Labral tears of the hip (acetabular labrum) and shoulder (glenoid labrum) are claimable through DVA when caused by service-related trauma or physical demands. They are often associated with other joint pathology and can be claimed alongside the primary joint condition.
Why Labral Tear is common in the ADF
Physical training, combat activities, and occupational trauma during service are the primary causes of labral tears. Hip labral tears are particularly common in veterans who performed repetitive hip flexion movements or sustained hip trauma.
Medical access
Provisional Access to Medical Treatment (PAMT)
Labral Tear 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 rehabilitation
Orthopaedic specialist consultations
Imaging (MRI arthrogram) as clinically indicated
Deadline: PAMT applications for Labral Tear 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 Labral Tear claims, translated from the legal language.
Trauma to the affected joint during service
Physical trauma to the hip or shoulder during service activities
Repetitive loading of the affected joint
Qualifying repetitive loading meeting the physical activity thresholds in the SoP
Conditions that commonly develop alongside
Veterans with Labral Tear 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
Labral tear impairment is assessed based on joint pain, range of motion, and functional limitation. Surgical repair history and ongoing symptoms are relevant to the impairment assessment.
Use the DVA PI Points CalculatorWhat a strong Labral Tear claim looks like
MRI arthrogram confirming labral tear
Orthopaedic specialist report
Service records establishing trauma or physical demands
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 Labral Tear claims
Ready to claim Labral Tear?
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.
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