Average DVA Payout for Depression (2026)

Most veterans with service-related major depressive disorder receive between $25,000 and $280,000+ in permanent impairment compensation under the MRCA. Depression is assessed under the same GARP M psychiatric tables as PTSD, and the scoring follows the same six-area framework. Severe depression with high lifestyle impact produces payouts comparable to moderate-severe PTSD.

Depression is also one of the most underdiagnosed conditions among veterans. Many veterans live with symptoms for years without connecting them to their service or realising they’re claimable. 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 5 (Psychiatric Impairment), the same chapter as PTSD. The assessment looks at how your depression affects six functional areas: self-care, social and recreational activities, travel, social functioning, concentration and task completion, and employability.

What each level is worth

Approximate lump sum ranges for depression as a standalone condition:

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. The impairment points from each are combined, potentially producing a very high CIS.
• 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 because each adds impairment points to your combined score, and 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 psychiatric diagnosis. Depression needs to be diagnosed by a psychiatrist for a DVA liability claim. A GP diagnosis 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, you’re missing impairment points.
• 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 5 using the same six-area framework. 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 and each contributes impairment points. The combined CIS increases your total payout.

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.