Average DVA Payout for Depression (2026)

Using 1 July 2026 rates, service-related major depressive disorder can attract about $25,000 to $300,000+ in permanent impairment compensation under the MRCA. Depression is assessed under the same GARP M Chapter 4 tables as PTSD, using the same eight-table method. Severe depression with high lifestyle impact produces payouts comparable to moderate-severe PTSD.

Depression is also one of the most underdiagnosed conditions among veterans. DVA’s veteran treatment population is projected to grow from 283,907 in June 2023 to 339,500 by 2032. Since September 2025, DVA accepts depression diagnoses from treating GPs and clinical psychologists, not just psychiatrists. If you have at least one day of full-time ADF service, you can access free mental health treatment under NLHC immediately, without waiting for a claim.

How DVA assesses depression impairment

Depression is assessed under GARP M Chapter 4 (Emotional and Behavioural), the same chapter as PTSD. The rating adds together subjective distress (Table 4.1), manifest distress (Table 4.2) and the three highest ratings from six tables covering functional effects, occupation, domestic situation, social interaction, leisure activities and current therapy (Tables 4.3 to 4.8).

What each level is worth

Approximate lump sum ranges for depression as a standalone condition. Estimates use the 1 July 2026 maximum weekly rate of $447.39, the lifestyle rating our PI calculator assumes for each points level, and ages 55 (low end) to 35 (high end). Older veterans get a smaller lump sum for the same rating.

The SoP factors for depression

DVA uses the Statement of Principles for depressive disorder to assess service connection. The most common factors for ADF veterans:

• Experiencing a category 1A or 1B stressor within the 20 years before clinical onset. The same stressor categories as PTSD — combat exposure, traumatic events, sexual assault, and severe physical abuse.
• Having severe and permanent tinnitus at the time of clinical onset. The SoP explicitly recognises that persistent, severe tinnitus can cause or worsen depression.
• Having persistent pain of at least three months duration. Chronic pain from musculoskeletal conditions (back, knees, shoulders) is a recognised pathway to depression under the SoP.
• Having a medical condition where the signs or symptoms of depression are directly related to the pathological process.
• Social isolation, relationship breakdown, and loss of role identity following transition from the ADF are also covered by specific SoP factors related to psychosocial stressors.

Depression claimed alongside other conditions

Depression rarely stands alone. Common comorbid patterns include:

• Depression plus PTSD. If diagnosed separately, each can be claimed. For permanent impairment, though, GARP M 2026 gives one rating for all accepted psychiatric conditions together, so the two share a single Chapter 4 rating rather than combining.
• Depression plus chronic pain conditions. Back injuries, knee injuries, and other musculoskeletal conditions that cause persistent pain often trigger or worsen depression. The physical conditions are claimed under their own SoPs, and the depression is claimed with the persistent pain SoP factor.
• Depression plus tinnitus. Severe and permanent tinnitus is a standalone SoP factor for depression. If your tinnitus is accepted and your depression developed alongside it, claim both.

Claiming every diagnosable condition matters. Physical conditions add their own impairment points to your combined score, while psychiatric conditions share one rating that should reflect all your symptoms. The combined score determines your total compensation and whether you reach the thresholds for Gold Card (60 points) and SRDP eligibility (50 points).

Where veterans lose points

• Not getting a proper diagnosis. Depression needs a DSM-5 diagnosis from a psychiatrist, or from a treating GP or treating clinical psychologist, for a DVA liability claim. A note of “low mood” or “situational depression” is not sufficient.
• Confusing depression with PTSD. Some veterans have both. Some have one but not the other. A good psychiatrist will differentiate. If you only claim PTSD when you also have a separately diagnosable depressive disorder, the depression is not accepted, and its effects can be discounted from your psychiatric rating as a non-accepted condition.
• Not linking depression to physical conditions. The persistent pain SoP factor creates a direct pathway from your accepted physical injuries to a depression claim. Make sure this link is clearly established in the medical evidence.
• Waiting for it to “get bad enough.” Depression is claimable at any severity once it meets the diagnostic criteria. Claiming early means earlier access to treatment and compensation.

What to do next

If you’re dealing with depression and you served in the ADF, start with NLHC. You can access free mental health treatment today without lodging a compensation claim. Then, if your condition is linked to your service, lodge a claim.

Frequently asked questions

Can I claim depression if I was never deployed?

Yes. Deployment is not required. The SoP factors include workplace stressors, persistent pain from training injuries, severe tinnitus, and psychosocial stressors related to ADF service. Depression linked to any of these is claimable regardless of whether you deployed.

Is depression assessed differently from PTSD?

No. Both are assessed under GARP M Chapter 4 using the same tables, and if you have both accepted they are rated together as one. The impairment rating method is identical. The only difference is in the liability stage, where each condition has its own SoP with different factors.

What if I already have PTSD accepted and I also have depression?

Claim the depression separately. If your psychiatrist confirms both as distinct diagnoses, each can be accepted. For permanent impairment they are rated together in one Chapter 4 rating, so the depression will not add a separate block of points, but having it accepted means its effects count in that rating rather than being treated as a non-accepted condition.

Can I claim depression caused by chronic pain?

Yes. The SoP for depressive disorder includes a specific factor for persistent pain of at least three months duration. If your accepted musculoskeletal conditions cause chronic pain and your depression developed in that context, the SoP factor is likely satisfied.

Does NLHC cover depression treatment even if I don’t claim?

Yes. With at least one day of full-time ADF service, you can access free treatment for any mental health condition under NLHC. This includes GP visits, psychiatry, psychology, and medication. No claim required.