8. Order of weighting of evidence

The evidence used in the decision making process (order of weighting is from

highest to lowest) includes:

1. Primary evidence – sourced from official Air Force (or other employer) records:

• individual service and personnel records;
• the Airman's Trade Progress Sheet;
• Air Force Record of Training and Employment;
• Defence pay records where they show evidence of tank entry;
• Fuel Tank Entry Permits (from 1993-2000).

2. Secondary evidence sourced from:

• statements made to the Air Force Board of Inquiry or in support of an individual's compensation claim;
• the individual's application for inclusion in the Interim or SHOAMP Health Care Schemes.

3. Tertiary evidence:

• statutory declaration corroborated by primary or secondary evidence;
• information in a statutory declaration by the claimant, along with a second supporting statutory declaration made by an authorised person;
• personal photographs;
• personal copies of service records which are not available in official individual personnel records.