Independent Psychiatric Assessments

Objective, Evidence-Based Reports Completed by Non-Treating Psychiatrists for DVA claim

March Ahead provides independent psychiatric assessments for DVA compensation claims. We maintain a 100% compliance record with DVA reporting standards, ensuring every report meets the strict evidentiary requirements for veteran claims. We offer immediate appointment availability with no waitlist - veterans can typically be seen within days, not weeks or months.

Independent Mental Health Assessments
Independent psychiatric evaluations of conditions such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other service-related disorders. These assessments provide a clear diagnostic opinion, functional impact rating, and treatment recommendations where appropriate for DVA or legal claims.

Brain Injury Assessments
Specialist neuropsychiatric and neuropsychological evaluations of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and other acquired brain injuries. Assessments address cognitive, behavioural, and psychiatric sequelae, and include review of medical records, structured interviews, and formal testing.

Incapacity and Impairment Assessments
Independent opinions regarding functional impairment, incapacity for employment, and the impact of psychiatric or neurological conditions on activities of daily living.

Reports for the Veterans' Review Board (VRB)
Preparation of independent psychiatric reports for matters before the VRB, ensuring clarity, objectivity, and independence in clinical opinions.

Retrospective Medical Discharges
Assessment and reporting under the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation framework for retrospective medical discharges, particularly where psychiatric or brain injury conditions were not recognised at the time of discharge.

"These services are designed to assist statutory bodies, legal representatives, and veterans in obtaining impartial, expert medical opinions that align with DVA and Commonwealth requirements."

Report Quality & Compliance

All March Ahead reports are prepared in accordance with RANZCP guidelines and DVA requirements. Every assessment includes mandatory psychometric testing (PCL-5, PHQ-9, GAD-7), comprehensive clinical documentation, DSM-5 diagnoses, and impairment ratings using GARP methodology. Our rigorous quality processes ensure reports meet all DVA evidentiary standards.

Independent & Objective Assessments

March Ahead operates with complete independence from advocacy groups, claims agents, and third-party organisations. We do not accept referral fees or engage in commercial referral arrangements. Our psychiatrists conduct objective assessments based solely on clinical findings, ensuring DVA can rely on our reports as impartial clinical evidence.

How It Works: DVA Psychiatric Assessment

Lodge Your DVA Claim

Submit your compensation claim through DVA (MyService portal or paper form). DVA will issue a TRN (Treatment Reference Number) for your psychiatric assessment.

Contact March Ahead

Once you have your TRN, contact us to book. No GP referral required. No waitlist — appointments typically available within days.

Psychiatric Assessment

Comprehensive evaluation via Telehealth (Australia-wide) or in-person (Brisbane). Includes clinical interview and validated psychometric testing.

Report Prepared

Your psychiatrist prepares a detailed report with DSM-5 diagnosis, service connection opinion, and GARP impairment rating.

Report Submitted to DVA

Completed report sent directly to DVA for your claim. You receive a copy for your records

Note: Treatment is fully funded through your DVA Gold or White Card.

Professional assessments tailored to DVA requirements.

Clear expert opinions to support DVA claims for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and related conditions.

Delivered by psychiatrists with expertise in veteran mental health.

Impartial and independent reporting to ensure fair outcomes

Available via in-person or telehealth consultations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is an independent DVA psychiatric assessment?

An independent psychiatric assessment provides an objective evaluation of your mental health for DVA compensation claims. The psychiatrist assesses conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety, documents their severity, and provides an opinion on service connection.

Q: How is March Ahead independent?

March Ahead psychiatrists providing DVA assessments do not have a treatment relationship with veterans they assess. This independence ensures objective, unbiased evaluations that DVA can rely upon for claim decisions.

Q: What psychometric tests are used?

All DVA psychiatric assessments include validated psychometric measures such as PCL-5 (PTSD), PHQ-9 (depression), and GAD-7 (anxiety). These provide objective evidence of symptom severity to support the clinical assessment.

Q: Will my report help my claim?

Our reports are specifically designed to meet DVA requirements. They include DSM-5 diagnoses, assessment of service connection, impairment ratings using GARP methodology, and detailed documentation of how conditions affect your daily life.

Q: Can I get a copy of my report?

Reports are sent directly to DVA as per their requirements. You can request a copy of your report through DVA or discuss this with our administrative team.