DVA Psychiatric Assessment: Complete Guide for Veterans | 2025
If you’re an Australian veteran seeking compensation for a mental health condition related to your service, you’ll likely need a DVA psychiatric assessment. This comprehensive evaluation is a critical step in the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) claims process, providing the clinical evidence needed to support your application.
This guide explains what a DVA psychiatric assessment involves, what to expect during the process, and how to prepare for your appointment.
What is a DVA Psychiatric Assessment?
A DVA psychiatric assessment is a formal mental health evaluation conducted by a qualified psychiatrist. The purpose is to diagnose and document mental health conditions that may be related to your Australian Defence Force (ADF) service.
Unlike ongoing treatment, an assessment is a one-time evaluation designed to produce a detailed report for DVA. This report provides the clinical evidence DVA requires to determine your compensation claim.
The assessment evaluates conditions including:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Depression and depressive disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Adjustment disorders
- Alcohol and substance use disorders
- Other service-related mental health conditions
Key Fact: Research indicates that the estimated rate of PTSD among ex-serving ADF members is 17.7%, compared to 5.7% in the general Australian population. (Source: DVA, 2024)
Why is an Independent Assessment Required?
DVA requires psychiatric assessments to be conducted by an independent psychiatrist — meaning the assessing clinician should not be involved in your ongoing treatment. This independence ensures the evaluation is objective and free from any potential bias.
The assessing psychiatrist’s role is to:
- Conduct a thorough clinical evaluation
- Administer and analyse standardised psychometric testing
- Provide a diagnosis using DSM-5 criteria (as required by DVA)
- Document how your condition relates to your ADF service
- Prepare a comprehensive report meeting DVA requirements
What Happens During a DVA Psychiatric Assessment?
A DVA psychiatric assessment typically takes 2-3 hours depending on the complexity of your case and the number of conditions being evaluated. In addition, mandatory psychometric testing is administered and analysed as part of the assessment.
Clinical Interview
The psychiatrist will conduct a detailed clinical interview covering:
- Personal and family history: Background information relevant to your mental health.
- Service history: Your ADF service, deployments, roles, and any significant events.
- Symptom assessment: Current symptoms, when they started, and how they affect your daily life.
- Functional impact: How your condition affects work, relationships, and daily activities.
- Treatment history: Any previous mental health treatment or diagnoses.
Psychometric Testing
All DVA psychiatric assessments include mandatory psychometric testing. These are standardised questionnaires and measures that help quantify symptoms of conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Psychometric testing provides objective data that:
- Supports clinical findings with measurable evidence.
- Helps establish the severity of your condition.
- Strengthens the overall quality of your DVA report.
Types of DVA Psychiatric Reports
Depending on your claim, you may require one of several types of psychiatric reports:
Initial Liability Assessment
This report establishes whether your mental health condition is related to your ADF service. It provides the diagnosis and documents the connection between your condition and service-related events.
Permanent Impairment Assessment
This assessment evaluates the long-term impact of your condition on your daily functioning and work capacity. It focuses on functional impairment levels and is typically conducted once your condition has stabilised.
Veterans Review Board Report
If your initial claim was denied, a VRB report provides additional clinical evidence to support your appeal. This specialised report addresses the specific issues raised in the original decision.
How to Prepare for Your Assessment
Preparation can help ensure your assessment is thorough and accurate. Consider the following:
Documents to Gather
- Your DVA psychiatric report request letter
- Valid photo identification
- Service records (if available)
- Previous medical or psychological reports
- List of current medications
What to Reflect On
- Significant events during your service that may have affected your mental health
- When you first noticed symptoms
- How your symptoms affect your daily life, work, and relationships
- Any previous treatment you’ve received
Do I Need a Referral?
If DVA has requested a psychiatric assessment as part of your compensation claim, you do not need a GP referral. You can contact an independent psychiatric assessment provider directly to schedule your appointment.
Note: If you are seeking ongoing psychiatric treatment (rather than an assessment for a claim), a GP referral is typically required.
What Happens After the Assessment?
Following your assessment, the psychiatrist prepares a comprehensive report incorporating:
- Clinical findings from the interview
- Results from psychometric testing
- Diagnosis according to DSM-5 criteria
- Opinion on the relationship between your condition and ADF service
- Assessment of functional impairment (where applicable)
Reports are typically completed within approximately two weeks and submitted directly to DVA on your behalf.
Telehealth Assessments
DVA psychiatric assessments can be conducted via Telehealth, making them accessible to veterans throughout Australia and overseas. Telehealth assessments follow the same professional standards as in-person evaluations and are fully accepted by DVA.
For a Telehealth assessment, you’ll need:
- A device with camera and microphone (computer, tablet, or smartphone)
- Stable internet connection
- A private, quiet space where you won’t be interrupted
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a DVA psychiatric assessment take?
A DVA psychiatric assessment typically takes 2-3 hours depending on the complexity of your case. Mandatory psychometric testing is administered and analysed in addition to the clinical consultation.
Is there a cost for a DVA psychiatric assessment?
No. If DVA has requested the assessment, all fees are fully covered by DVA. Veterans have no out-of-pocket expenses.
Do I need a referral for a DVA psychiatric assessment?
No GP referral is required for DVA-requested independent psychiatric assessments. You can book directly with an assessment provider.
How long until I receive my report?
Reports are typically completed and submitted to DVA within approximately two weeks of your assessment.
Can I bring a support person to my assessment?
Yes, you are welcome to have a support person present during your assessment. Please inform the provider when booking.
Next Steps
If you’ve received a request from DVA for a psychiatric assessment, the next step is to schedule your appointment. Look for a provider that offers:
- FRANZCP-qualified psychiatrists experienced in veteran mental health
- Comprehensive assessments including psychometric testing
- Telehealth availability for Australia-wide access
- Prompt appointment availability with no extended waiting periods
Book with March Ahead
March Ahead provides independent DVA psychiatric assessments with no waitlist and immediate appointment availability.
Related Resources
- Learn more about our DVA Psychiatric Assessment services
- Read about Telehealth psychiatric assessments
- View our location pages for state-specific information