Good news from the Government today (Sept 17th 2026) the veterans who see our Exercise Physiology DVA Veterans we see here in the gym and clinic.
Minister for Veterans' Affairs Matt Keogh announced the proposed $5,000 annual threshold on DVA allied health services is off the table.
This means that there is no cap for veterans that need to see any of their allied health services like your physio or exercise physiology sessions from July 2027.
What did DVA initially plan?
In the May Budget set there was going to be a limit of $5,000 on allied health for Veteran Card holders, starting 1 July 2027. That was across all allied health together. Physiotherapy, exercise physiology, psychology, podiatry, dietetics, all counting toward the same cap. If any veterans needing more help they neeeded to apply for extra funding and prove that is was clinicaly needed.
There were no other details around the threshold and veterans were asked to trust they would create a review system around the cap. If any veteran had a reconstructed shoulder, fused vertebrae or chronic pain that needs regular treatment just to keep them working and moving that was never going to fit under that cap.
For now, nothing changes. If you hold a Gold or White Card with a valid GP referral your physiotherapy and exercise physiology appointments in our gym and clinic continue as normal. That means the 12 session treatment cycle (D904 referral arrangement) still applies for now which is a good thing in keeping your GP across your current treatment.
We love that the veteran community and advocacy pushed back hard on this announcement and the Government has listened with the policy being scrapped.
Does the DVA fee increase stay?
Not sure yet. It will be interesting to see if the govenrment keeps the fee increase announced for allied health providers which would be the largest lift in DVA fees in more than twenty years or if they also scrap that.
Looking for a DVA physio or exercise physiology gym in Melbourne's north west?
We have no wait list to see DVA clients at our Melbourne gym and clinic which is only a few minutes from Moonee Ponds, Flemington and Essendon. Gold and White Card holders are fully funded with a valid GP referral with no out of pocket cost.
If you've been holding off on that shoulder or knee because you weren't sure where the funding was heading or how to gain access to exercise and health professionals please call (03)9996-0790 or email the clinic and we'd love to help you.
Other Resources for our Veterans
Press Release - https://minister.dva.gov.au/news-and-media/minister/statement-veteran-allied-health-changes
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or the Open Arms website.
Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072.
Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Health Portal.
Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608