Average DVA payout for PTSD (2026)

Where PTSD sits on the impairment scale

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Psychiatric ratings run from 0 to 72 points. The shading spans the worked examples below.

What PTSD pays at 2026 rates

These examples run typical ratings through DVA's compensation tables. Operations service (warlike or non-warlike) pays more than peacetime service at the same rating, up to 80 points where they meet.

Illustrative ratings before any age adjustment, using the lifestyle rating DVA treats as typical for each rating. Weekly amounts at 1 July 2026 rates; lump sums for a man aged 40 (slightly higher for women). Estimates only.
Example	Points	Operations service	Peacetime service
Mild: symptoms most days, still working Distress 6 + 3, functional 2 + 2 + 1	14	$65.32/wk $79,821 lump sum	$36.69/wk $44,835 lump sum
Moderate: affecting work and relationships Distress 10 + 6, functional 3 + 3 + 3	25	$119.01/wk $145,430 lump sum	$66.66/wk $81,459 lump sum
Severe: unable to work, withdrawn Distress 15 + 15, functional 8 + 6 + 6	50	$238.01/wk $290,848 lump sum	$132.87/wk $162,367 lump sum

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Your conditions and how severe they are

Combined impairment points0

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How much do your conditions affect daily life?Relationships, getting around, recreation, work and home.

Where did the conditions come from?

Operations overseas Peacetime service Not sure

Your age

Sex

MaleFemale

Estimated lump sum

An estimate only, not what DVA will decide. Based on GARP M 2026 and DVA's published maximum of $447.39 a week.

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How DVA rates PTSD

DVA rates PTSD and other psychiatric conditions under Chapter 4 of the Guide to Determining Impairment and Compensation (GARP M 2026). The rating is built from three parts that are added together, not combined:

Subjective distress (Table 4.1): how much distress you report, scored 0, 2, 3, 6, 10, 15, 20 or 24.
Manifest distress (Table 4.2): how much distress the assessor observes, on the same 0 to 24 scale.
Functional effects (Tables 4.3 to 4.8): six areas of life (overall functioning, work, home, social life, leisure and current treatment), each scored 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 or 8. Only your three highest count.

The highest possible psychiatric rating is 72 points. If a condition DVA hasn't accepted also contributes to your symptoms, part of the rating can be apportioned away under Chapter 19.

Is PTSD accepted on diagnosis?

From 1 July 2026, PTSD is accepted on diagnosis without a causation investigation if you have more than 28 days of warlike service, not counting your first 28 days. If you don't meet that test, your claim is decided the standard way, against the Statement of Principles for PTSD.

All new claims are decided under the MRCA from 1 July 2026. If you lodged before then, your claim is decided under the Act that applied when you lodged. What changed.

Common questions

Is PTSD automatically accepted by DVA?

It is for veterans with more than 28 days of warlike service (not counting the first 28 days), under the presumptive liability rules that started on 1 July 2026. Everyone else is assessed against the Statement of Principles for PTSD, apart from some groups covered by separate rules, such as veterans who received a Defence abuse redress payment.

Can I get treatment for PTSD before my claim is decided?

Yes. Anyone with at least one day of continuous full-time service can get free treatment for any mental health condition through a Veteran White Card under Non-Liability Health Care. You don't need an accepted claim.

Does working reduce my PTSD payout?

No. Permanent impairment compensation is paid for the impairment itself, so working doesn't reduce it. Lost income is covered separately by incapacity payments.

Can I claim PTSD and depression together?

Yes, but DVA gives one rating for all your accepted mental health conditions together, so the same symptoms aren't paid twice. A second condition can still lift that one rating if it adds to how much you're affected.

Average DVA payout for PTSD in 2026