Jake Callaghan is an ex-soldier in the Australian Defence Force who was administratively discharged due to the use of illicit substances. His time in the ADF was spent struggling with mental health challenges from events he witnessed, and physical conditions from what he was expected to do on a day-to-day basis. The transition to civilian life was anything but smooth, and left him feeling hopeless about the future, until VetComp stepped in and turned things around.
Jake served in the Australian Defence Force as a regular soldier. No deployments. No medals. Just a digger who showed up, did the job, and wore the uniform with pride. Like many others, he pushed through the daily wear and tear—niggling injuries, mental fatigue, and the unspoken pressure to stay quiet.
But it caught up with him.
After turning to self-medication to manage both physical pain and psychological strain, a positive test ended his career abruptly. There was no chance to explain, no rehabilitation offered. Just a discharge and a quiet goodbye.
What followed was a tough stretch. Jake picked up work in a tyre shop—hard, honest labour, but it lacked meaning. He found himself just getting by. Skipping meals to pay rent. Exhausted. Still hurting. And worst of all, convinced that because of how he was discharged, he wasn’t entitled to anything from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
“I thought they’d see the drug charge and just say no. I didn’t think someone like me—no deployment, nothing special—had a chance.”
Take the first step by contacting our dedicated team of experts, who stand ready to simplify the process, advocate for your rights, and provide the holistic support you need for a brighter future.
He reached out, not expecting much—but the response changed everything. The VetComp team listened, explained his rights, and helped him understand that discharge status doesn’t erase service-related injuries. If your time in Defence caused physical or psychological harm, you’re entitled to support. That includes people still serving—and those already out.
VetComp got to work, building Jake’s case and handling the paperwork. They organised assessments, submitted claims, and kept him in the loop every step of the way. Within 250 days, Jake was approved for compensation. He received incapacity payments, a DVA Gold Card for healthcare, and finally—recognition of what he’d gone through.
The financial support gave him something he hadn’t felt in a long time: freedom.
With his bills covered and his health finally being managed, Jake had the space to revisit an old interest—barbering. It was something he’d always wanted to try but could never afford. Now, thanks to his DVA compensation and VetComp’s guidance, he enrolled in barber school. No debt. No delays. Just a clean slate and a second chance.
Jake took to it immediately. The attention to detail, the discipline, the care—it all felt familiar, but this time he was building something. Not tearing it down. Since graduating, he’s gone from strength to strength.
Today, Jake is a qualified, self-employed barber, travelling and working in cities like Melbourne and London, and even taking on contract work in Bali. He’s created a flexible lifestyle that lets him work hard, stay creative, and prioritise his wellbeing. For the first time in years, he has full control of his life—financially, mentally, and professionally.
His clients range from everyday locals to other veterans who see his story and feel like maybe there’s a way forward for them, too. Cutting hair has become more than a job—it’s a way of reconnecting, of building people up, one conversation and one fresh cut at a time.
“This wasn’t where I thought I’d end up—but I’m glad I did. And I wouldn’t have made it without VetComp.”
Take the first step by contacting our dedicated team of experts, who stand ready to simplify the process, advocate for your rights, and provide the holistic support you need for a brighter future.
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We are not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) or the Australian Defence Force (ADF). We do not provide medical, legal, or financial advice.