CM7014 MRCC181 - Guidelines for Psychiatric Compensation Claims
REPATRIATION COMMISSION GUIDELINES
Guidelines for Psychiatric Compensation Claims made under the:
Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA)
Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (Defence-related Claims) 1988 (DRCA)
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA)
These Guidelines replace CM5832 of 2005.
These Guidelines are not directives and should not be used as a substitute for the proper application of the law to the particular circumstances of each case. They set out the Commissions' position on diagnosing, investigating, determining and assessing psychiatric conditions. The Guidelines indicate the way the Commissions consider the legislation should be applied.
Note: the guidelines have been amended following CM7014, CM7765 (MRCC 36/2024) and CM7794 (MRCC 16/2025)
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/commission-guidelines/cm7014-mrcc181-guidelines-psychiatric-compensation-claims
Part 1 - For Practitioners: Diagnostic & Assessment Guidelines
REPATRIATION COMMISSION GUIDELINES
Guidelines for Psychiatric Compensation Claims made under the:
Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA)
Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (Defence-related Claims) 1988 (DRCA)
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA)
These Guidelines replace CM5832 of 2005.
These Guidelines are not directives and should not be used as a substitute for the proper application of the law to the particular circumstances of each case. They set out the Commissions' position on diagnosing, investigating, determining and assessing psychiatric conditions. The Guidelines indicate the way the Commissions consider the legislation should be applied.
Note: the guidelines have been amended following CM7014, CM7765 (MRCC 36/2024) and CM7794 (MRCC 16/2025)
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/commission-guidelines/cm7014-mrcc181-guidelines-psychiatric-compensation-claims/part-1-psychiatrists-diagnostic-assessment-guidelines
1. Introduction - For Practitioners: Diagnostic & Assessment Guidelines
REPATRIATION COMMISSION GUIDELINES
Guidelines for Psychiatric Compensation Claims made under the:
Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA)
Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (Defence-related Claims) 1988 (DRCA)
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA)
These Guidelines replace CM5832 of 2005.
These Guidelines are not directives and should not be used as a substitute for the proper application of the law to the particular circumstances of each case. They set out the Commissions' position on diagnosing, investigating, determining and assessing psychiatric conditions. The Guidelines indicate the way the Commissions consider the legislation should be applied.
Note: the guidelines have been amended following CM7014, CM7765 (MRCC 36/2024) and CM7794 (MRCC 16/2025)
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/commission-guidelines/cm7014-mrcc181-guidelines-psychiatric-compensation-claims/part-1-psychiatrists-diagnostic-assessment-guidelines/1-introduction-psychiatrists-diagnostic-assessment-guidelines
2. Psychiatric Report
REPATRIATION COMMISSION GUIDELINES
Guidelines for Psychiatric Compensation Claims made under the:
Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA)
Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (Defence-related Claims) 1988 (DRCA)
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA)
These Guidelines replace CM5832 of 2005.
These Guidelines are not directives and should not be used as a substitute for the proper application of the law to the particular circumstances of each case. They set out the Commissions' position on diagnosing, investigating, determining and assessing psychiatric conditions. The Guidelines indicate the way the Commissions consider the legislation should be applied.
Note: the guidelines have been amended following CM7014, CM7765 (MRCC 36/2024) and CM7794 (MRCC 16/2025)
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/commission-guidelines/cm7014-mrcc181-guidelines-psychiatric-compensation-claims/part-1-psychiatrists-diagnostic-assessment-guidelines/2-psychiatric-report
3. Disclosure of Reports -
REPATRIATION COMMISSION GUIDELINES
Guidelines for Psychiatric Compensation Claims made under the:
Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA)
Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (Defence-related Claims) 1988 (DRCA)
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA)
These Guidelines replace CM5832 of 2005.
These Guidelines are not directives and should not be used as a substitute for the proper application of the law to the particular circumstances of each case. They set out the Commissions' position on diagnosing, investigating, determining and assessing psychiatric conditions. The Guidelines indicate the way the Commissions consider the legislation should be applied.
Note: the guidelines have been amended following CM7014, CM7765 (MRCC 36/2024) and CM7794 (MRCC 16/2025)
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/commission-guidelines/cm7014-mrcc181-guidelines-psychiatric-compensation-claims/part-1-psychiatrists-diagnostic-assessment-guidelines/3-disclosure-reports
4. Fees for Reports -
REPATRIATION COMMISSION GUIDELINES
Guidelines for Psychiatric Compensation Claims made under the:
Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA)
Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (Defence-related Claims) 1988 (DRCA)
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA)
These Guidelines replace CM5832 of 2005.
These Guidelines are not directives and should not be used as a substitute for the proper application of the law to the particular circumstances of each case. They set out the Commissions' position on diagnosing, investigating, determining and assessing psychiatric conditions. The Guidelines indicate the way the Commissions consider the legislation should be applied.
Note: the guidelines have been amended following CM7014, CM7765 (MRCC 36/2024) and CM7794 (MRCC 16/2025)
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/commission-guidelines/cm7014-mrcc181-guidelines-psychiatric-compensation-claims/part-1-psychiatrists-diagnostic-assessment-guidelines/4-fees-reports
Part 1A – Clinical Psychologists and General Practitioners
REPATRIATION COMMISSION GUIDELINES
Guidelines for Psychiatric Compensation Claims made under the:
Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA)
Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (Defence-related Claims) 1988 (DRCA)
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA)
These Guidelines replace CM5832 of 2005.
These Guidelines are not directives and should not be used as a substitute for the proper application of the law to the particular circumstances of each case. They set out the Commissions' position on diagnosing, investigating, determining and assessing psychiatric conditions. The Guidelines indicate the way the Commissions consider the legislation should be applied.
Note: the guidelines have been amended following CM7014, CM7765 (MRCC 36/2024) and CM7794 (MRCC 16/2025)
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/node/86562
Part 2 - For Claims Assessors: Investigation Guidelines for Psychiatric Conditions
REPATRIATION COMMISSION GUIDELINES
Guidelines for Psychiatric Compensation Claims made under the:
Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA)
Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (Defence-related Claims) 1988 (DRCA)
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA)
These Guidelines replace CM5832 of 2005.
These Guidelines are not directives and should not be used as a substitute for the proper application of the law to the particular circumstances of each case. They set out the Commissions' position on diagnosing, investigating, determining and assessing psychiatric conditions. The Guidelines indicate the way the Commissions consider the legislation should be applied.
Note: the guidelines have been amended following CM7014, CM7765 (MRCC 36/2024) and CM7794 (MRCC 16/2025)
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/commission-guidelines/cm7014-mrcc181-guidelines-psychiatric-compensation-claims/part-2-claims-assessors-investigation-guidelines-psychiatric-conditions
5. Introduction - For Claims Assessors: Investigation Guidelines for Psychiatric Conditions
REPATRIATION COMMISSION GUIDELINES
Guidelines for Psychiatric Compensation Claims made under the:
Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA)
Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (Defence-related Claims) 1988 (DRCA)
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA)
These Guidelines replace CM5832 of 2005.
These Guidelines are not directives and should not be used as a substitute for the proper application of the law to the particular circumstances of each case. They set out the Commissions' position on diagnosing, investigating, determining and assessing psychiatric conditions. The Guidelines indicate the way the Commissions consider the legislation should be applied.
Note: the guidelines have been amended following CM7014, CM7765 (MRCC 36/2024) and CM7794 (MRCC 16/2025)
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/commission-guidelines/cm7014-mrcc181-guidelines-psychiatric-compensation-claims/part-2-claims-assessors-investigation-guidelines-psychiatric-conditions/5-introduction-claims-assessors-investigation-guidelines
6. Requesting the diagnosis -
REPATRIATION COMMISSION GUIDELINES
Guidelines for Psychiatric Compensation Claims made under the:
Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA)
Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (Defence-related Claims) 1988 (DRCA)
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA)
These Guidelines replace CM5832 of 2005.
These Guidelines are not directives and should not be used as a substitute for the proper application of the law to the particular circumstances of each case. They set out the Commissions' position on diagnosing, investigating, determining and assessing psychiatric conditions. The Guidelines indicate the way the Commissions consider the legislation should be applied.
Note: the guidelines have been amended following CM7014, CM7765 (MRCC 36/2024) and CM7794 (MRCC 16/2025)
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/commission-guidelines/cm7014-mrcc181-guidelines-psychiatric-compensation-claims/part-2-claims-assessors-investigation-guidelines-psychiatric-conditions/6-requesting-diagnosis
7. Requesting a posthumous diagnosis -
REPATRIATION COMMISSION GUIDELINES
Guidelines for Psychiatric Compensation Claims made under the:
Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA)
Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (Defence-related Claims) 1988 (DRCA)
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA)
These Guidelines replace CM5832 of 2005.
These Guidelines are not directives and should not be used as a substitute for the proper application of the law to the particular circumstances of each case. They set out the Commissions' position on diagnosing, investigating, determining and assessing psychiatric conditions. The Guidelines indicate the way the Commissions consider the legislation should be applied.
Note: the guidelines have been amended following CM7014, CM7765 (MRCC 36/2024) and CM7794 (MRCC 16/2025)
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/commission-guidelines/cm7014-mrcc181-guidelines-psychiatric-compensation-claims/part-2-claims-assessors-investigation-guidelines-psychiatric-conditions/7-requesting-posthumous-diagnosis
8. Referral Letter -
REPATRIATION COMMISSION GUIDELINES
Guidelines for Psychiatric Compensation Claims made under the:
Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA)
Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (Defence-related Claims) 1988 (DRCA)
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA)
These Guidelines replace CM5832 of 2005.
These Guidelines are not directives and should not be used as a substitute for the proper application of the law to the particular circumstances of each case. They set out the Commissions' position on diagnosing, investigating, determining and assessing psychiatric conditions. The Guidelines indicate the way the Commissions consider the legislation should be applied.
Note: the guidelines have been amended following CM7014, CM7765 (MRCC 36/2024) and CM7794 (MRCC 16/2025)
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/commission-guidelines/cm7014-mrcc181-guidelines-psychiatric-compensation-claims/part-2-claims-assessors-investigation-guidelines-psychiatric-conditions/8-referral-letter
9. Confirming the diagnosis -
REPATRIATION COMMISSION GUIDELINES
Guidelines for Psychiatric Compensation Claims made under the:
Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA)
Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (Defence-related Claims) 1988 (DRCA)
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA)
These Guidelines replace CM5832 of 2005.
These Guidelines are not directives and should not be used as a substitute for the proper application of the law to the particular circumstances of each case. They set out the Commissions' position on diagnosing, investigating, determining and assessing psychiatric conditions. The Guidelines indicate the way the Commissions consider the legislation should be applied.
Note: the guidelines have been amended following CM7014, CM7765 (MRCC 36/2024) and CM7794 (MRCC 16/2025)
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/commission-guidelines/cm7014-mrcc181-guidelines-psychiatric-compensation-claims/part-2-claims-assessors-investigation-guidelines-psychiatric-conditions/9-confirming-diagnosis
10. DSM-5 criteria must be met -
REPATRIATION COMMISSION GUIDELINES
Guidelines for Psychiatric Compensation Claims made under the:
Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA)
Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (Defence-related Claims) 1988 (DRCA)
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA)
These Guidelines replace CM5832 of 2005.
These Guidelines are not directives and should not be used as a substitute for the proper application of the law to the particular circumstances of each case. They set out the Commissions' position on diagnosing, investigating, determining and assessing psychiatric conditions. The Guidelines indicate the way the Commissions consider the legislation should be applied.
Note: the guidelines have been amended following CM7014, CM7765 (MRCC 36/2024) and CM7794 (MRCC 16/2025)
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/commission-guidelines/cm7014-mrcc181-guidelines-psychiatric-compensation-claims/part-2-claims-assessors-investigation-guidelines-psychiatric-conditions/10-dsm-5-criteria-must-be-met
11. Exposure to a traumatic event -
REPATRIATION COMMISSION GUIDELINES
Guidelines for Psychiatric Compensation Claims made under the:
Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA)
Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (Defence-related Claims) 1988 (DRCA)
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA)
These Guidelines replace CM5832 of 2005.
These Guidelines are not directives and should not be used as a substitute for the proper application of the law to the particular circumstances of each case. They set out the Commissions' position on diagnosing, investigating, determining and assessing psychiatric conditions. The Guidelines indicate the way the Commissions consider the legislation should be applied.
Note: the guidelines have been amended following CM7014, CM7765 (MRCC 36/2024) and CM7794 (MRCC 16/2025)
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/commission-guidelines/cm7014-mrcc181-guidelines-psychiatric-compensation-claims/part-2-claims-assessors-investigation-guidelines-psychiatric-conditions/11-exposure-traumatic-event
12. Requesting more information from the Claimant -
REPATRIATION COMMISSION GUIDELINES
Guidelines for Psychiatric Compensation Claims made under the:
Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA)
Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (Defence-related Claims) 1988 (DRCA)
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA)
These Guidelines replace CM5832 of 2005.
These Guidelines are not directives and should not be used as a substitute for the proper application of the law to the particular circumstances of each case. They set out the Commissions' position on diagnosing, investigating, determining and assessing psychiatric conditions. The Guidelines indicate the way the Commissions consider the legislation should be applied.
Note: the guidelines have been amended following CM7014, CM7765 (MRCC 36/2024) and CM7794 (MRCC 16/2025)
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/commission-guidelines/cm7014-mrcc181-guidelines-psychiatric-compensation-claims/part-2-claims-assessors-investigation-guidelines-psychiatric-conditions/12-requesting-more-information-claimant
13. Requesting a Research Report -
REPATRIATION COMMISSION GUIDELINES
Guidelines for Psychiatric Compensation Claims made under the:
Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA)
Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (Defence-related Claims) 1988 (DRCA)
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA)
These Guidelines replace CM5832 of 2005.
These Guidelines are not directives and should not be used as a substitute for the proper application of the law to the particular circumstances of each case. They set out the Commissions' position on diagnosing, investigating, determining and assessing psychiatric conditions. The Guidelines indicate the way the Commissions consider the legislation should be applied.
Note: the guidelines have been amended following CM7014, CM7765 (MRCC 36/2024) and CM7794 (MRCC 16/2025)
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/commission-guidelines/cm7014-mrcc181-guidelines-psychiatric-compensation-claims/part-2-claims-assessors-investigation-guidelines-psychiatric-conditions/13-requesting-research-report
14. Dealing with inconsistent evidence -
REPATRIATION COMMISSION GUIDELINES
Guidelines for Psychiatric Compensation Claims made under the:
Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA)
Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (Defence-related Claims) 1988 (DRCA)
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA)
These Guidelines replace CM5832 of 2005.
These Guidelines are not directives and should not be used as a substitute for the proper application of the law to the particular circumstances of each case. They set out the Commissions' position on diagnosing, investigating, determining and assessing psychiatric conditions. The Guidelines indicate the way the Commissions consider the legislation should be applied.
Note: the guidelines have been amended following CM7014, CM7765 (MRCC 36/2024) and CM7794 (MRCC 16/2025)
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/commission-guidelines/cm7014-mrcc181-guidelines-psychiatric-compensation-claims/part-2-claims-assessors-investigation-guidelines-psychiatric-conditions/14-dealing-inconsistent-evidence
15. Seeking a second opinion -
REPATRIATION COMMISSION GUIDELINES
Guidelines for Psychiatric Compensation Claims made under the:
Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA)
Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (Defence-related Claims) 1988 (DRCA)
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA)
These Guidelines replace CM5832 of 2005.
These Guidelines are not directives and should not be used as a substitute for the proper application of the law to the particular circumstances of each case. They set out the Commissions' position on diagnosing, investigating, determining and assessing psychiatric conditions. The Guidelines indicate the way the Commissions consider the legislation should be applied.
Note: the guidelines have been amended following CM7014, CM7765 (MRCC 36/2024) and CM7794 (MRCC 16/2025)
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/commission-guidelines/cm7014-mrcc181-guidelines-psychiatric-compensation-claims/part-2-claims-assessors-investigation-guidelines-psychiatric-conditions/15-seeking-second-opinion
16. Determining the Claim -
REPATRIATION COMMISSION GUIDELINES
Guidelines for Psychiatric Compensation Claims made under the:
Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA)
Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (Defence-related Claims) 1988 (DRCA)
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA)
These Guidelines replace CM5832 of 2005.
These Guidelines are not directives and should not be used as a substitute for the proper application of the law to the particular circumstances of each case. They set out the Commissions' position on diagnosing, investigating, determining and assessing psychiatric conditions. The Guidelines indicate the way the Commissions consider the legislation should be applied.
Note: the guidelines have been amended following CM7014, CM7765 (MRCC 36/2024) and CM7794 (MRCC 16/2025)
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/commission-guidelines/cm7014-mrcc181-guidelines-psychiatric-compensation-claims/part-2-claims-assessors-investigation-guidelines-psychiatric-conditions/16-determining-claim
17. Diagnosis not confirmed -
REPATRIATION COMMISSION GUIDELINES
Guidelines for Psychiatric Compensation Claims made under the:
Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA)
Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (Defence-related Claims) 1988 (DRCA)
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA)
These Guidelines replace CM5832 of 2005.
These Guidelines are not directives and should not be used as a substitute for the proper application of the law to the particular circumstances of each case. They set out the Commissions' position on diagnosing, investigating, determining and assessing psychiatric conditions. The Guidelines indicate the way the Commissions consider the legislation should be applied.
Note: the guidelines have been amended following CM7014, CM7765 (MRCC 36/2024) and CM7794 (MRCC 16/2025)
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/commission-guidelines/cm7014-mrcc181-guidelines-psychiatric-compensation-claims/part-2-claims-assessors-investigation-guidelines-psychiatric-conditions/17-diagnosis-not-confirmed
Attachment A - Posthumous Diagnosis of Psychiatric Conditions
REPATRIATION COMMISSION GUIDELINES
Guidelines for Psychiatric Compensation Claims made under the:
Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA)
Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (Defence-related Claims) 1988 (DRCA)
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA)
These Guidelines replace CM5832 of 2005.
These Guidelines are not directives and should not be used as a substitute for the proper application of the law to the particular circumstances of each case. They set out the Commissions' position on diagnosing, investigating, determining and assessing psychiatric conditions. The Guidelines indicate the way the Commissions consider the legislation should be applied.
Note: the guidelines have been amended following CM7014, CM7765 (MRCC 36/2024) and CM7794 (MRCC 16/2025)
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/commission-guidelines/cm7014-mrcc181-guidelines-psychiatric-compensation-claims/attachment-posthumous-diagnosis-psychiatric-conditions
Attachment B - Current Schedule of Fees for Psychiatrists, Clinical Psychologists and General Practitioners
REPATRIATION COMMISSION GUIDELINES
Guidelines for Psychiatric Compensation Claims made under the:
Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA)
Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (Defence-related Claims) 1988 (DRCA)
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA)
These Guidelines replace CM5832 of 2005.
These Guidelines are not directives and should not be used as a substitute for the proper application of the law to the particular circumstances of each case. They set out the Commissions' position on diagnosing, investigating, determining and assessing psychiatric conditions. The Guidelines indicate the way the Commissions consider the legislation should be applied.
Note: the guidelines have been amended following CM7014, CM7765 (MRCC 36/2024) and CM7794 (MRCC 16/2025)
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/commission-guidelines/cm7014-mrcc181-guidelines-psychiatric-compensation-claims/attachment-b-current-schedule-fees-psychiatrists