Current RMA Instruments
Reasonable Hypothesis SOP | 39 of 2025 |
|---|---|
Balance of Probabilities SOP | 40 of 2025 |
Changes from previous Instruments
ICD Coding
- ICD-10-AM Codes: X70, X74, X64, X67, X84
Brief Description
This SOP covers the act of intentionally killing oneself, or the act of attempting to kill oneself but where there is a non-fatal outcome. These acts are not strictly diseases or injuries in themselves but are given that status for DVA purposes. They may be a consequence of an underlying disease or may result in injury. Depending on the circumstances, this SoP as well as others may be applicable. Seek medical advice if in doubt.
Confirming the diagnosis
Information may be obtained from various sources such as records or reports from the ADF, hospital, treating health professionals, police, emergency services or coroners.
A psychiatric report may be required to clarify whether an underlying mental health disorder is present that should be diagnosed in addition to a diagnosis of attempted suicide. Consideration should also be given to whether any injury has resulted from the event that should be separately diagnosed and considered.
Similarly for attempted suicide - consider whether there is an underlying disease or a resultant injury to be diagnosed as the cause of death and apply the relevant SoP if appropriate.
Additional diagnoses covered by SOP
- Nil
Conditions not covered by SOP
- Intentional self-harm without suicidal intent # or * - Likely to be a manifestation of an underlying mental health disorder. Other SoPs may apply.
- Planned suicide attempt that is not carried out # or * - May be a manifestation of another mental health disorder. Other SoPs may apply.
* another SOP applies
# non-SOP condition
Clinical onset
Clinical onset will be at the time of the act of suicide or attempted suicide.
In the event of multiple suicide attempts being made and claimed, each should generally be considered as a separate event.
Clinical worsening
The only clinical worsening factor is the inability to obtain appropriate clinical management.
In practice, it is difficult to see how this factor would commonly apply, except in rare cases where the suicide act is prolonged (e.g. starvation, dehydration etc.). In such scenarios, the absence of appropriate treatment may be deliberate rather than due to a genuine inability to access care.
Another possible context is where a non-fatal suicide attempt results in poor medical outcomes due to a lack of timely or adequate clinical management.