When it comes to the health and wellbeing of veterans, timely medical treatment can make a world of genuine difference. That's where the Provisional Access to Medical Treatment (PAMT) program, introduced by the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA), comes into play. Designed to ensure veterans don't have to wait for essential care while their compensation claims are being processed, PAMT is a genuine lifeline for those in need.
What Is PAMT (Provisional Access to Medical Treatment)?
PAMT is a DVA program allowing eligible veterans to access immediate medical treatment for 20 specific service-related conditions while their MRCA or DRCA claims are assessed. Veterans can begin treatment immediately after lodging their claim without waiting months for claim approval. The program covers treatment costs from claim lodgement until claim decision or December 31, 2026, whichever comes first. You must lodge claims by June 30, 2026 to qualify. If your claim is denied, you're not required to repay treatment costs incurred during PAMT participation.
Key Features of the PAMT Program
Immediate Treatment Access: No waiting for claim approval before starting necessary medical care. Treatment begins as soon as your GP confirms your condition matches PAMT covered conditions and you receive your Treatment Confirmation form from DVA.
20 Covered Common Conditions: PAMT specifically covers 20 conditions frequently associated with military service. These conditions were selected based on prevalence among veterans and treatment urgency.
No Financial Burden: DVA funds all treatment costs during PAMT participation. Veterans don't pay upfront and aren't billed even if claims are ultimately denied.
Bridges the Gap: The program bridges the critical gap between submitting your claim and receiving formal approval, which can take 6-12 months or longer.
Time-Limited Program: PAMT operates until December 31, 2026. Claims must be lodged by June 30, 2026 to access the program.
What 20 Conditions Does PAMT Cover?
PAMT covers treatment for 20 specific conditions frequently associated with military service. The full list ensures comprehensive coverage for conditions veterans commonly experience:
- Achilles tendinopathy and bursitis - Inflammation and degeneration of Achilles tendon
- Chondromalacia patella - Softening of knee cartilage under kneecap
- Cut, stab, abrasion and laceration - Acute wounds requiring treatment
- Dislocation - Joint displacement requiring reduction and rehabilitation
- Fracture - Broken bones from service-related incidents
- Internal derangement of the knee - Meniscus tears and cartilage damage
- Intervertebral disc prolapse - Herniated or bulging spinal discs
- Joint instability - Ligament damage causing unstable joints
- Labral tear - Cartilage tears in shoulder or hip joints
- Lumbar spondylosis - Degenerative arthritis of lower spine
- Non-melanotic malignant neoplasm of the skin - Skin cancers (excluding melanoma)
- Osteoarthritis - Joint degeneration in knees, hips, shoulders, spine
- Plantar fasciitis - Heel pain from inflamed plantar fascia
- Rotator cuff syndrome - Shoulder tendon damage and tears
- Sensorineural hearing loss - Permanent hearing damage from noise exposure
- Shin splints - Lower leg pain from repetitive impact
- Solar keratosis - Pre-cancerous skin lesions from sun exposure
- Sprain and strain - Ligament and muscle injuries
- Thoracic spondylosis - Degenerative arthritis of mid-spine
- Tinnitus - Persistent ringing or noise in ears
These conditions represent the most commonly claimed service-related injuries and illnesses requiring prompt treatment.
Understanding Covered vs Non-Covered Conditions
Covered Under PAMT: The 20 specific conditions listed above when caused by or aggravated by military service.
Not Covered by PAMT (but may be claimable under standard DVA processes):
- Mental health conditions (PTSD, anxiety, depression) - use Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC) instead
- Conditions not on the PAMT list
- Pre-existing conditions without service aggravation
- Conditions from service before PAMT program dates
If your condition isn't on the PAMT list, you can still lodge a DVA claim and may access treatment through other DVA programs like NLHC or after claim acceptance.
Who Is Eligible for PAMT?
Veterans who have lodged compensation claims under MRCA or DRCA are eligible for PAMT if they meet specific criteria.
Eligibility Requirements:
1. You Must Have Lodged a Claim:
- Submitted Initial Liability claim under MRCA or DRCA
- Claim must be for one or more of the 20 specified PAMT conditions
- Claim lodged by June 30, 2026 deadline
2. Condition Must Match PAMT List:
- Your claimed condition appears on the 20-condition list
- GP confirms condition aligns with PAMT covered conditions
- Medical diagnosis supports claim
3. Current or Former ADF Service:
- Eligible for MRCA (service from July 1, 2004 onwards)
- Or eligible for DRCA (service before July 1, 2004)
- Includes permanent and reserve service
Not Eligible:
- Claims for conditions not on PAMT list
- Claims lodged after June 30, 2026
- Non-service-related conditions
- Claims already decided (accepted or denied)
How Do I Access PAMT Treatment?
Accessing PAMT involves a straightforward process, but requires proper documentation and GP involvement.
Step 1: Lodge Your DVA Claim
First, you must lodge an Initial Liability claim for one or more PAMT-covered conditions:
- Complete DVA claim form (D9113 for MRCA)
- Submit through MyService portal or with advocate assistance
- Include basic medical evidence supporting your claim
- Specifically indicate you're claiming PAMT-covered conditions
Step 2: Receive Treatment Confirmation Form
Once DVA receives your claim, they'll provide a Treatment Confirmation form if your claimed condition is PAMT-eligible. This form is essential for accessing treatment.
What the Treatment Confirmation form includes:
- Your details and claim information
- Confirmation of PAMT eligibility
- Instructions for GP completion
- Validity period
Step 3: Visit Your GP for Confirmation
Take the Treatment Confirmation form to your GP (general practitioner). Your GP will:
- Review your medical condition
- Confirm diagnosis matches PAMT covered condition
- Complete and sign the Treatment Confirmation form
- Determine appropriate treatment plan
- Provide referrals to specialists if needed
Important: Your GP must confirm the condition aligns with PAMT coverage. They can't approve treatment for conditions not on the 20-condition list.
Step 4: Begin Receiving Treatment Immediately
Once your GP completes the Treatment Confirmation form, you can begin treatment immediately:
- See specialists (physiotherapists, orthopaedic surgeons, etc.)
- Undergo necessary procedures and interventions
- Receive medications and medical supplies
- Access ongoing rehabilitation services
No waiting for claim approval - treatment starts right away.
No upfront payment - DVA bills providers directly.
Duration of Support:
PAMT ensures you receive care:
- While your claim is being processed by DVA, OR
- Until December 31, 2026, whichever comes first
For most veterans, this means continuous treatment for 6-12 months while DVA assesses your claim.
What Happens After My Claim Is Decided?
PAMT provides temporary treatment access. Once DVA makes a decision on your claim, different outcomes apply:
If Your Claim Is Accepted:
Seamless Transition:
- You transition to standard DVA treatment arrangements
- Receive Veteran White Card for accepted conditions
- Treatment continues without interruption
- May qualify for Gold Card (60+ impairment points or SRDP)
- Permanent treatment coverage for accepted conditions
Permanent Impairment Assessment:
- DVA assesses impairment level for compensation
- May receive lump sum or periodic payments
- Ongoing rehabilitation and support services
If Your Claim Is Denied:
Treatment Ends, But No Repayment Required:
- PAMT treatment coverage ceases
- You are NOT required to repay treatment costs incurred during PAMT
- You can appeal the claim denial (reconsideration, VRB, ART)
- May need to pay for ongoing treatment yourself or through private insurance
- Can submit additional evidence and request reconsideration
Important Protection: The no-repayment provision means veterans can access necessary treatment without financial risk. Even if your claim is ultimately denied, DVA won't bill you for PAMT treatment costs.
If Your Claim Is Still Processing on December 31, 2026:
Program End Date:
- PAMT coverage ends December 31, 2026 regardless of claim status
- If claim still processing, treatment may pause until decision
- Once claim accepted, treatment resumes under standard DVA arrangements
Why Is PAMT Important for Veterans?
The PAMT program addresses critical gaps in the DVA claims process, providing significant benefits:
Eliminates Treatment Delays: Veterans no longer wait months without treatment while claims process. Immediate access prevents conditions worsening and promotes faster recovery.
Reduces Financial Stress: Veterans don't face upfront treatment costs or worry about bills if claims denied. Removes financial barrier to seeking necessary care.
Improves Health Outcomes: Early intervention and treatment leads to better recovery outcomes. Prevents minor conditions becoming chronic or severe through neglect.
Supports Physical and Mental Wellbeing: Knowing treatment is available reduces anxiety about claims process. Veterans can focus on recovery rather than financial concerns.
Demonstrates Government Commitment: PAMT shows recognition of veterans' service and commitment to their wellbeing. Acknowledges the time-sensitive nature of medical needs.
How TAG Can Help You Access PAMT
At Tactical Advocacy Group, we help veterans navigate all DVA programs including PAMT:
PAMT Application Support:
- Assess whether your conditions qualify for PAMT
- Lodge claims strategically to maximise PAMT access
- Ensure correct forms and documentation submitted
- Coordinate with GPs for Treatment Confirmation completion
Claim Preparation:
- Gather medical evidence supporting your conditions
- Complete Initial Liability claims comprehensively
- Lodge by June 30, 2026 deadline to access PAMT
- Prepare for permanent impairment assessment following acceptance
Treatment Coordination:
- Connect you with DVA-experienced medical providers
- Ensure treatment aligns with DVA requirements
- Track treatment and maintain documentation
- Prepare for claim assessment and determination
Ongoing Support:
- Monitor claim progress during PAMT period
- Respond to DVA information requests
- Transition to standard DVA arrangements when claim accepted
- Appeal denied claims if necessary
Act Now: PAMT Deadline Approaching
Remember: you must lodge your claim by June 30, 2026 to access PAMT benefits. The program ends December 31, 2026. Don't delay if you have any of the 20 covered conditions.
If you or someone you know is eligible for PAMT, don't delay:
- Submit your claim as soon as possible
- Access treatment you need immediately
- Get support navigating the process
Contact Tactical Advocacy Group today for free consultation about PAMT and your DVA claim. We'll assess your eligibility, help you lodge your claim and ensure you access the treatment you need without unnecessary delays. The Provisional Access to Medical Treatment program is a testament to the Australian government's commitment to veterans' wellbeing. By ensuring timely access to care, PAMT not only addresses veterans' health needs but also reinforces the nation's promise to those who served.
Your health matters. Don't wait - start your claim and access PAMT treatment today.
