Clear Path Veterans

Resources

Guides & Articles

Practical guides for Australian veterans navigating DVA claims, CSC superannuation, health cards, and the medical transition process.

Breaking7 April 2026

Ben Roberts-Smith: from Victoria Cross to war crime charges

Australia's most decorated living soldier was arrested at Sydney Airport and charged with five counts of war crime murder. A complete case timeline from 1978 to 2026.

Featured

VETS Act: What Changed for DVA Claims on 1 July 2026

The VETS Act took effect on 1 July 2026. All new DVA claims now go through the MRCA. Here’s what changed, what stayed the same, and what to do now.

DVA Compensation

Got Your DVA Permanent Impairment Decision? What to Check and What Comes Next

Part 5 of our DVA assessment series. How to check your permanent impairment determination, how and when to ask the Veterans' Review Board to look at it, and how to claim more if your conditions get worse.

10 November 20268 min read

DVA Compensation

DVA Permanent Impairment: Lump Sum or Weekly Payments?

Part 4 of our DVA assessment series. Once your rating is set, you have six months to decide whether to convert your weekly permanent impairment payment to a lump sum, and the choice cannot be undone. Here is how it works.

6 November 20268 min read

DVA Compensation

The DVA Lifestyle Rating: Which Option to Choose on the D2670

Part 3 of our DVA assessment series. The lifestyle rating changes your compensation alongside your impairment points. How it is scored, the three options on the D2670 form, and what happens if you leave it blank.

2 November 20267 min read

DVA Legislation

Butterworth Service Is Now Non-Warlike: What It Means for Your DVA Claims

Service at Butterworth, Malaysia, from 15 November 1970 to 31 December 1989 is now legally non-warlike service. What that changes for DVA claims, what it does not change, and what to do now.

29 October 20268 min read

DVA Compensation

Your DVA Impairment Assessment: What Happens and How to Prepare

Part 2 of our DVA assessment series. Who actually assesses your impairment, what your doctor is asked to record, how conditions that come and go are handled, and how to prepare so the assessment reflects your real life.

29 October 20268 min read

Advocacy

Four Corners' Defenceless: What It Means for Veterans Choosing Paid Help

Four Corners investigated for-profit businesses that market to veterans and bill DVA. What the program covered, what DVA and the Minister said, where regulation of paid advocates actually stands, and what to check before you sign with anyone.

25 October 20268 min read

DVA Compensation

Is Your Condition Ready for a DVA Permanent Impairment Claim?

Part 1 of our DVA assessment series. What permanent and stable actually mean, when DVA will assess your impairment, how interim payments work for mental health conditions, and the date your payments run from.

21 October 20268 min read

Advocacy

The Defence Heritage Bill: Can Parliament Stop the Sale of 67 Defence Sites?

Senator James Paterson has introduced a bill that would let either house of Parliament block the sale of individual Defence sites, including all three Victoria Barracks. Here is what it does, where the sell-off stands, and what it means for veterans.

15 October 20269 min read

DVA Mental Health

When Repat Doctors Called Traumatised Veterans 'Phony Cronies'

In 1963, Repatriation doctors publicly branded veterans on psychiatric pensions as malingerers and drunks. A 2023 study shows where that thinking came from, and why it still matters for mental health claims today.

12 October 202611 min read

Health & Entitlements

The DVA Tinnitus Treatment Program Explained

DVA's tinnitus pilot funds assessment and treatment through Hearing Australia for veterans under 60 with accepted tinnitus and a lodged MRCA permanent impairment claim.

6 October 20268 min read

Health & Entitlements

DVA Medicinal Cannabis Funding After the 31 August 2026 Deadline

DVA's medicinal cannabis grandfathering ended on 31 August 2026. What it means if your funded script has stopped, and the steps that get the funding back.

4 October 20268 min read

Health & Entitlements

The $5,000 DVA Allied Health Cap Has Been Scrapped

The proposed $5,000 annual cap on DVA-funded allied health will not go ahead. What was dropped, the provider fee increase that stays, and what is still unsettled about GP referrals.

2 October 20266 min read

guides

CSC Invalidity Pension and DVA Offsets Explained

Your CSC invalidity pension (DFRDB, MSBS, or ADF Cover) can significantly affect your DVA incapacity payments and SRDP. Here's how each scheme is treated.

11 June 20269 min read

guides

How to Use the DVA SRDP Calculator

The SRDP Calculator shows you your estimated weekly Special Rate Disability Pension after applying the PI, DCP, and CSC offsets. Here's how the waterfall works and what to enter.

9 June 20267 min read

guides

SRDP vs Incapacity Payments: Which Pays More?

SRDP pays up to $977.95/week tax-free for life. Incapacity pays more per week but stops at 67. Here's how to compare the two, and why the choice is permanent.

7 June 202610 min read

guides

How DVA Incapacity Payments Are Calculated

DVA incapacity payments replace lost earnings when a service injury prevents you from working. Here's how the formula works, including the 45-week rule and CSC offsets.

5 June 20269 min read

guides

How DVA Permanent Impairment Compensation Is Calculated

DVA permanent impairment compensation is a weekly amount set by your impairment points, lifestyle rating and type of service, which you can convert to a lump sum based on your age. Here's how the formula works under the MRCA.

3 June 20268 min read

Health & Entitlements

DVA Gold Card Concessions NT: Full List of Benefits

NT Gold Card concessions are among the most generous nationally — $1,200/yr electricity, $800/yr water. But you must register for the NT Concession Scheme first. The verified 2026 guide.

1 June 202611 min read

DVA Claims

Is DVA Compensation Taxable? A Plain-English Guide for Veterans

Most DVA compensation payments are tax-free. But not all of them, and tax-free does not always mean left off your tax return. This guide covers which payments are exempt from tax, which ones you still report, and how they affect Centrelink and family payments.

30 May 202611 min read

Health & Entitlements

DVA Gold Card Concessions ACT: Full List of Benefits

ACT's $800 energy/water rebate only applies to TPI, POW, and War Widow cardholders. But the rates rebate applies to all Gold Card holders. The complete verified 2026 guide.

28 May 202611 min read

Health & Entitlements

DVA Gold Card Concessions SA: Full List of Benefits

SA abolished its council rates concession in 2015 — it’s now a cash payment. Gold Card holders also get free or discounted transport and, with the right card markings, energy and water concessions. The verified 2026 guide.

26 May 202611 min read

Health & Entitlements

DVA Gold Card Concessions TAS: Full List of Benefits

Tasmania's electricity concession excludes Gold Card holders without a PCC — a significant gap. But TasWater is available to all Gold Card holders and ambulance is free for all residents. The verified 2026 guide.

24 May 202610 min read

Health & Entitlements

DVA Gold Card Concessions WA: Full List of Benefits

WA Gold Card holders get free public transport and an energy rebate, but water and rates require a State Concession Card. The complete verified 2026 guide.

22 May 202611 min read

Health & Entitlements

DVA Gold Card Concessions NSW: Full List of Benefits

NSW Gold Card holders are entitled to transport, registration, rates, energy, and more. Most veterans have never registered for all of them. The verified 2026 guide.

20 May 202611 min read

Health & Entitlements

DVA Gold Card Concessions VIC: Full List of Benefits

Victorian Gold Card holders get 17.5% off electricity year-round regardless of embossing — one of Australia’s most accessible energy concessions. The full verified 2026 guide.

18 May 202611 min read

DVA Claims

Can You Claim Type 2 Diabetes Secondary to PTSD With DVA?

The diabetes SoP has no direct mental health factor. But two indirect pathways connect accepted PTSD to Type 2 diabetes through inactivity and obesity. Here's how they work.

16 May 202612 min read

DVA Claims

Cervical Spondylosis Secondary to Obesity: DVA Secondary Claim

Cervical spondylosis can be claimed secondary to sustained obesity from an accepted service injury. The SoP requires BMI 30+ for 10 years. Here's the pathway and evidence.

14 May 202610 min read

DVA Claims

Peripheral Neuropathy Secondary to Diabetes: DVA Secondary Claim

If diabetes is your accepted DVA condition, peripheral neuropathy developing from it can be claimed as a secondary condition through a direct single-factor SoP link.

12 May 202610 min read

DVA Claims

Lumbar Spondylosis Secondary to Obesity: DVA Secondary Claim

If an accepted service injury led to weight gain and a BMI of 30+ sustained for 10 years, lumbar spondylosis can be claimed as a secondary condition. Here's the SoP factor.

10 May 202610 min read

DVA Claims

Can You Claim Plantar Fasciitis Secondary to a Service Injury With DVA?

If an accepted lower limb injury altered your gait or led to weight gain, plantar fasciitis may be claimable as a secondary condition. Two SoP pathways explained.

8 May 202610 min read

DVA Claims

Can You Claim Osteoarthritis Secondary to a Joint Injury With DVA?

If an accepted service injury involved significant trauma to a joint and you've developed osteoarthritis in that joint, the SoP pathway is well-established. Here's how it works.

6 May 202611 min read

DVA Claims

Can You Claim Depression Secondary to Hearing Loss With DVA?

There's no direct hearing loss factor in the depression SoP. But viable indirect pathways exist. Here's why the direct claim doesn't work and what does.

4 May 202611 min read

DVA Claims

Can You Claim Sleep Apnoea Secondary to Obesity With DVA?

If an accepted service injury reduced your mobility, your BMI rose to 30+, and you developed sleep apnoea, there's a direct SoP pathway. Here's how the obesity cascade works.

2 May 202610 min read

DVA Claims

Can You Claim Depression Secondary to Chronic Pain With DVA?

Chronic pain from accepted MSK conditions is a direct SoP pathway to depression. The factor applies to back injuries, knee conditions, shoulder injuries, and more.

30 April 202612 min read

DVA Claims

Alcohol Use Disorder Secondary to PTSD or Depression: DVA Claims

If PTSD or depression has contributed to problematic alcohol use, there's a direct SoP pathway. The factor explicitly lists PTSD, depression, and anxiety as qualifying conditions.

28 April 202611 min read

DVA Claims

Can You Claim Hypertension Secondary to PTSD With DVA?

The Hypertension SoP contains a direct mental health factor. Accepted PTSD, depression, or anxiety links to hypertension through a single SoP factor with no intermediate steps.

26 April 202612 min read

DVA Claims

Can You Claim GERD Secondary to NSAID Use With DVA?

NSAIDs taken for an accepted musculoskeletal condition can support a GERD claim, but the SoP only lists them as a factor for worsening reflux. Here’s how the medication pathway really works.

24 April 202611 min read

DVA Claims

Can I Claim DVA While Still Serving in the ADF?

Yes — you can lodge a DVA compensation claim before you discharge. Here's what you can claim, how MRCA applies to serving members, and why lodging early matters.

22 April 202614 min read

DVA Claims

Anxiety Secondary to Tinnitus: DVA Claims Explained

If your tinnitus is accepted by DVA and you've developed anxiety, there's a direct SoP pathway. Here's the factor, the evidence, and how it differs from the depression claim.

20 April 202613 min read

Health & Entitlements

DVA Gold Card Concessions QLD: Full List of Benefits

Queensland offers some of Australia's most valuable DVA Gold Card concessions. Transport, rates, utilities, registration and more, the full list, verified for 2026.

18 April 202610 min read

DVA Claims

Can You Claim Insomnia Secondary to PTSD with DVA?

Insomnia is one of the most common PTSD symptoms, and one of the most under-claimed DVA conditions. The SoP factor is clear. Here's how the claim works.

16 April 202614 min read

DVA Claims

Depression Secondary to Tinnitus: DVA Claims Explained

Tinnitus is DVA's most accepted condition. If you've developed depression alongside it, you may have a direct SoP pathway to claim it. Here's how it works.

14 April 202614 min read

DVA Claims

DVA Secondary Conditions: Claiming Conditions Caused by Service Injuries

If a DVA-accepted condition caused or worsened another condition, you may be able to claim it. How secondary DVA claims work, which SoP factors apply, and what evidence you need.

12 April 202616 min read

DVA Claims

The VETS Act: Complete Guide for Australian Veterans (2026)

The VETS Act took effect on 1 July 2026. What changed, what stayed the same, and what it means for your next claim. A plain-English guide from Clear Path Veterans.

11 April 202618 min read

DVA Legislation

DVA Presumptive Liability: What the VETS Act Changes for Claims

Since 1 July 2026, DVA can accept listed conditions without SoP factor matching if your diagnosis and service meet the criteria. Here’s how presumptive liability works.

7 April 202610 min read

DVA Compensation

DVA Incapacity Payments Explained: How They Work After the 2026 Changes

How DVA incapacity payments work, how they’re calculated, the 45-week rule, DRCA-to-MRCA transition, offsetting with super, and what changed on 1 July 2026.

6 April 202622 min read

DVA Legislation

SRDP Under the VETS Act: Special Rate Disability Pension Explained

The Special Rate Disability Pension has been open to DRCA veterans since 1 July 2026. No alone test. Here's who qualifies, what it pays, and how to get assessed.

5 April 202610 min read

DVA Mental Health

How to Claim DVA Compensation for Anxiety (Without a PTSD Diagnosis)

You don’t need a PTSD diagnosis to claim DVA compensation for anxiety. We explain the anxiety disorder SoP, stressor categories, and the 2025 diagnosis change.

3 April 202620 min read

DVA Claims

How to Claim DVA Compensation for Sleep Apnoea

Sleep apnoea is claimable through DVA but the connection to service is almost always indirect. We explain the SoP factors, the obesity chain connection, and what evidence you need.

1 April 202622 min read

DVA Compensation

Average DVA Payout for Lumbar Spondylosis (2026)

DVA lumbar spondylosis compensation ranges from $37,000 to $171,000+ depending on severity. Here's how it's assessed under GARP M and what affects your payout.

31 March 202614 min read

DVA Claims

DVA Aggravation Claims Explained: When Service Makes an Existing Condition Worse

Pre-existing condition worsened by ADF service? You can still claim through DVA. We explain aggravation claims, clinical worsening factors, and what evidence you need.

29 March 202620 min read

DVA Claims

What Are Statements of Principles and Why They Matter for Your DVA Claim

Statements of Principles determine whether DVA accepts your claim. We explain what SoPs are, how factors work, the two standards of proof, and how to use them.

27 March 202622 min read

DVA Legislation

How the VETS Act Affects DRCA Veterans from 1 July 2026

Since 1 July 2026, DRCA veterans can reach the Gold Card, SRDP and whole-of-person assessment through the MRCA, and VRB appeals have applied since April 2025. Here’s what changed and what to do.

26 March 202616 min read

DVA Claims

DVA Rehabilitation Programs Explained

DVA funds rehabilitation to help you return to work or manage your conditions. We explain what's covered, how it works, and when it matters for SRDP.

24 March 202610 min read

DVA Claims

DVA Household Services and Attendant Care Explained

DVA can pay for cleaning, gardening, personal care, and home help if your service conditions prevent you from doing it yourself. We explain how.

22 March 202610 min read

DVA Claims

DVA Travel Reimbursement: How to Claim Travel Costs

DVA reimburses travel to approved medical appointments. We explain who's eligible, what's covered, the rates, and how to claim.

19 March 202610 min read

Health Cards

DVA Dental Treatment: What's Covered and What's Not

DVA covers dental treatment in specific situations. We explain what the White Card and Gold Card cover, what the RPBS applies to, and what's on you.

17 March 202610 min read

DVA Legislation

Whole-of-Person Assessment: How DVA Impairment Changes Under the VETS Act

Since 1 July 2026, new DVA permanent impairment claims use GARP M's whole-of-person approach. The DRCA's per-condition threshold is gone. Here's how it works.

16 March 202613 min read

DVA Claims

DVA Glossary of Terms

SoP, GARP, CIS, SRDP, NLHC, VRB. DVA is full of acronyms and jargon that nobody explains. This glossary covers every term you'll encounter in the claims process.

14 March 202620 min read

DVA Claims

How to Claim DVA Compensation for Back Pain and Spinal Conditions

DVA doesn’t accept claims for “back pain.” It accepts thoracolumbar spondylosis, cervical spondylosis, and disc prolapse. Here’s exactly how the SoPs work and what evidence you need.

12 March 202622 min read

DVA Compensation

Average DVA Payout for Rotator Cuff Syndrome (2026)

DVA rotator cuff compensation ranges from $37,000 to $147,000+ depending on severity and shoulder function. Here's how it's assessed and what you can claim.

10 March 202614 min read

Advocacy

What Does a DVA Advocate Do? (2026)

A DVA advocate prepares, lodges, and manages your claim through the DVA system. We explain what they actually do, when you need one, and the difference it makes.

9 March 202618 min read

CSC Superannuation

How CSC, DVA, and Centrelink Work Together (2026)

CSC invalidity, DVA compensation, and Centrelink all pay different things. We explain what stacks, what offsets, and how to get the most from all three.

7 March 202620 min read

DVA Legislation

VETS Act: What Changed for DVA Claims on 1 July 2026

The VETS Act took effect on 1 July 2026. All new DVA claims now go through the MRCA. Here’s what changed, what stayed the same, and what to do now.

5 March 202620 min read

CSC Superannuation

Retrospective Medical Discharge Explained (2026)

Left the ADF without a medical discharge but your conditions should have qualified you? We explain the A-RETRO process for retrospective invalidity benefits.

4 March 202616 min read

CSC Superannuation

DFRDB vs MSBS vs ADF Cover Compared (2026)

Which military super scheme are you on? We compare DFRDB, MSBS, and ADF Cover, covering invalidity classifications, benefit structures, and what each means for you.

2 March 202618 min read

DVA Legislation

VETS Act Transition: Claims Lodged Before and After 1 July 2026

The VEA and DRCA closed to new claims on 1 July 2026. The deadline has passed. Here’s what it meant, what applies to claims now, and what to do next.

27 February 202622 min read

DVA Claims

DVA Advocate vs DIY: Should You Claim Alone?

Can you lodge a DVA claim yourself? Yes. Should you? We compare the DIY approach to using an advocate, covering success rates, common mistakes, and when it matters most.

25 February 202618 min read

DVA Claims

DVA Claims in 2026: The Real Numbers

103,074 claims on hand. 116 days on average for new MRCA claims. 4.55 conditions per claim. We break down DVA’s 2026 claims data and explain what it actually means for you.

22 February 202616 min read

DVA Health Cards

DVA Gold Card vs NLHC: What’s the Difference?

Gold Card covers everything. NLHC covers mental health without a claim. We explain what each provides, who qualifies, and when you need both.

20 February 202616 min read

DVA Claims

DVA Claims for Female Veterans (2026)

A practical guide for women who served in the ADF. We cover the conditions, SoP factors, and DVA entitlements most relevant to female veterans, including MST-related claims.

17 February 202620 min read

DVA Claims

How to Make a DVA Claim (2026)

Step-by-step guide to lodging a DVA claim. We cover which Act applies, what evidence you need, how SoPs work, and how to build a claim DVA can’t refuse.

15 February 202624 min read

DVA Compensation

Average DVA Payout for Back Injuries (2026)

Service-related back conditions can attract anything from $0 (below 10 points) to $180,000+ in permanent impairment compensation. Here is how DVA scores lumbar spondylosis, thoracic spondylosis, and disc conditions.

12 February 202615 min read

DVA Compensation

Average DVA Payout for Depression (2026)

Service-related depression can attract about $25,000 to $300,000+ in permanent impairment compensation. Here is how DVA scores depression, SoP factors, and how it interacts with other conditions.

10 February 202614 min read

DVA Compensation

Average DVA Payout for Knee Osteoarthritis (2026)

DVA knee osteoarthritis compensation ranges from $37,000 to $171,000+ depending on severity and whether both knees are affected. Here's how it works.

9 February 202614 min read

DVA Compensation

Average DVA Payout for Knee Injuries (2026)

Service-related knee conditions can attract anything from $0 (below 10 points) to $150,000+ in permanent impairment compensation. Here is how DVA scores knee injuries and what bilateral claims are worth.

7 February 202614 min read

DVA Compensation

Average DVA Payout for Hearing Loss (2026)

Service-related hearing loss can attract anything from $0 to $200,000+ in permanent impairment compensation. Here is how binaural hearing loss percentage converts to impairment points and what your claim could be worth.

5 February 202614 min read

DVA Legislation

Royal Commission into Veteran Suicide: What’s Actually Changed

The Royal Commission delivered 122 recommendations. The Government now agrees or agrees in principle to 113. By the end of 2025, 32 were implemented. Here’s what it means for your DVA claim right now.

31 January 202620 min read

DVA Appeals

How to Appeal a DVA Decision (2026)

Got a DVA claim rejected? We explain your appeal options step by step, including the VRB outreach process, time limits, and what changed from April 2025.

28 January 202622 min read

DVA Compensation

SRDP Explained: Special Rate Disability Pension Under MRCA (2026)

The Special Rate Disability Pension (SRDP) is the highest level of DVA income support for veterans who can’t work due to accepted conditions. We explain eligibility criteria, payment rates, offsetting rules, and what changed on 1 July 2026.

26 January 202618 min read

DVA Health Cards

DVA White Card Explained (2026)

What does the DVA White Card cover, who’s eligible, and how do you get one? We explain NLHC, accepted conditions, what’s covered, and the path to a Gold Card.

23 January 202616 min read

DVA Compensation

Average DVA Payout for Tinnitus in 2026

Tinnitus is one of the most commonly claimed conditions through DVA. On its own, tinnitus must reach 10 impairment points before DVA pays permanent impairment compensation, so for most veterans it pays as part of a combined rating with hearing loss. Here is exactly how DVA calculates your payout.

21 January 202614 min read

DVA Compensation

Average DVA Payout for Hearing Loss and Tinnitus (2026)

Most veterans with hearing loss and tinnitus receive $20,000 to $170,000+ in DVA compensation. Here's how it's calculated and what affects your payout.

20 January 202616 min read

DVA Claims

Paid DVA Advocates: What the Senate Inquiry Found

Commission-based DVA advocates now handle 18% of all claims. The Senate is investigating. We explain what’s happening and how to protect yourself.

18 January 202616 min read

DVA Compensation

DVA Permanent Impairment Points Explained (GARP M)

How DVA calculates your permanent impairment points and what they mean for your compensation. GARP M, lifestyle ratings, and the key thresholds that unlock Gold Card, SRDP, and more.

16 January 202614 min read

DVA Mental Health

How to Claim DVA Compensation for PTSD

Having a PTSD diagnosis and operational service is not enough. DVA assesses claims against a specific SoP that requires your stressors to fall into defined categories. Here is what you need to get it right.

13 January 202614 min read

DVA Claims

How Long Does a DVA Claim Take? Processing Times 2026

DVA claims are taking 116 to 193 days depending on which figure you read. Both numbers are real, they just measure different things. Here's what DVA's latest data actually means and how to avoid the delays.

11 January 202612 min read

DVA Health Cards

DVA Gold Card Eligibility: Who Qualifies Since 1 July 2026

The DVA Gold Card covers all clinically necessary medical treatment for any condition. Since 1 July 2026, DRCA veterans who never had access have their first pathway in.

8 January 202614 min read

DVA Legislation

DVA Acts Explained: MRCA, DRCA, VEA and What Changed on 1 July 2026

Australia's veteran compensation system runs across multiple Acts with different rules and entitlements. Since 1 July 2026, all new claims go through one Act. Here's what that means for you.

6 January 202618 min read

DVA Claims

PFAS Exposure and DVA Claims: What Veterans Need to Know

Served at a PFAS-contaminated Defence base? We explain the 28 affected sites, the health risks, and why claiming through DVA is harder than it should be.

3 January 202618 min read

CSC Superannuation

CSC Invalidity Classification Explained: Class A, Class B, and Class C

Your CSC invalidity classification determines whether you receive an ongoing pension and how much. The difference between Class A and Class B can be tens of thousands of dollars a year.

1 January 202615 min read

DVA Claims

How to Find a DVA Advocate in Australia (2026)

Free ESO volunteers, private firms, law firms. Here's how to find the right DVA advocate, what to ask before you sign anything, and the red flags that should send you elsewhere.

29 December 202518 min read

DVA Claims

DVA Advocates Near Me: Find Help in Your Area (2026)

Looking for a DVA advocate near you? Here's why location matters less than you think, how to find ESO advocates by state, and how to get the right local specialists for your claim.

27 December 202514 min read

DVA Compensation

Average DVA Payout for PTSD (2026)

DVA PTSD compensation can range from about $50,000 to $300,000+ depending on severity, age and comorbid conditions. Here's how it's calculated and what maximises your payout.

23 December 202516 min read