome) is assessed separately and contributes to the combined impairment score.
Use the DVA PI Points CalculatorWhat a strong Knee Injuries claim looks like
MRI of the knee confirming specific pathologies
Orthopaedic specialist report assessing each identified condition
Service records and statutory declaration establishing the physical demands and any acute injuries
Surgical records if knee surgery has been performed
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 Knee Injuries claims
Ready to claim Knee Injuries?
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