At AVHS, our Occupational Medicine Specialists provide expert assessment and clinical guidance for current and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) members.
Occupational medicine focuses on the relationship between health, work, and occupational exposures. For veterans, this can involve assessing the impact of military service on health, functional capacity, and long-term wellbeing.
Our Occupational Medicine Specialists have extensive experience in military and veteran health, having either served in uniform themselves or worked extensively within Defence and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). They provide independent, evidence-based medical opinions to support clinical care, rehabilitation, and administrative processes such as DVA claims and reviews.
Our Occupational Medicine Specialists provide a range of assessments and clinical opinions for veterans, including:
- Assessment of service-related injuries and illnesses
- DVA-related medical assessments and specialist opinions
- Fitness for service assessments
- Fitness for work and occupational capacity evaluations
- Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs)
- Assessment of complex or multi-system health conditions
- Review of treatment and rehabilitation needs
- Independent medical opinions for compensation and administrative processes
These assessments help ensure veterans receive appropriate recognition of service-related health issues and clear clinical guidance for future care.
Navigating the DVA system can be complex and often requires detailed medical documentation and specialist opinions.
Our Occupational Medicine Specialists regularly assist with:
- Specialist medical assessments for DVA claims
- Clinical review of service-related health conditions
- Medical opinions to support DVA documentation and decision-making
- Assessment of functional capacity and occupational impact
Many veterans receive their ongoing healthcare through their existing general practitioner.
Our Occupational Medicine Specialists work collaboratively with GPs by providing specialist assessments and reports related to DVA processes, allowing GPs to continue focusing on their patient’s ongoing medical care.
GPs can refer veterans to AVHS for DVA-related assessments, occupational health evaluations, and complex clinical reviews.
Our Occupational Medicine Specialists are available to conduct Independent Medical Examinations for current and former ADF members.
IME referrals are accepted from:
- Legal practitioners
- Insurers
- Rehabilitation Providers
- Government Agencies
- Work Cover
Assessments may address causation, impairment, functional capacity, and fitness for service or work, with comprehensive medico-legal reports provided.
Our Occupational Medicine Specialists have a strong understanding of the unique occupational demands and exposures associated with military service, including:
- Physical and psychological demands of military roles
- Service-related injuries and health conditions
- Military occupational exposures
- Complex health presentations common in veteran populations
This ensures assessments are clinically rigorous and appropriately contextualised to military service.
Veterans can be referred to our Occupational Medicine Specialists by their GP, specialist, rehabilitation provider, insurers, or legal representative.
To discuss a referral or arrange an appointment, please contact our team.
Our Occupational Medicine Specialists
