7. Requesting a posthumous diagnosis -

CM6267 Guideline for operation of posthumous psychiatric diagnosis panel is at Attachment A and outlines the procedure to be followed in cases where the veteran is deceased and a psychiatric condition forms part of the claim. The Commissions have approved, in consultation with the RANZCP, the establishment of a panel for psychiatrists to provide posthumous diagnoses in such cases based on the available evidence and recognising that any such diagnosis must be made on the balance of probabilities.

The posthumous diagnosis panel comprises members from State/Territory based lists of second-opinion psychiatrists trained in the Department's requirements. However, a claimant may select a preferred psychiatrist. See paragraph 15 re 'seeking a second opinion'.

Should a panel of psychiatrists be unable to be convened, alternate options can be pursued according to the guideline.