Chronic pain is one of the most common challenges faced by Australian veterans, affecting mobility, daily activities, and overall well-being. Finding the right specialist can feel overwhelming, but expert pain management can significantly improve quality of life.

Through the Veteran Access Scheme™, we help veterans and healthcare providers navigate the process of connecting with pain specialists who offer tailored treatments for service-related pain conditions.

Who can benefit from pain specialist support?

Veterans experiencing chronic pain from service-related injuries

GPs seeking specialist referrals for veteran patients

Allied health professionals (physiotherapists, osteopaths) supporting veterans with pain management

Why expert pain management is important for veterans

1 in 5 Australian veterans experiences chronic pain.

Chronic pain can impact mental health, mobility, and quality of life if left untreated.

Early intervention with a pain specialist can help prevent long-term disability and improve daily function.

Multidisciplinary care – combining physical therapy, psychological support, and medical treatments – provides the most effective long-term pain relief.

Source: Painaustralia.org.au

What is a Pain Specialist?

A pain specialist is a doctor trained in diagnosing, treating, and managing chronic pain.

They use a multidisciplinary approach to address pain from musculoskeletal conditions, nerve damage, and past injuries, helping veterans regain function and independence.

Pain specialists treat a range of conditions, including:

Chronic musculoskeletal pain (e.g., lower back pain, joint pain)

Neuropathic pain (nerve-related pain, phantom limb pain)

Post-traumatic pain linked to injuries or PTSD

Osteoarthritis and inflammatory pain

How Pain Specialists help veterans

Pain specialists provide a range of treatments designed to manage and reduce chronic pain:

Personalised Pain Management Plans
Every veteran’s pain is different. Specialists create tailored treatment plans that consider the veteran’s history, lifestyle, and health conditions.

Medication Management
Expert guidance on safe and effective medication use, including alternatives to opioids for long-term pain control.

Rehabilitation & Physiotherapy
Targeted exercises and movement therapy to improve mobility, strength, and pain levels.

Psychological Support
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and mental health strategies to help veterans manage the emotional and psychological impact of chronic pain.
Interventional Pain Procedures
Advanced pain treatments such as nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulation, and joint injections to provide lasting relief.

How to Access a Pain Specialist

Veterans can access pain specialists through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) with GP referrals. However, navigating the process can be complex.

The Veteran Access Scheme™ streamlines this by:

Connecting veterans with leading pain specialists

Guiding GPs and healthcare providers through the referral process

Providing education and support on chronic pain treatments

If you are a GP, pharmacist, or allied health professional, we can assist in connecting your veteran patients with pain management services.

Accessing a Pain Specialist

Step 1: Speak to your GP about your chronic pain concerns.
Step 2: Your GP will refer you to a pain specialist under the DVA framework.
Step 3: The pain specialist assesses your condition and develops a treatment plan.
Step 4: Ongoing treatment and support with specialist pain management strategies.

Not sure where to start? We can help. Contact us for support.

How the Veteran Access Scheme™ helps veterans and healthcare providers

The Veteran Access Scheme™ is designed to simplify specialist care for veterans.

Through this initiative, we:

Support GPs and allied health professionals in the referral process

Ensure timely access to pain specialists for eligible veterans

Help veterans understand their treatment options

Veterans: Ask your GP about a referral to a pain specialist. If you need assistance, contact us for guidance.
Doctors & Healthcare Providers: Learn how the Veteran Access Scheme™ can assist your veteran patients in accessing expert pain management.

Whether you are a veteran, a GP, or a healthcare provider, we are here to help connect you with expert pain specialists and the best available treatment options.

Have questions? Contact us today for more information.

Specialist pain care for veterans: What you need to know