Managing chronic pain as a veteran and reclaiming daily life
Living with chronic pain from military service is something many of you know all too well. It might be a nagging shoulder ache, back pain from heavy gear, or lingering joint soreness. You push through, sleep poorly, take painkillers and end up feeling worn down. Yet chronic pain isn’t a challenge you need to accept without help.
Here’s a clear explanation of how the DVA allied health treatment cycle works, what recent developments mean, and practical steps you can take to manage pain and regain control.
How the DVA allied health treatment cycle works
Since March 2025, DVA’s new treatment cycle allows referrals for up to twelve sessions of physiotherapy, exercise physiology, psychology, occupational therapy, podiatry, dietetics or other allied health services, or until one year passes, whichever comes first. You can have multiple cycles running at the same time if your GP recommends it.
Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) Gold Card holders are exempt from limits on physiotherapy and exercise physiology. They get unlimited access to these services without using up cycles.
What this means to you: You don’t have to wait or choose between treatment types. With multiple cycles, you can address pain and rehabilitation in different areas simultaneously.
Why physiotherapy remains harder to get
The Australian Physiotherapy Association reports that physiotherapy under DVA remains significantly underfunded, with an estimated $74 lost per consultation compared to reimbursement via other schemes. A 2024 survey showed nearly 68 percent of physiotherapists plan to cease offering DVA services unless funding improves.
This shortage affects your ability to access timely, veteran focused care. Fewer providers mean longer waits and greater travel, impacting your day to day life.
What the government and advocates are doing
The APA is actively campaigning for fee reform, pushing for DVA rates to match those in NDIS programs, about $118 for initial physio and $85 for subsequent sessions. Recommendation 71 of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide also supports this change, and a government taskforce is expected to provide advice by June 30, 2025.
Raise awareness by sharing the APA toolkit with your MP and encouraging public debate. Veteran voices matter.
What you can do immediately
1.First things first, if you want to be directly and assisted and work with someone that will give you the answers and support that you need for all this, contact us admin.dva@gcervices.group. We will introduce you to one of our partners that specialises in what you need to access DVA properly.
Request multiple treatment cycles from your GP for different conditions.
2. Keep a pain log. Daily notes on pain intensity, triggers, mobility limitations and medication effects give your GP and physio valuable insight.
3. Choose providers carefully. Ask local RSLs or veteran organisations for allied health professionals still working with DVA clients.
4. Support fee reform efforts. Sign or share petitions, contact your federal MP, and use APA’s campaign materials to make your voice heard.
Other ways to help manage chronic pain
Evidence based self-help approaches complement professional care.
Tailored exercise programs designed by exercise physiologists help rebuild strength and reduce pain over time.
Mind body techniques such as guided breathing, mindfulness or low impact yoga can lower pain severity and improve function.
Peer support, talking to fellow veterans validates your experience and offers coping ideas.
Sleep hygiene strategies, improving sleep quality boosts recovery and pain tolerance.
The Royal Commission found chronic pain often leads to depression, anxiety and lower morale. Managing pain thus benefits mental and social wellbeing too.
Why this matters now
Chronic pain doesn’t just impact your body. It erodes your ability to work, reconnect with loved ones, pursue hobbies and plan a fulfilling future. You earned the service related care available to you. You don’t need to fight for it in isolation.
By understanding the DVA treatment cycle, using every eligibility route, being proactive and advocating for funding change, you can access better care. Small steps now build the foundation for lasting improvements and a life less defined by pain.
Key Summary
- The DVA treatment cycle provides up to 12 allied health sessions or one year per referral, and multiple cycles can run together
- TPI Gold Card holders receive unlimited physiotherapy and exercise physiology access
- Chronic underfunding has led many physios to restrict or stop treating DVA clients
- Fee reform matching NDIS rates is advocated through APA’s campaign and the Royal Commission
- Take action now by requesting multi cycle referrals, keeping a pain diary, using veteran friendly providers, and supporting advocacy efforts
- Combine healthcare with exercise, mind body techniques, peer support and better sleep to manage pain fully
