Improving wellbeing through increased access to treatment
An audiologist (hearing medical doctor) inspects an elderly woman's ear with an otoscope


The Government is prioritising the health and wellbeing of the veteran community with a commitment to providing more effective and efficient support to veterans and families of veterans. An investment of $739.2 million over 4 years will improve treatment and rehabilitation for veterans to reduce the impact of injury and improve their lifetime wellbeing.

Consistent with the findings of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, DVA will have a greater focus on early intervention and prevention, recognising that fostering wellbeing is one impor­tant protective factor against suicide. DVA will be working closely with the Department of Defence to identify risks earlier and act sooner, including by using insights from claims deci­sion making to support Defence’s proactive approaches. 

Modern clinical evidence shows that early access to the right care helps to: 

  • improve daily functioning
  • prevent conditions from worsening
  • reduce long term impairment
  • support mental health
  • strengthen long term wellbeing and quality of life. 

As part of this work, DVA is also working more closely with Defence on strengthening preventative approaches to reduce injuries while serving and, once a medical condi­tion is accepted as service-related, providing veterans with access to modern, evidence-based care. 

We’re funding effective and inno­vative treatments for veterans, prescribed by registered medical practitioners. This includes options such as medicinal cannabis, for which we have released a new framework, as well as world-leading treatments like MDMA for PTSD and psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression, with appropriate safe­guards in place to ensure safety and clinical oversight (for more see page 10 of this newspaper).

Early assessment and treatment for tinnitus 

Hearing conditions such as hearing loss and tinnitus often develop gradually. With early assessment and timely treatment, the impact of symptoms can often be reduced and the progression of the condition better managed. That’s why DVA is improving access to treatment to support earlier assessment and evidence-based care, so veterans with tinnitus can receive support that helps them manage symptoms and improve quality of life. 

Established, clinically tested tinnitus treatments are focused on helping people live well with the condition by reducing its impact on daily life. They support people to better manage symptoms, build effective coping strategies and continue everyday activities with greater comfort and confidence. They use practical, evidence-based approaches such as habituation, and improving sleep, concentration and emotional wellbeing. 

DVA will also provide access to new and emerging treatments as clinical practice continues to evolve, ensuring veterans benefit from advances that improve quality of life. 

To support improved access to treatment, DVA will refer veterans with an undetermined Permanent Impairment (PI) claim to Hearing Australia for a fully funded hearing assessment and any clinically necessary treatment. This helps ensure veterans can access timely, clinically appropriate care while their condition is being assessed. 

When considering a PI claim, and whether a veteran’s impairment is likely to continue indefinitely under Section 73 of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA), the Department must consider: 

  • the duration of the impairment
  • the likelihood of improvement in the service-related condition, and
  • whether all reasonable rehabilitative treatment has been undertaken. 

To ensure veterans receive the best possible care, relevant information will be shared with Hearing Australia at the time of referral. Following completion of its assessment and initial treatment, Hearing Australia will provide a report to DVA – and to Defence where the veteran is still serving – outlining levels of impairment and recommendations for any future treatment. 

Hearing Australia is the largest provider of Australian Government-funded hearing services, delivering specialist expert ise, advice, assessment and treatment nationwide. This arrangement supports DVA’s PI claim assessment while ensuring veterans receive timely, evidence-based treatment for their condition. 

Accessing assessment and treatment for tinnitus does not affect a veteran’s access to other DVA supports or entitlements, which continue as usual while treatment is underway.