Explosive blast injury S002

Current RMA Instruments

SOP bulletin information for new Instruments

ICD Coding

Multiple ICD codes potentially apply depending on the specific nature of the injuries.

• ICD-9-CM Codes: From within the range 851 to 957 (not all codes in this range apply)
• ICD-10-AM Codes: From withIn the range S00 to T07 (not all codes in this range apply)

Brief description

The explosive blast shot injury SOP covers any physical injury resulting from an explosive blast, including: the direct effects of the overpressure wave (generally from high explosives); injuries from flying debris or fragments; and injuries from being thrown against an object by the force of the blast. The SOP could also potentially cover, e.g., burns from an explosive blast, or a crush fracture resulting from the firing of an aircraft ejection seat (which uses an explosive blast for ejection).

Such injuries may also be covered by other SOPs.  The most appropriate SOP for the circumstances of the claim should be applied.  More than one SOP may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances. The name of the SOP should not be used as a diagnostic label for claims.  The diagnostic label should be changed to one that accurately describes the relevant injury or injuries.

Confirming the diagnosis

The diagnosis can be confirmed based on a record or report from a medical practitioner.  Specialist opinion is not required.

Other SOPs that may be relevant for explosive blast injury

• Barotrauma (otitic, sinus or pulmonary)
• Concussion
• Cut, stab, abrasion and laceration
• External burn
• Fracture
• Moderate to severe traumatic brain injury
• Sensorineural hearing loss

Conditions not covered by explosive blast SOP

• Gunshot injury*
• Acute stress disorder*
• Post traumatic stress disorder*

* another SOP applies

Clinical onset

Clinical onset is not a term used in any SOP factor for this SOP, but the clinical onset will be at the time of the relevant injury.

Clinical worsening

The SOP has only an inability to obtain appropriate clinical management factor for clinical worsening.  This could only be relevant in the unlikely scenario where the blast injury was non-service related, but the treatment provided (for the direct effects of the blast) was service-related.