Transition from Defence

Transitioning out of the Australian Defence Force is one of the most challenging and pivotal periods in a veteran’s life. It can feel confusing, confronting, and isolating — but you do not have to walk that path alone.

At Fortitude Health Group, we understand this journey intimately. Our services are designed by professionals with extensive experi ence in veteran health and the DVA system, ensuring your health, wellbeing, and entitlements are protected as you transition into civilian life.

Why specialist care matters during transition

The transition period is critical in establishing your long-term health outcomes and ensuring your entitlements are appropriately recognised. Engaging with experienced medical practitioners can make a significant difference to a successful transition.

  • We have extensive experience supporting veterans through the complexities of discharge, DVA claims, and the shift from military to civilian healthcare. Our doctors and allied health professionals understand your unique service history and the occupational demands of Defence life.

  • We strongly encourage veterans to engage with us while still serving. Seeing a Fortitude doctor prior to discharge is important for:

    • Proper injury documentation: ensuring service-related physical and mental health conditions are thoroughly assessed and recorded while still in service

    • A strong claims foundation: pre-discharge medical evidence can be critical in supporting recognition of conditions and achieving optimal DVA claim outcomes.

  • Our goal is to ensure your care continues without interruption. By establishing a relationship with Fortitude before or immediately after discharge, we can coordinate ongoing medical, specialist, and allied health support — reducing gaps in care and easing the transition process.

Fortitude’s comprehensive transition support

We provide a coordinated, veteran-focused approach to ensure you are supported both medically and strategically throughout your transition:

• Experienced healthcare team: access to doctors and allied health professionals highly experienced in veteran and DVA healthcare

• DVA claims support: assistance in preparing medical evidence required for claims, including Permanent Impairment assessments.

DVA entitlements and medical support

At Fortitude Health Group, we can assist with completing medical reports once a therapeutic relationship has been established with your treating practitioner. This helps ensure all documentation is accurate, clinically appropriate, and reflective of your ongoing care, medical history, and current conditions

We can also provide guidance and support regarding:

  • Accessing your ADF medical documents and health records

  • Understanding DVA entitlements and claims processes

  • The role of Advocates and how they can assist with DVA claims and support services

  • Medical evidence requirements for DVA-related claims and assessments

  • Referrals for allied health and specialist services where clinically appropriate

  • Ongoing management and continuity of care for veterans and serving members.