Undergoing corticosteroid therapy

Corticosteroids are routinely prescribed for many common medical conditions.  These include asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, osteoarthrosis, psoriasis and seborrhoeic dermatitis.  These have widespread application within the veteran community.  Kattenberg principles may also apply.

The RMA has defined ‘undergoing corticosteroid therapy’ as:

(a)  Applying corticosteroid containing eye preparations topically to the affected eye on more days than not for a period of at least 6 months;

(b)  Applying corticosteroid containing dermal preparations to the skin around the eyes on more days than not for a period of at least 12 months;

(c)  Taking oral corticosteroids on more days than not for a period of at least 12 months;

(d) Inhaling corticosteroids (including nasal sprays) on more days than not for a period of at least 12 months;

(e)  Having at least five corticosteroid injections within 12 months;

(f)  Having a subconjunctival repository steroid injection in the affected eye;

(g)  Having an ipsilateral orbital/periocular corticosteroid injection; or

(h)  Using dermal corticosteroid preparations on more days than not for a period of at least five years.

Corticosteroids

Topically means the local application of creams or drops.

On more days than not can be taken to mean at least 51% of days.

Ipsilateral means on the same side.

The orbit of the eye comprises the area bordered by the inner side of the nose, the eyebrow and the top of the cheek bone.

Periocular means around the eye.

LAST REVIEWED FOR CCPS 18 JULY 2006.

INVESTIGATIVE DOCUMENTS

PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS [31355]

31356 the veteran has undergone corticosteroid therapy as specified in the Statements of Principles for open-angle glaucoma at some time.

31357 the veteran underwent corticosteroid therapy as specified in the Statements of Principles for open-angle glaucoma where such therapy or part of such therapy was received within the 12 months before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.ý

31358 the veteran's corticosteroid therapy as specified in the Statements of Principles for open-angle glaucoma, where such therapy or part of such therapy was received within the 12 months before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration, was materially contributed to by treatment of an illness or injury which is identifiable.

31359  the veteran has established the causal connection between the corticosteroid therapy and VEA service for the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.

31360   the veteran has established the causal connection between the corticosteroid therapy and operational service for the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.

or

31361   the veteran has established the causal connection between the corticosteroid therapy and eligible service for the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.

CLINICAL ONSET AND OPERATIONAL SERVICE [31360]

31362  the identified illness or injury which made a material contribution to the veteran's corticosteroid therapy is causally related to operational service.

CLINICAL ONSET AND ELIGIBLE SERVICE [31361]

31363  the identified illness or injury which made a material contribution to the veteran's corticosteroid therapy is causally related to eligible service.