Comprehensive DVA Physiotherapy FAQ

Do I need a referral for DVA physiotherapy?

Gold card holders can access physiotherapy directly without GP referral. White card holders may need referral for non-accepted conditions. Current defence personnel should check with their medical officer.

What documents do I need to bring to my DVA physiotherapy appointment?

Bring your DVA health card (gold or white), current medication list, and any recent medical reports or scans. We'll handle the DVA claiming process for you.

How do I Book an Initial DVA Physiotherapy Session

You can click here

Am I eligible for DVA physiotherapy if I'm a current serving member?

Yes, current ADF personnel (Army, Navy, Air Force, and Reserves) may be eligible for DVA physiotherapy depending on your service history and any accepted conditions. Coverage varies by service branch and may involve workers compensation for service-related injuries.

What's the difference between gold and white card coverage for physiotherapy?

Gold cards provide full coverage for all health conditions without requiring referrals. White cards cover accepted service-related conditions only and may require prior approval for new conditions. Both cards allow access to our DVA physiotherapy services with appropriate coverage.

Can I access DVA physiotherapy if I have a cancelled white card?

If your white card has been cancelled, you may still be eligible for treatment if you're pursuing an appeal or review. We can provide treatment under Medicare or private insurance while supporting your DVA claim reinstatement with clinical documentation.

Does DVA cover physiotherapy for conditions that developed after my service ended?

DVA may cover conditions that are deemed related to your military service, even if symptoms appeared years later. This includes conditions like degenerative joint disease from military activities, delayed-onset PTSD symptoms, or injuries that have worsened over time due to service-related wear and tear.

What if I served in peacekeeping missions - am I eligible for DVA physiotherapy?

Yes, veterans of peacekeeping missions (East Timor, Solomon Islands, Rwanda, etc.) are eligible for DVA benefits including physiotherapy. Coverage depends on your specific service and any accepted conditions related to your deployment.

Can I access DVA physiotherapy if I was medically discharged?

Medical discharge from the ADF often makes you eligible for DVA benefits including physiotherapy. Your discharge medical documentation typically supports your DVA claims for ongoing treatment of service-related conditions.

Financial Information and Billing

Is there any cost to me for DVA physiotherapy sessions?

For DVA-approved treatments with appropriate card coverage, we bulk bill directly to DVA with no out-of-pocket expenses. Gold card holders have full coverage, while white card holders are covered for accepted conditions.

What are the current DVA physiotherapy fees for 2025?

We bulk bill all eligible DVA physiotherapy services at the current DVA fee schedule rates. There are no gap fees for standard physiotherapy consultations covered under your DVA entitlements.

What happens if my DVA claim is pending or under review?

If your claim is pending, you may choose to pay privately for physiotherapy while your claim is assessed, with potential reimbursement if approved. We can provide detailed clinical documentation to support your pending claim.

Can I use private health insurance if DVA doesn't cover certain treatments?

Yes, for services not covered by DVA, we can process private health insurance claims through HICAPS. We'll clearly explain which services are DVA-covered and which may require alternative payment methods.

Are there any additional costs for specialized equipment or advanced treatments?

Standard physiotherapy treatments are covered under DVA. Any specialized services or equipment beyond standard care will be discussed with you beforehand, with clear information about coverage and costs.

What if I need treatment outside normal DVA coverage limits?

If clinical need requires treatment beyond standard DVA parameters, we work with DVA to justify extended treatment. Alternative funding options include Medicare, private insurance, or our affordable self-pay rates.

Do you offer payment plans for services not covered by DVA?

Yes, we offer flexible payment arrangements for any services not covered by DVA. We understand that financial stress shouldn't be a barrier to your recovery and will work with you to find affordable solutions.

Treatment and Services

Do you treat PTSD-related physical symptoms?

Yes, our physiotherapists are trained to address physical manifestations of PTSD including chronic pain, muscle tension, movement dysfunction, sleep-related disorders, and hypervigilance-related postural problems. We work collaboratively with mental health professionals.

Can you help with my DVA claim documentation?

Our physiotherapists provide detailed treatment reports and functional assessments that support DVA claims. We ensure all documentation meets DVA standards and can assist with independent medical examinations when required.

Do you offer telehealth consultations for regional veterans?

Yes, we provide telehealth physiotherapy consultations for follow-up appointments, exercise program reviews, initial assessments when appropriate, and support for veterans in remote areas of Victoria and beyond.

What if my condition isn't currently accepted by DVA?

We can provide treatment under Medicare or private health insurance while supporting your DVA claim process with detailed clinical documentation. Our reports often help establish the service connection for new claims.

How do you address deployment-related sleep disorders affecting my physical health?

Sleep disruption from deployment can cause significant physical symptoms. We address muscle tension from poor sleep, postural problems from insomnia-related fatigue, and movement dysfunction related to sleep disorders, working with your sleep specialist or GP.

Can you help with chronic pain management for service-related injuries?

Absolutely. We specialise in chronic pain management using evidence-based approaches, including manual therapy, progressive exercise programs, pain education, movement retraining, and coordination with pain management specialists.

Do you provide workplace rehabilitation for veterans transitioning to civilian jobs?

Yes, we offer comprehensive occupational rehabilitation including workplace ergonomic assessments, functional capacity evaluations, graduated return-to-work programs, and job-specific conditioning programs for civilian employment.

Can you treat service-related hearing loss and its physical effects?

While we don't treat hearing loss directly, we address the physical consequences including balance problems, neck tension from compensatory postures, TMJ issues from jaw clenching, and falls prevention strategies related to vestibular dysfunction.

Military-Specific Injuries and Conditions

Do you have experience treating parachute landing injuries?

Yes, our physiotherapists have extensive experience with parachute landing injuries including ankle fractures and sprains, knee ligament injuries, spinal compression injuries, shoulder dislocations, and chronic joint problems from repeated high-impact landings.

Can you help with chronic back pain from heavy pack carriage?

Absolutely. Military pack carriage creates specific spinal loading patterns that we understand well. Treatment includes spinal decompression techniques, core strengthening, postural retraining, and strategies to manage load-bearing activities in civilian life.

Do you treat injuries from IED blasts and explosions?

Yes, we treat the musculoskeletal consequences of blast injuries including traumatic brain injury-related movement disorders, chronic pain syndromes, balance and coordination problems, and compensatory movement patterns from multiple injuries.

How do you address neck and shoulder problems from helmet and equipment use?

Military equipment creates specific postural stresses. We treat cervical spine dysfunction from helmet weight, shoulder impingement from body armor, nerve compression from equipment straps, and postural adaptations that persist after service.

Can you help with foot and ankle problems from extended marching?

Yes, we specialize in military-related foot injuries including stress fractures from forced marches, chronic ankle instability from rough terrain, plantar fasciitis from improper footwear, and biomechanical problems from carrying heavy loads.

Do you treat vehicle-related injuries from military service?

Military vehicle operations can cause specific injuries that we understand including vibration-related spinal problems, cramped position injuries from armored vehicles, whiplash from convoy operations, and ergonomic injuries from specialized military equipment.

How do you address combat-related hypervigilance affecting my posture and movement?

Hypervigilance creates specific physical patterns including chronic muscle tension, protective posturing, movement restriction, and pain amplification. We use gentle manual therapy, movement retraining, and relaxation techniques while respecting your need for environmental awareness.

Can you help with injuries from military training exercises?

Yes, we treat the full spectrum of training injuries including obstacle course injuries, rappelling and climbing injuries, combat training trauma, field exercise overuse injuries, and weapons handling repetitive strain injuries.

Family Member Services

Is physiotherapy covered for my family members under DVA?

Coverage varies depending on your DVA entitlements. Spouses of gold card holders may have coverage for certain conditions. Dependent children under specific circumstances may also be eligible. We can help determine your family's eligibility.

Can my spouse access DVA physiotherapy if they have their own health conditions?

Spouses of gold card holders may be entitled to treatment for their own conditions under certain circumstances. White card holder spouses typically need their own Medicare or private health insurance for non-DVA covered conditions.

Do you provide family education about my service-related injuries?

Yes, we offer family education sessions to help your loved ones understand your condition, learn supportive techniques, understand activity limitations, and develop strategies to assist your recovery while maintaining family activities.

Can you help with my children's sports injuries even if they're not DVA-eligible?

Absolutely. We treat family members for sports injuries, growth-related problems, and general physiotherapy needs using Medicare, private health insurance, or our standard private rates.

How do you support families dealing with PTSD-related physical symptoms?

We provide education to families about the physical manifestations of PTSD, teach supportive techniques for managing flare-ups, explain activity modifications, and coordinate with mental health professionals treating the family system.

Can my teenage children access physiotherapy for military training preparation?

Yes, we provide pre-military fitness assessments, injury prevention programs for Defence Force Academy candidates, strength and conditioning advice for military preparation, and treatment for training-related injuries in future service members.

Documentation and Claims Support

How detailed are your treatment reports for DVA claims?

Our reports include comprehensive functional assessments, detailed treatment plans and progress notes, objective measurements and outcomes, recommendations for ongoing care, and analysis of service connection where relevant.

Can you provide independent medical examinations for DVA claims?

Yes, our DVA-experienced physiotherapists can provide independent medical examinations, functional capacity assessments, disability rating consultations, and expert opinions for compensation claims and appeals.

Do you help with Statements of Principles (SoP) documentation?

We provide clinical evidence that supports SoP criteria including detailed injury mechanisms related to service, progression of conditions over time, functional impact assessments, and treatment response documentation.

How do you document pre-existing conditions that were aggravated by service?

We carefully document the distinction between pre-existing pathology and service-related aggravation, provide detailed assessment of current functional capacity, document progression since service, and outline the relationship between military service and current symptoms.

Can you assist with DVA appeals and review processes?

We provide additional clinical documentation for appeals, participate in telephone conferences with DVA decision-makers, offer updated functional assessments, and provide expert opinions on service connection when clinically justified.

Do you coordinate with my other treating practitioners for DVA reports?

Yes, we collaborate with your GP, specialists, psychologists, and other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive and consistent reporting to DVA that supports your overall care plan.

Booking and Logistics

How quickly can I get a DVA physiotherapy appointment?

We prioritise DVA patients and typically offer appointments within 24-48 hours. Urgent cases can often be seen the same day. We understand that some conditions require immediate attention.

Is parking available at your Richmond clinic?

Yes, street parking is available on Bromham Place and surrounding streets. Most spaces are free with 2-4 hour limits during business hours. The clinic is also easily accessible by public transport from Richmond Station.

Do you have experience with specific military injuries?

Our physiotherapists have extensive experience treating deployment-related injuries, parachute landing injuries, heavy pack carriage problems, combat training trauma, vehicle-related injuries, and other service-specific conditions.

Can you work around my current work schedule?

We offer flexible appointment times including early morning sessions from 7am, evening appointments until 7pm, Saturday morning availability, and understanding that some veterans prefer less crowded appointment times.

Do you offer same-day appointments for urgent DVA cases?

Yes, we reserve appointment slots for urgent DVA cases including acute exacerbations of service-related conditions, post-surgical complications, mental health crisis-related physical symptoms, and new injuries requiring immediate assessment.

How do I book if I'm calling from overseas?

You can book online through our website 24/7, email us at info@evolutio.com.au with your preferred times, or call during Australian business hours. We accommodate veterans living overseas who are visiting Melbourne for medical appointments.

What should I do if I need to cancel my DVA appointment?

We understand that veteran health needs can be unpredictable. We offer flexible cancellation policies for genuine emergencies, priority rebooking for cancelled appointments, and understanding of mental health-related attendance difficulties.

DVA System Navigation

Can you help me understand my DVA entitlements?

While we can't provide DVA advice, our staff are experienced with the DVA system and can direct you to appropriate resources, help you contact DVA directly, explain common DVA processes, and connect you with veteran advocacy services.

What happens if DVA doesn't approve continued treatment?

We work proactively with DVA to justify continued treatment through detailed clinical reports. If coverage ends, we discuss alternative funding options including Medicare, private health insurance, or affordable self-pay arrangements.

Do you work with DVA case managers?

Yes, we regularly communicate with DVA case managers, provide progress reports and treatment updates, participate in case conferences when appropriate, and coordinate care plans with other DVA-funded services.

How do you handle disputes with DVA about treatment necessity?

We provide additional clinical justification when requested, offer second opinions and reassessments, coordinate with your treating GP or specialist, and provide expert clinical opinions to support your case.

Can you help me access other DVA services?

We can provide referrals to DVA-approved specialists, recommend complementary services like exercise physiology or dietetics, connect you with mental health services, and suggest appropriate support groups and veteran organisations.

What if I'm unhappy with my DVA case manager?

While we can't intervene in DVA administrative matters, we can provide clinical support for your ongoing care, maintain detailed treatment records for continuity, and ensure your clinical needs are clearly documented regardless of case management changes.

Do you understand the White Paper on Veterans' Affairs and how it affects my entitlements?

Our staff stay current with DVA policy changes and reforms. We understand how policy changes may affect your entitlements and can help you navigate transitions in the DVA system while maintaining continuity of care.

Technology and Equipment

What specialised equipment do you have for DVA patients?

Our clinic features VALD performance testing equipment for objective strength measurement, balance and proprioception training systems, biomechanical analysis tools, progressive loading equipment for return-to-activity programs, and specialised rehabilitation technology.

Can you provide gait analysis for lower limb prosthetic users?

Yes, we offer comprehensive gait analysis for veterans with amputations, prosthetic fitting assessments, residual limb care and strengthening, adaptation training for new prosthetics, and coordination with prosthetists for optimal function.

Do you have equipment for treating traumatic brain injury effects?

We have specialized equipment for balance and coordination training, cognitive-motor integration exercises, visual-motor training systems, and proprioceptive retraining tools specifically useful for TBI-related movement disorders.

How do you use technology to track my progress for DVA reporting?

We use objective measurement tools to document strength gains, range of motion improvements, balance and coordination progress, functional capacity changes, and pain level modifications for comprehensive DVA progress reporting.

Can you provide virtual reality or advanced rehabilitation technology?

We stay current with rehabilitation technology advances and can access specialised equipment when clinically indicated. We focus on evidence-based technology that provides measurable improvements in your function and quality of life.

Coordination with Other Healthcare Providers

How do you work with DVA mental health professionals?

We maintain regular communication with psychology and psychiatry services, understand the physical manifestations of mental health conditions, coordinate treatment timing around mental health appointments, and provide integrated care that addresses both physical and psychological aspects of your condition.

Do you coordinate with DVA-approved specialists?

Yes, we work closely with orthopedic surgeons, pain management specialists, neurologists, sports medicine doctors, and other specialists to ensure comprehensive care and optimal treatment outcomes.

Can you work with my GP outside the DVA system?

Absolutely. We coordinate with your civilian GP, provide detailed treatment reports, ensure medication interactions are considered, and maintain communication about your overall health management.

How do you integrate with other allied health professionals?

We work collaboratively with exercise physiologists for long-term conditioning, dietitians for nutrition support, occupational therapists for daily living adaptations, psychologists for pain management, and speech pathologists for communication difficulties related to brain injury.

Do you participate in multidisciplinary team meetings?

Yes, we participate in DVA case conferences, hospital discharge planning meetings, return-to-work planning sessions, and multidisciplinary care team meetings to ensure coordinated, comprehensive care.

How do you communicate with my family doctor about my DVA treatment?

We provide regular updates to your GP about your physiotherapy progress, coordinate medications that may affect your treatment, ensure your GP is aware of your functional improvements, and maintain integrated care between DVA services and primary healthcare.

Getting Started with DVA Physiotherapy at Evolutio

Ready to begin your DVA physiotherapy journey?

Contact us today to schedule your comprehensive assessment. Our DVA-experienced team understands the unique challenges faced by veterans and current service members.

📍 Location: 11/3 Bromham Place, Richmond VIC 3121 📞 Phone: +61 9 1003 798 💻 Online Booking: Available 24/7 through our website ✉️ Email: info@evolutio.com.au

What to bring to your first appointment:

• DVA health card (gold or white)

• Photo identification

• Current medication list

• Any recent medical reports or imaging

• Details about your service history and current concerns