Cerebral ischaemia - Trauma to the neck or the base of the skull Factor
The RMA definition of trauma to the neck or the base of the skull means either:
- a non-penetrating injury, involving extension, rotation, hyperflexion or compression of the neck;
- a penetrating injury to the neck or the base of the skull; or
- an injury resulting in fracture or dislocation of the cervical spine.
Additional information
This could include a direct blow to the spine or the base of the skull, or the application of force such as severe whiplash where the unsupported head has been subject to sudden over-extension in a motor vehicle accident (hit from behind), sudden forcible extension as in a diving accident, forceful manipulation of the neck (eg chiropractic manipulation) or electroconvulsive therapy without muscle relaxants. The neck is the region of the spine from the base of the skull to the nape of the neck - vertebrae C1 to C7.
If a veteran or member had a trauma to the neck or base of the skull as defined by the RMA it is likely that he or she would have sought medical attention at that time. Such medical treatment would normally be recorded in doctors' notes and/or hospital records. However, if these records cannot be obtained, a reliable history of appropriate medical treatment or symptoms at a particular time, generally will be accepted, unless there is contradictory evidence. Seek medical advice if it is unclear whether the claimed trauma to the neck or base of the skull at that time is medically feasible.
Last reviewed for CCPS 24 May 2007.
Investigative Documents
| Type | Title | PDF Format | Word Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claimant Report | Trauma to the Neck or Base of the Skull - Cerebrovascular Accident | ||
| Medical Report | Trauma to the Neck or Base of the Skull - Cerebrovascular Accident |
Preliminary questions [12585]
20878 there is some evidence that a trauma to the neck or the base of the skull may be a factor in the development of the condition under consideration, a cerebrovascular accident.
20715 the veteran has had trauma to the neck or the base of the skull as defined in the Statements of Principles for cerebrovascular accident at some time.
18168 the veteran had trauma to the neck or the base of the skull as defined in the Statements of Principles for cerebrovascular accident within the one year before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration, a cerebrovascular accident.
18169 the veteran has established the causal connection between the trauma to the neck or the base of the skull and VEA service for the clinical onset of cerebrovascular accident.
18170 the veteran has established the causal connection between the trauma to the neck or the base of the skull and operational service for the clinical onset of cerebrovascular accident.
or
18171 the veteran has established the causal connection between the trauma to the neck or the base of the skull and eligible service for the clinical onset of cerebrovascular accident.
Clinical onset and operational service [18170]
18173 on operational service, the veteran had trauma to the neck or the base of the skull as defined in the Statements of Principles for cerebrovascular accident within the one year before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration, a cerebrovascular accident.
18174 the trauma to the neck or the base of the skull on operational service as defined in the Statements of Principles for cerebrovascular accident within the one year before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration, a cerebrovascular accident, was due to the veteran's serious default, wilful act or serious breach of discipline.
or
18175 the trauma to the neck or the base of the skull as defined in the Statements of Principles for cerebrovascular accident within the one year before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration, a cerebrovascular accident, was due to an illness or injury which is identifiable.
20716 the identified illness or injury which caused the trauma to the neck or the base of the skull as defined in the Statements of Principles for cerebrovascular accident is causally related to operational service.
Clinical onset and eligible service [18171]
18177 on eligible service, the veteran had trauma to the neck or the base of the skull as defined in the Statements of Principles for cerebrovascular accident within the one year before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration, a cerebrovascular accident.
18178 as a causal result of eligible service, the veteran had trauma to the neck or the base of the skull as defined in the Statements of Principles for cerebrovascular accident within the one year before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration, a cerebrovascular accident.
18179 the trauma to the neck or the base of the skull on eligible service as defined in the Statements of Principles for cerebrovascular accident within the one year before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration, a cerebrovascular accident, was due to the veteran's serious default, wilful act or serious breach of discipline.
or
18175 the trauma to the neck or the base of the skull as defined in the Statements of Principles for cerebrovascular accident within the one year before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration, a cerebrovascular accident, was due to an illness or injury which is identifiable.
20717 the identified illness or injury which caused the trauma to the neck or the base of the skull as defined in the Statements of Principles for cerebrovascular accident is causally related to eligible service.