A frequently asked question by veteran patients is ‘Does the DVA cover plant-based therapy’?
While plant-based therapy has been legal since 2016, the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) only began funding it in 2018. The DVA now covers prescriptions for eligible veterans through an approval process called VAPAC (Veterans Affairs Pharmaceutical Advisor Centre).
Funding for plant-based therapy is considered in cases where veterans have already had other treatments for their medical condition funded and accepted by the DVA. This includes Orange and Gold Card holders, White Cardholders with an accepted condition, or non-liability healthcare.
All DVA appointments at CDA Clinics are privately billed. It is possible to receive partial or full consultation reimbursement using the DVA Expense Claim Form, but this is not guaranteed.
What’s the DVA process at CDA Clinics?
STEP 1: Submit GP referral, health summary and patient consent form
Patient registers with CDA Clinics and must submit a GP referral, health summary and patient consent form before a consultation can be booked. It is also recommended to submit the Specialist DVA Referral Form at this time, however it is not required to book an appointment.
STEP 2: CDA Clinics consultation
A CDA Clinics doctor or nurse will consult with the patient and discuss suitability, treatment plan and the TGA and DVA application processes. This consultation is privately billed (paid for by patient). Reimbursement can be applied for with DVA 1181 form but is not guaranteed.
STEP 3: Private prescription issued to patient (when approved by TGA)
Once approved by the TGA, an initial private prescription will be issued to the patient and products must be paid for by the patient. Patients can apply for reimbursement of their private prescription with DVA 1181 form. Reimbursement by DVA is not guaranteed.
STEP 4: DVA VAPAC application by CDA doctor – Patient Action Required!
Patient or specialist submits referral letter of endorsement (or Specialist DVA Referral Form). Once the specialist referral letter of endorsement (or Specialist DVA Referral Form) has been received by CDA Clinics, the CDA doctor will lodge the DVA VAPAC application. This can take up to eight weeks or more to be approved.
STEP 5: VAPAC approval
The DVA will receive and review the application – they will either approve, decline or request more information. Once approved, the DVA approval letter is sent to the doctor. The first approval generally lasts for 3 months.
STEP 6: VAPAC funded prescriptions
Upon accepting an application, the DVA may cover the consultation costs in addition to product, but this is not guaranteed. The process is the same for both in clinic and Telehealth consultations.
STEP 7: Renewal application by CDA doctor
VAPAC approvals need to be renewed with reports/submission by the doctor to VAPAC. Please note: VAPAC approvals last for 3 to 12 months and are product specific.
Contact Us
If you’re an existing CDA patient who is a veteran, please email us for any enquiries relating to DVA funding. If you’re a veteran considering plant-based therapy, please register as a patient and we can help you through the process.
Disclaimer: This is not intended to be used as medical advice or a substitute for your own practitioner’s advice, nor is it intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment for any illness/disease. CDA Clinics & associated parties are not liable for any injury, loss or damage incurred by use of/reliance on information provided.
The information provided by CDA Clinics is for educational and informational purposes only. For medical advice, please check with your doctor and request a referral.