Chiropractic care is a widely recognised form of healthcare that focuses on diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems. By using non-invasive techniques such as spinal manipulation, manual therapies, and rehabilitative exercises, chiropractors help alleviate pain, improve mobility, and support overall physical function. For many individuals, particularly those who have experienced physical strain or injury, chiropractic treatment plays an important role in maintaining long-term health and well-being.
For Australian veterans, chiropractic care is especially important. Many former service members experience musculoskeletal issues due to the physical demands of military service, including chronic back and neck pain, joint dysfunction, and mobility limitations.
Recognising this, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) funds chiropractic services for eligible veterans, ensuring they receive the care they need without financial burden.
Key takeaways
- Gold DVA Health Card holders receive full chiropractic coverage for any clinical need.
- White DVA Health Card holders can access care for service-related conditions.
- A GP referral is required and remains valid for 12 months.
- DVA-approved chiropractors bill the DVA directly, with no out-of-pocket costs for veterans.
- Veterans can find DVA-registered chiropractic providers through the DVA website or their GP.
Eligibility and Coverage
DVA provides financial support for eligible veterans seeking chiropractic treatment. This funding is determined by the type of DVA Health Card a veteran holds:- Gold DVA Health Card – Veterans who hold a Gold Card are entitled to fully covered chiropractic care for any clinical need. This means that regardless of whether the condition is related to their military service or not, they can access chiropractic treatment at no personal cost.
- White DVA Health Card – Veterans with a White Card can receive DVA-funded chiropractic care, but only for conditions directly related to their service. Eligibility for specific conditions is determined by the DVA, and veterans should check their card entitlements or consult with their healthcare provider to confirm their coverage.
Referral Process
To receive DVA-funded chiropractic care, veterans must obtain a referral from a General Practitioner (GP) or another authorised medical professional. This step ensures that chiropractic treatment aligns with the veteran’s broader healthcare plan and is an appropriate course of action for their specific condition.
Key points about the referral process include:
Who can provide referrals?
- General Practitioners (GPs) – VetComp can connect you with veteran-friendly GPs who can provide required referrals
- Medical specialists
- Hospital discharge planners
- Other DVA-authorised health professionals
How long is the referral valid?
A referral for chiropractic care under DVA funding is valid for 12 months. After this period, veterans will need to obtain a renewed referral to continue their treatment.
Why is a referral necessary?
- Ensures the appropriate integration of chiropractic care into the veteran’s overall health management.
- Helps DVA track treatment plans and progress.
- Allows chiropractors to tailor care in line with service-related conditions (for White Card holders).
By following the referral process, veterans can seamlessly access chiropractic treatment while ensuring their care is aligned with their broader healthcare needs.
📩 If you were injured during ADF service, you may be entitled to compensation and benefits such as DVA-funded chiropractic and other necessary medical support. Reach out to VetComp today and we will get you connected with our advocacy team, who can support you through the entire claims process.
Services Provided
Chiropractors play a crucial role in diagnosing and managing musculoskeletal conditions commonly experienced by veterans. These may include chronic back pain, neck stiffness, joint dysfunction, and mobility limitations—issues often linked to the physical demands of military service.
DVA-approved chiropractors provide a range of evidence-based treatments tailored to the needs of veterans, including:
Patient education
- Helping veterans understand their condition and how to manage it effectively.
- Guidance on posture, ergonomics, and lifestyle modifications to reduce pain and prevent future issues.
Active rehabilitation
- Prescribed exercises aimed at improving strength, flexibility, and mobility.
- Functional training to support daily activities and enhance physical performance.
Spinal manipulation & manual therapies
- Hands-on techniques such as spinal adjustments, joint mobilisation, and soft tissue therapy.
- Designed to relieve pain, restore movement, and enhance musculoskeletal function.
Acupuncture & non-pharmacologic therapies
- Some chiropractors integrate acupuncture or dry needling as part of a holistic treatment plan.
- Other non-invasive therapies may be used as an alternative to medication for managing pain and inflammation.
By providing these services, chiropractors offer a comprehensive, hands-on approach to improving veterans’ health and mobility.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Veterans
Chiropractic treatment offers numerous benefits for veterans, particularly those dealing with service-related musculoskeletal injuries and chronic pain. Some key advantages include:
Management of chronic pain
- Many veterans suffer from long-term back, neck, and joint pain due to their service. Chiropractic care provides a drug-free, non-invasive option for managing discomfort.
- Helps reduce dependence on pain medications, particularly opioids and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Improved mobility and function
- Chiropractic adjustments and rehabilitation exercises help veterans regain flexibility, strength, and range of motion.
- Supports better posture and movement, reducing the risk of future injuries.
Addressing service-related injuries
- Veterans are at higher risk for musculoskeletal conditions due to heavy lifting, high-impact activities, and prolonged time spent in physically demanding roles.
- Chiropractic care can specifically target injuries sustained during service, such as spinal misalignment, nerve compression, and joint degeneration.
By focusing on long-term wellness, chiropractic treatment enables veterans to stay active, independent, and pain-free for as long as possible.
Accessing Chiropractic Care
Veterans eligible for DVA-funded chiropractic care can easily find a provider through the DVA resources. Many chiropractic clinics across Australia are DVA-approved and offer services at no out-of-pocket cost to Gold and eligible White Card holders.
To find a DVA-approved chiropractor:
Step 1 – Check the DVA website for an updated list of registered providers.
Step 2 – Ask your GP for a referral to a trusted chiropractic clinic.
Step 3 – Contact local chiropractic clinics and inquire whether they accept DVA-funded patients.
Step 4 – Ask the VetComp support team.
With direct billing to DVA, veterans can access care without financial stress, ensuring they receive the treatment they need.
Treatment Cycle and Limitations
To ensure consistent and effective treatment, the DVA has established a 12-visit treatment cycle for chiropractic care.
- Each referral allows for 12 chiropractic sessions, after which a new referral is required.
- Chiropractors must plan treatment accordingly, considering the treatment cycle limits when developing a care plan.
- If additional sessions are needed, veterans must return to their GP or referring practitioner for reassessment and a renewed referral.
This structured approach ensures continuity of care while allowing veterans to receive ongoing treatment for chronic or recurring musculoskeletal conditions.
Claiming and Payment Process
One of the key advantages of DVA-funded chiropractic care is that veterans do not have to worry about out-of-pocket costs for eligible services. DVA pays chiropractors directly, ensuring that veterans can access necessary treatment without financial burden.
How the Payment System Works
- Direct billing: DVA-approved chiropractors bill DVA directly, meaning veterans do not need to handle payment claims.
- No out-of-pocket expenses: Veterans should not be asked to pay for any services covered under their Gold or White DVA Health Card.
- Pre-approved treatments: The 12-visit treatment cycle applies, and chiropractors work within this framework when providing care. If further treatment is required, veterans can obtain a new referral to continue care.
Veterans are encouraged to confirm with their chiropractor before treatment that they are DVA-approved providers and that all necessary services will be covered under their entitlement.
Additional Resources
For veterans and chiropractic providers seeking more information, DVA offers a range of resources and official guidelines. Staying informed ensures veterans receive the full range of benefits available to them.
Where to find more information
- DVA Website:
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs – Chiropractic Services
- Information on eligibility, provider registration, and payment processes.
- VetComp:
- Chiropractic clinics specialising in DVA care:
- Many Australian chiropractic clinics offer dedicated DVA services—check their websites or call to confirm eligibility.
By referring to official sources, veterans can ensure they are accessing up-to-date, accurate information regarding their entitlements.
Take the Next Step Toward Pain Relief and Improved Mobility
Chiropractic care is a valuable healthcare option for veterans dealing with musculoskeletal issues, particularly those linked to their military service. Through DVA funding, eligible veterans can access chiropractic treatment at no cost, allowing them to benefit from pain relief, improved mobility, and a better quality of life.
If you are a veteran experiencing chronic pain, joint issues, or mobility difficulties, DVA-funded chiropractic care can help. Speak to your GP about a referral, find a DVA-approved chiropractor, and start taking steps toward better health and well-being today.
FAQs
We’ve gathered our most commonly asked questions here, so you can feel informed, at ease, and ready to take the next step toward the support and benefits you deserve.
Can I choose any chiropractor, or does it have to be a DVA-approved provider?
No, you must see a chiropractor who is registered with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). These providers are approved to offer services under DVA funding and can bill the department directly. If you’re unsure, ask your GP or contact VetComp for help finding a DVA-registered clinic near you.
Do I need to renew my referral every year, even if my condition is ongoing?
Yes. Regardless of how long you’ve had your condition, referrals for DVA-funded chiropractic care are only valid for 12 months. After that, you’ll need to return to your GP or specialist to renew the referral to continue accessing care.
What happens if I need more than 12 chiropractic sessions?
The DVA covers up to 12 sessions per referral period. If your condition requires additional treatment, your chiropractor will assess your progress and may recommend returning to your GP for a new referral to continue care.
Can chiropractic care be combined with other DVA-funded therapies like physiotherapy or massage?
Yes. Many veterans benefit from a multidisciplinary approach to managing chronic pain or injury. As long as each treatment is medically necessary and properly referred, you can access multiple therapies simultaneously, including physiotherapy, osteopathy, and exercise physiology.
Is DVA-funded chiropractic care available for mental health-related physical symptoms, like stress-related tension?
If the physical symptoms—such as muscle tension, neck stiffness, or headaches—are linked to a service-related condition covered under your White Card or included in your Gold Card entitlements, chiropractic care may be approved. Your GP can help determine this during the referral process.
Can family members of veterans access DVA-funded chiropractic care?
No. DVA health cards and services are specific to the veteran or eligible service member. Family members, including spouses and dependents, are not covered under these entitlements unless they have separate approval through programs like the Veterans’ Home Care scheme or similar.
