For veterans, brain injury can be a significant health concern, affecting multiple aspects of their physical, cognitive, and psychological wellbeing.
If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of a possible brain injury, we encourage you to reach out to your GP. Learn about the signs and symptoms of brain injury and see our factsheet on mild-traumatic brain injury, designed specifically for veterans who may be worried about their brain health.
We’ll fund assessment and investigations to help you get a diagnosis and treatment if you have a Veteran Card – All Conditions (commonly known as a Gold Card) or a Veteran Card – Specific Conditions (commonly known as a White Card) with a relevant accepted condition.
If your symptoms relate to mental health, veterans holding a Veteran Card - Specific Conditions (Non-Liability Mental Health Care) can access support through Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC) for Mental Health. You do not need to prove your concerns were caused by service to access support through the NLHC.
DVA is currently working with the Department of Defence to establish a comprehensive brain injury program to improve prevention, early detection and treatment pathways for current and former ADF members with neurocognitive issues. This work is in response to recommendation 61 of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
DVA has also partnered with the University of New South Wales (UNSW) to strengthen understanding of the neurocognitive impacts of repetitive low-level blast overpressure exposure. As part of this rolling literature review of international research, DVA has published a baseline report and an addendum capturing the latest evidence. The research will help inform future policy in DVA and Defence.
Defence also recently announced a partnership with Monash University to better understand how low-level blast exposure during training may affect brain health over time. This research will inform safer training practices and help prevent injury.