Reasonable Hypothesis SOP [1] | 86 of 2023 as amended |
Balance of Probabilities SOP [2] | 87 of 2023 as amended |
Changes from previous Instruments
SOP Bulletin 238 [3]
ICD Coding
ICD-10-AM Codes: C33, C44, D02.1, D02.2
Brief description
This is a primary malignant neoplasm of the lung. That is the neoplasm has originated in the lung or trachea (primary) and has not migrated from another primary site (secondary or metastasis). The lung tissue includes the alveoli, bronchioles, bronchi, and trachea, but not the pleura.
Confirming the diagnosis
The diagnosis requires histology. This usually involves obtaining tissue from a biopsy of the lung. A diagnosis based on cytology can be used if biopsy and histopathology are not readily obtainable.
The appropriate medical specialist is a respiratory physician, thoracic surgeon or oncologist.
Additional diagnoses covered by these SOPs
Conditions not covered by these SOPs
* another SOP applies
# non-SOP condition
Clinical onset
The condition may be dected incidentally on radiological imaging. Typical presenting symptoms are cough, haemoptosis (coughing blood), dyspnoea (shortness of breath) or chest pain. Patients presenting with clinical features typically have advanced disease. However, the above symptoms may all be features of other diseases. Once the diagnosis has been confirmed it may be possible to back date onset to an earlier time based on the clinical picture.
Clinical worsening
The only SOP worsening factor is for inability to obtain appropriate clinical management. Appropriate management of the disease varies considerably with the type and stage of the disease and other factors. A delay in obtaining treatment could lead to a worsening of the prognosis.
The therapeutic radiation would only be relevant if it were given for a condition other than the one now being considered.
The thorax is the chest - that part of the body between the neck and the thoracic diaphragm, encased by the ribs.
Therapeutic radiation
8575 there is some evidence that a course of therapeutic radiation may be a factor in the development of the condition under consideration.
31712 the veteran has undergone a course of therapeutic radiation to the thorax at some time.
5033 the veteran underwent a course of therapeutic radiation to the thorax for treatment of an illness or injury which is identifiable.
36271 for treatment of the identified illness or injury, the veteran underwent a course of therapeutic radiation to the thorax before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
31713 the veteran has established the causal connection between the course of therapeutic radiation to the thorax and VEA service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
31714 the veteran has established the causal connection between the course of therapeutic radiation to the thorax and operational service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
or
31715 the veteran has established the causal connection between the course of therapeutic radiation to the thorax and eligible service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
5032 where the veteran underwent a course of therapeutic radiation to the thorax for treatment of the identified illness or injury, the first exposure occurred at least five years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
5035 the identified illness or injury for which the course of therapeutic radiation to the thorax was undergone is causally related to operational service.
36262 where the veteran underwent a course of therapeutic radiation to the thorax for treatment of the identified illness or injury, the first exposure occurred at least ten years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
5034 the identified illness or injury for which the course of therapeutic radiation to the thorax was undergone is causally related to eligible service.
The alcohol factor for malignant neoplasm of the lung applies only to reasonable hypothesis cases. It requires consumption of at least 350 kilograms of alcohol within a continuous 25 year period before the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
As part of the investigation of this factor, you will be asked to consider whether VEA (operational) service made a material contribution to this level of alcohol consumption.
This requires consideration of the following:
A material contribution by operational service can be made in a number of ways:
The Repatriation Commission also agreed that arguments put to delegates that are outside the Guideline must still be considered for substance and medical and scientific support. However the Commission did not agree that the temporal connection of service life with alcohol consumption is enough to establish ‘habit’ as the cause of alcohol use.
“Habituation” is often an argument advanced to connect service conditions with post service alcohol consumption.
A search by the RMA for sound medical scientific evidence bearing on "habituation" revealed only one epidemiological study (as at April 2000) that bears on the ‘habituation’ issue, that is, whether a “habit” of alcohol drinking continues from the service environment into the community after discharge from service. In fact that paper suggested that not only was there no association with military service there is some evidence that military service produces the opposite effect.
Type | Title | PDF Format | Word Format |
---|---|---|---|
Claimant Report | Alcohol Consumption | CRD904.pdf [8] | CRD904.docx [9] |
Claimant Report | Alcohol Consumption | CRV904.pdf [10] | CRV904.docx [11] |
Medical Report | Alcohol Consumption | MR9244.pdf [12] | MR9244.docx [13] |
25686 the veteran has consumed alcohol at some time.
36258 the veteran has established the causal connection between the alcohol consumption and operational service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
36259 the veteran drank at least 350 kilograms of alcohol within a continuous 25 year period before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
36260 operational service made a material contribution to the veteran's consumption of at least 350 kilograms of alcohol within a continuous 25 year period before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
36261 the veteran's drinking of at least 350 kilograms of alcohol within a continuous 25 year period before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration, which was materially contributed by operational service, was due to the veteran's serious default, wilful act or serious breach of discipline.
Asbestosis is a disease of the lungs involving the tiny terminal passages of the lungs (the alveoli). It is caused over a long period by the inhalation of large quantities of asbestos fibres which are sufficiently small to reach the alveoli.
The effects of asbestosis are insidious, occurring over months and years. Asbestosis starts with an inflammatory process (alveolitis). Signs and symptoms develop when damage and scarring caused by the asbestos fibres lead to stiffness in the lung tissue so that the lungs can't contract and expand normally (a form of pulmonary fibrosis). This leads to reduced lung volumes and impaired gas transfer. The patient characteristically notices the insidious onset of exertional dyspnoea and reduced exercise tolerance. Chest X-ray may show irregular or linear opacities and a "ground glass" appearance of the lung fields. Either of these situations confirms a radiographic diagnosis of asbestosis. Pleural effusions (collections of fluid in the pleural spaces of the lungs) may also be noted on chest X-ray.
31638 there is some evidence that asbestosis may be a factor in the development of the condition under consideration.
31639 the veteran has had asbestosis at some time.
31641 the veteran had asbestosis at the time of the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
31645 the veteran has established the causal connection between asbestosis and VEA service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
31646 the veteran has established the causal connection between asbestosis and operational service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
or
31647 the veteran has established the causal connection between asbestosis and eligible service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
31648 the asbestosis is causally related to operational service.
31649 the asbestosis is causally related to eligible service.
The RMA defines atomic radiation as "ionising radiation excluding:
(1) natural background radiation;
(2) therapeutic radiation; and
(3) radiation from diagnostic procedures."
Australian service personnel with known atomic radiation exposure are:
There are no other groups of Australian service personnel with eligible VEA service who have known service-related atomic radiation exposure.
There may also be other individual service personnel who contend exposure to atomic radiation during service covered by the VEA. Such claims should be investigated on their merits.
Further information about atomic radiation is contained in SOP Bulletin No. 106 - Atomic Radiation and SOP Bulletin No. 145 – Atomic Radiation– Update British Nuclear Test Participants.
Type | Title | PDF Format | Word Format |
---|---|---|---|
Claimant Report | Exposure to Atomic Radiation | CR9171.pdf [14] | CR9171.docx [15] |
30275 there is some evidence that atomic radiation may be a factor in the development of the condition under consideration.
31702 the veteran has established the causal connection between atomic radiation and VEA service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
31703 the veteran has established the causal connection between atomic radiation and operational service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
or
31704 the veteran has established the causal connection between atomic radiation and eligible service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
31705 the veteran has received a cumulative equivalent dose of at least 0.05 Sievert of atomic radiation to the lung at some time.
31706 the veteran received a cumulative equivalent dose of at least 0.05 Sievert of atomic radiation to the lung where this dose was accumulated at least five years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
34300 operational service made a material contribution to the veteran receiving a cumulative equivalent dose of at least 0.05 Sievert of atomic radiation to the lung where this dose was accumulated at least five years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
31707 the cumulative equivalent dose of at least 0.05 Sievert of atomic radiation to the lung, to which operational service made a material contribution and the dose was accumulated at least five years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration, was due to the veteran's serious default, wilful act or serious breach of discipline.
31708 the veteran has received a cumulative equivalent dose of at least 0.5 Sievert of atomic radiation to the lung at some time.
31710 the veteran received a cumulative equivalent dose of at least 0.5 Sievert of atomic radiation to the lung where this dose was accumulated at least ten years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
31709 eligible service made a material contribution to the veteran receiving a cumulative equivalent dose of at least 0.5 Sievert of atomic radiation to the lung where this dose was accumulated at least ten years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
31711 the cumulative equivalent dose of at least 0.5 Sievert of atomic radiation to the lung, to which eligible service made a material contribution and the dose was accumulated at least ten years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration, was due to the veteran's serious default, wilful act or serious breach of discipline.
The wording of this factor in the Statement of Principles is "being in an atmosphere with a visible tobacco smoke haze in an enclosed space". In the SOP for Malignant neoplasm of the lung the RMA has defined an enclosed space as "a substantially enclosed area, for example, the interior of a building, ship or aircraft, a covered workshop or factory".
Information about the scope and nature of service occupations may be found in Physical requirements, duties, and workplace hazards of specific military occupations.
Type | Title | PDF Format | Word Format |
---|---|---|---|
Claimant Report | Being in an Atmosphere with a Visible Tobacco Smoke Haze | CRD901.pdf [16] | CRD901.docx [17] |
Claimant Report | Being in an Atmosphere with a Visible Tobacco Smoke Haze | CRV901.pdf [18] | CRV901.docx [19] |
31767 there is some evidence that being in an atmosphere with a visible tobacco smoke haze may be a factor in the development of the condition under consideration.
4926 the veteran has been in an atmosphere with a visible tobacco smoke haze in an enclosed space.
18187 the veteran has been in an atmosphere with a visible tobacco smoke haze in an enclosed space for at least 5000 hours.
4932 the veteran was in an atmosphere with a visible tobacco smoke haze in an enclosed space for at least 5000 hours before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
4927 the veteran has established the causal connection between the exposure to tobacco smoke and VEA service for the malignant neoplasm of the lung.
4928 the veteran has established the causal connection between the exposure to tobacco smoke and operational service for the malignant neoplasm of the lung.
or
4929 the veteran has established the causal connection between the exposure to tobacco smoke and eligible service for the malignant neoplasm of the lung.
4936 operational service made a material contribution to the veteran being in an atmosphere with a visible tobacco smoke haze in an enclosed space for at least 5000 hours before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
5937 where operational service made a material contribution to the veteran being in an atmosphere with a visible tobacco smoke haze in an enclosed space for at least 5000 hours before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration, the first such exposure commenced at least five years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
4937 eligible service made a material contribution to the veteran being in an atmosphere with a visible tobacco smoke haze in an enclosed space for at least 5000 hours before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
4938 where eligible service made a material contribution to the veteran being in an atmosphere with a visible tobacco smoke haze in an enclosed space for at least 5000 hours before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration, the first such exposure commenced at least ten years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
This means:
This consumption can have occurred after a vessel had left Vietnamese waters, if the water was produced as above. This part of the SOP factor reflects the finding of a Departmentally sponsored study that dioxin is not removed from water by evaporative distillation. On Navy ships and Army small ships in Vietnam, potable water was produced from evaporative distillation of surrounding estuarine water. Overall the findings of this study demonstrate that evaporative distillation of water does not remove but rather enriches certain contaminants such as dioxins in drinking water. Subsequent ingestion by sailors on board ships (as well as soldiers and airmen, who were passengers) is thus a vector for exposure to these chemicals.
While it is unlikely that accurate exposure of the personnel on board ships can be estimated, the study findings suggest that the personnel on board ships were exposed to biologically significant quantities of dioxins.
The RMA has defined "being on land in Vietnam or at sea in Vietnamese waters" as "service in at least one of the areas and at the times described in Items 4 and 8 of Schedule 2 of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986". Therefore, if the veteran has operational service in Vietnam or Vietnamese waters, he or she has served in one of the specified areas at the required time - if necessary, check the service records to confirm locations and time of operational service.
2448 the veteran had operational service in Vietnam.
8077 the veteran has established the causal connection between being on land in Vietnam or at sea in Vietnamese waters or having consumed water from estuarine Vietnamese waters as specified in the SOP for malignant neoplasm of the lung and operational service for the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
33543 the veteran has been on land in Vietnam or at sea in Vietnamese waters on operational service for a cumulative period of at least 30 days.
8078 the veteran had been on land in Vietnam or at sea in Vietnamese waters for at least 30 days on operational service at least 5 years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
or
33512 the veteran has consumed water from estuarine Vietnamese waters as specified in the SOP for the condition under consideration.
33513 the veteran has consumed water from estuarine Vietnamese waters as specified in the SOP for the condition under consideration, for a cumulative period of at least 30 days.
33514 the veteran had consumed water from estuarine Vietnamese waters as specified in the SOP for the condition under consideration, for a cumulative period of at least 30 days at least five years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
33508 the veteran's operational service made a material contribution to the consumption of water from estuarine Vietnamese waters as specified in the SOP for a cumulative period of at least 30 days at least five years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
The RMA defines berylliosis (synonymous with chronic beryllium disease) to mean ‘a granulomatous disease usually involving the lungs, but which may involve the skin or other structures, and is induced by a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to beryllium fumes’.
Berylliosis is a chronic granulomatous pneumoconiosis (inflammation of the lungs). It is caused by the inhalation of beryllium fumes or dust. The disease may take many years of exposure to develop. Beryllium exposure may also result in an acute chemical pneumonitis - this is not berylliosis.
The diagnosis of berylliosis is difficult because the clinical picture and lung pathology are very similar to lung disease from a number of other causes (sarcoidosis, other hypersensitivity pneumonitis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis). Diagnosis requires a history of exposure, evidence of sensitivity to beryllium on blood or bronchoalveolar lavage testing and compatible lung pathology.
36263 there is some evidence that berylliosis may be a factor in the development of the condition under consideration.
36264 the veteran has had berylliosis at some time.
36265 the veteran had berylliosis at the time of the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
36266 the veteran has established the causal connection between berylliosis and VEA service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
36267 the veteran has established the causal connection between berylliosis and operational service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
or
36268 the veteran has established the causal connection between berylliosis and eligible service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
36269 the berylliosis is causally related to operational service.
36270 the berylliosis is causally related to eligible service.
Note: This factor applies only to reasonable hypothesis cases.
Asthma comprises repeated attacks of wheezing, panting and shortness of breath. The attacks last from a period of a few minutes to a few hours and are relieved either spontaneously or by medication. There may be no evidence of the disease between attacks, but pulmonary function tests may have noted the presence of "reversible airways disease". This term is used to denote the fact that the effects of the asthma are reversed when specific therapy for the condition is inhaled. The medication generally used is Ventolin, and the test confirms the diagnosis of asthma.
Bronchitis with a wheeze may only indicate a smoking problem, whilst a wheeze might indicate an isolated attack of hay fever or relate to an attack of congestive cardiac failure. For correct diagnosis it is necessary to ensure that all symptoms of the disease were present in the initial attack and that there have been recurring attacks which have followed the initial pattern with greater or lesser degree of severity.
If a veteran or member had asthma he or she would have needed medical attention at some time. Such medical treatment would normally be recorded in doctors' notes and/or hospital records. However, these records may have been destroyed or can no longer be obtained. Because some of the symptoms associated with asthma may be caused by other conditions, you should seek medical advice if the presence of asthma at a particular time is not confirmed by medical records.
Further information about the diagnosis of asthma can be found in the Diagnostic protocol contained in the Research module of CCPS.
Chronic bronchitis means a respiratory tract disorder characterised by excessive mucus production sufficient to cause cough and sputum production with expectoration for at least three months of at least two consecutive years which is not attributable to other respiratory diseases.
In the SOP for Chronic bronchitis and emphysema the RMA defines emphysema as "a bilateral and diffuse respiratory tract disorder which is characterised by distension of airspaces distal to the terminal bronchiole with destruction of alveolar septa, and without obvious fibrosis. This definition excludes isolated emphysematous bleb and surgical, traumatic, unilateral, focal or localised emphysema, and Swyer-James syndrome (also known as MacLeod's syndrome or hyperlucent lung syndrome)."
Specific spirometric or other evidence is not required. Spirometry results will generally be available (either provided or obtained for assessment purposes). If that spirometry does not show the usual obstructive pattern associated with emphysema, ie FEV1 £ 85% of predicted and FEV1/FVC) ratio £ 75%, then the diagnosis should not be confirmed without other evidence in support and further investigation should be undertaken.
A history of emphysema should be recorded in doctor’s notes and/or hospital records. However, if these records cannot be obtained, a reliable history of appropriate symptoms or medical treatment at a particular time generally will be accepted, provided this is not negated by other evidence. Seek medical advice if it is unclear whether the claimed symptoms and treatment at that time can be attributed to emphysema rather than to some other condition.
31716 there is some evidence that a chronic respiratory disease may be a factor in the development of the condition under consideration.
5981 the veteran has had a chronic respiratory disease at some time.
3808 the veteran has had asthma at some time.
or
3819 the veteran has had emphysema at some time.
or
5982 the veteran has had chronic bronchitis at some time.
5986 the veteran had the identified illness or injury, a chronic respiratory disease, at least five years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
5984 the veteran has established the causal connection between the identified illness or injury, a chronic respiratory disease, and operational service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
5987 the identified illness or injury, a chronic respiratory disease, is causally related to operational service.
If there is a history of cigar smoking it will be necessary to obtain information about:
The evidence gathered should be as complete and accurate as possible. Information already held in departmental files, eg in previous statements and clinical notes, should not be overlooked. Conflicting evidence should be resolved.
Before a causal link between a smoking habit and service may be established, consideration must be given to Repatriation Commission Guideline CM5030 - Guideline for claims assessors on smoking and alcohol related conditions and military service [6].
Type | Title | PDF Format | Word format |
---|---|---|---|
Claimant Report | Smoking | CRD905.pdf [20] | CRD905.docx [21] |
Claimant Report | Smoking | CRV905.pdf [22] | CRV905.docx [23] |
26916 there is some evidence that cigar smoking may be a factor in the development or worsening of the condition under consideration.
4915 the veteran has ever smoked cigars.
4916 the veteran has established the causal connection between the cigar smoking and VEA service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
14762 the veteran has established the causal connection between the cigar smoking and operational service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
or
14763 the veteran has established the causal connection between the cigar smoking and eligible service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
5804 the veteran has a malignant neoplasm of the lung of the first kind.
5816 the veteran has a squamous cell carcinoma of the lung.
or
5817 the veteran has a carcinosarcoma of the lung.
or
5818 the veteran has a small cell or oat cell carcinoma of the lung.
or
5819 the veteran has a malignant neoplasm of the lung of undetermined histology.
or
5821 the veteran has a large cell carcinoma of the lung.
14766 the veteran had smoked at least one half of a pack-year of cigars prior to the clinical onset of the malignant neoplasm of the lung of the first kind.
31751 the veteran commenced the service related cigar smoking at least 5 years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
4921 the veteran has some period or periods of cigar smoking that are causally related to operational service.
or
5820 the veteran has an adenocarcinoma of the lung.
14767 the veteran had smoked at least three pack-years of cigars prior to the clinical onset of the malignant neoplasm of the lung of the second kind.
5804 the veteran has a malignant neoplasm of the lung of the first kind.
5816 the veteran has a squamous cell carcinoma of the lung.
or
5817 the veteran has a carcinosarcoma of the lung.
or
5818 the veteran has a small cell or oat cell carcinoma of the lung.
or
5819 the veteran has a malignant neoplasm of the lung of undetermined histology.
or
5821 the veteran has a large cell carcinoma of the lung.
14766 the veteran had smoked at least one half of a pack-year of cigars prior to the clinical onset of the malignant neoplasm of the lung of the first kind.
31753 the veteran commenced the service related cigar smoking at least 10 years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
4922 the veteran has some period or periods of cigar smoking that are causally related to eligible service.
or
5820 the veteran has an adenocarcinoma of the lung.
14767 the veteran had smoked at least three pack-years of cigars prior to the clinical onset of the malignant neoplasm of the lung of the second kind.
This factor deals with the personal use of cigarettes ie it does not include passive smoking.
If there is a history of cigarette smoking it will be necessary to obtain information about:
The evidence gathered should be as complete and accurate as possible. Information already held in departmental files, eg in previous statements and clinical notes, should not be overlooked. Conflicting evidence should be resolved.
Before a causal link between a smoking habit and service may be established, consideration must be given to Repatriation Commission Guideline CM5030 - Guideline for claims assessors on smoking and alcohol related conditions and military service [6].
Type | Title | PDF Format | Word Format |
---|---|---|---|
Claimant Report | Smoking | CRD905.pdf [20] | CRD905.docx [21] |
Claimant Report | Smoking | CRV905.pdf [22] | CRV905.docx [23] |
5803 the veteran has ever smoked cigarettes.
3762 the veteran has established the causal connection between the cigarette smoking and VEA service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
3765 the veteran has established the causal connection between the cigarette smoking and operational service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
or
3766 the veteran has established the causal connection between the cigarette smoking and eligible service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
5804 the veteran has a malignant neoplasm of the lung of the first kind.
5816 the veteran has a squamous cell carcinoma of the lung.
or
5817 the veteran has a carcinosarcoma of the lung.
or
5818 the veteran has a small cell or oat cell carcinoma of the lung.
or
5819 the veteran has a malignant neoplasm of the lung of undetermined histology.
or
5821 the veteran has a large cell carcinoma of the lung.
5810 the veteran had smoked at least one half of a pack-year of cigarettes prior to the clinical onset of the malignant neoplasm of the lung of the first kind.
31623 the veteran commenced the service related cigarette smoking at least 5 years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
3116 the veteran has some period or periods of cigarette smoking that are causally related to operational service.
or
5820 the veteran has an adenocarcinoma of the lung.
5814 the veteran had smoked at least three pack-years of cigarettes prior to the clinical onset of the malignant neoplasm of the lung of the second kind.
5804 the veteran has a malignant neoplasm of the lung of the first kind.
5816 the veteran has a squamous cell carcinoma of the lung.
or
5817 the veteran has a carcinosarcoma of the lung.
or
5818 the veteran has a small cell or oat cell carcinoma of the lung.
or
5819 the veteran has a malignant neoplasm of the lung of undetermined histology.
or
5821 the veteran has a large cell carcinoma of the lung.
5810 the veteran had smoked at least one half of a pack-year of cigarettes prior to the clinical onset of the malignant neoplasm of the lung of the first kind.
31622 the veteran commenced the service related cigarette smoking at least 10 years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
3521 the veteran has some period or periods of cigarette smoking that are causally related to eligible service.
or
5820 the veteran has an adenocarcinoma of the lung.
5814 the veteran had smoked at least three pack-years of cigarettes prior to the clinical onset of the malignant neoplasm of the lung of the second kind.
Coke is the solid residue which remains when coal is heated to a high temperature out of contact with air until practically all the volatile material has been driven off. It is made either as a principle product for use in the manufacture of iron and steel at coke oven plants, or obtained as a by-product in the manufacture of coal gas. In both these industries, by-products in the form of ammonia, tar, benzene and other light oils are recovered. In the process of coking coal more than 90% of the benzene formed is found in the gas which is produced and less than 10% in the tar. Coke ovens are the most important source of benzene.
Type | Title | PDF Format | Word Format |
---|---|---|---|
Claimant Report | Exposure to an Industrial Coke Oven | CR9020.pdf [24] | CR9020.docx [25] |
5989 there is some evidence that exposure to an industrial coke oven may be a factor in the development of the condition under consideration.
5977 the veteran has been within 100 metres of an industrial coke oven for a cumulative period of at least 4500 hours at some time.
3789 the veteran has established the causal connection between exposure to an industrial coke oven and VEA service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
3790 the veteran has established the causal connection between exposure to an industrial coke oven and operational service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
or
5971 the veteran has established the causal connection between exposure to an industrial coke oven and eligible service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
5978 the veteran was within 100 metres of an industrial coke oven for a cumulative period of at least 4500 hours at least five years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
5979 operational service made a material contribution to the veteran being within 100 metres of an industrial coke oven for a cumulative period of at least 4500 hours at least five years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
36250 the veteran was within 100 metres of an industrial coke oven for a cumulative period of at least 4500 hours at least ten years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
5980 eligible service made a material contribution to the veteran being within 100 metres of an industrial coke oven for a cumulative period of at least 4500 hours at least ten years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
Radon is a naturally occurring chemically inert gas that is ubiquitous in the environment. It is a member of the radioactive chain of compounds resulting from the decay of uranium to lead. Radon itself does not pose a significant health risk, but decay results in a series of short-lived radioactive products. These decay products, also called radon daughters, may be deposited in the human respiratory tract if inhaled, causing damage to the tracheobronchial epithelium. Prolonged and high levels of exposure to radon have been documented to cause lung cancer in underground miners, especially uranium miners.
Concentration of radon progeny in underground mines is expressed in working levels (WLs). 1 WL is any combination of radon progeny in 1 L of air that ultimately releases 1.3 x 105 MeV of alpha energy during decay. Exposure to 1 WL for 170 hours equals 1 working level month (WLM) of exposure.
The concentration of radon in a typical home is equivalent to a radon progeny level of 0.005 WL (about 50 to 100 times lower than the lowest WL found in mines). In an average home, yearly exposure results in approximately 0.2 WLM or a lifetime cumulative exposure of 10-20 WLM.1
31717 there is some evidence that exposure to radon may be a factor in the development of the condition under consideration.
31721 the veteran was exposed to at least 120 Working Level Month (WLM) of radon in an enclosed space at some time.
31722 the veteran was exposed to at least 120 Working Level Month (WLM) of radon in an enclosed space before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
31718 the veteran has established the causal connection between exposure to radon and VEA service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
31719 the veteran has established the causal connection between exposure to radon and operational service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
or
31720 the veteran has established the causal connection between exposure to radon and eligible service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
34301 operational service made a material contribution to the veteran's exposure to at least 120 Working Level Month (WLM) of radon in an enclosed space before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
31724 where operational service made a material contribution to the veteran's exposure to at least 120 Working Level Month (WLM) of radon in an enclosed space, the first such service-related exposure to radon occurred at least five years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
31723 eligible service made a material contribution to the veteran's exposure to at least 120 Working Level Month (WLM) of radon in an enclosed space before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
31725 where eligible service made a material contribution to the veteran's exposure to at least 120 Working Level Month (WLM) of radon in an enclosed space, the first such service-related exposure to radon occurred at least ten years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
The chemical name for TCDD is 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-para-dioxin. It is commonly referred to as dioxin.
For the purposes of this SOP, the RMA defines inhaling, ingesting or having cutaneous contact with a chemical agent contaminated with TCDD as:
Chemical agents contaminated by 2,3,7,8-TCDD
Type | Title | PDF Format | Word Format |
---|---|---|---|
Claimant Report |
Exposure to a Chemical Agent Contaminated By 2,3,7,8 TCDD (Dioxin) |
CR9258.pdf [26] | CR9258.docx [27] |
12144 there is some evidence that exposure to chemical agents contaminated by TCDD may be a factor in the development of the condition under consideration.
35843 the veteran has experienced inhalation, ingestion or cutaneous contact with a chemical agent contaminated by TCDD for a cumulative period of at least 30 days at some time.
7648 the veteran has established the causal connection between exposure to chemical agents contaminated by TCDD and VEA service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
7652 the veteran has established the causal connection between exposure to chemical agents contaminated by TCDD and operational service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
or
7653 the veteran has established the causal connection between exposure to chemical agents contaminated by TCDD and eligible service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
35844 the veteran experienced inhalation, ingestion or cutaneous contact with a chemical agent contaminated by TCDD for a cumulative period of at least 30 days at least five years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
35845 operational service made a material contribution to the veteran's inhalation, ingestion or cutaneous contact with a chemical agent contaminated by TCDD for a cumulative period of at least 30 days at least five years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
36251 the veteran experienced inhalation, ingestion or cutaneous contact with a chemical agent contaminated by TCDD for a cumulative period of at least 30 days at least ten years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
36252 eligible service made a material contribution to the veteran's inhalation, ingestion or cutaneous contact with a chemical agent contaminated by TCDD for a cumulative period of at least 30 days at least ten years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
The RMA has defined being heavily exposed to diesel engine exhaust as:
“1. being an occupant in an enclosed diesel powered heavy vehicle cabin contaminated with diesel fumes; or
2. working in an enclosed space where diesel powered engines or motors are being operated; or
3. repairing and/or servicing diesel engines.”
In March 2001 the then defence minister Peter Reith acknowledged that soldiers working in armoured personnel carriers, known as M113s may be exposed to diesel fumes. The M113 fleet has particular problems because the carrier’s exhaust flue blows smoke into the face of the crew commander in the carrier’s turret.
However, the RMA definition above clearly covers a range of situations other than the M113 crew. The following groups of workers are exposed to diesel particulates although such exposure may or may not reach the levels required by the SOP:
Additional information about the scope and nature of particular service occupations may be located in Physical requirements, duties, and workplace hazards of specific military occupations.
Type | Title | PDF Format | Word Format |
---|---|---|---|
Claimant Report | Heavy Exposure to Diesel Engine Exhaust | CR9199.pdf [28] | CR9199.docx [29] |
31690 there is some evidence that heavy exposure to diesel engine exhaust may be a factor in the development of the condition under consideration.
31691 the veteran has established the causal connection between heavy exposure to diesel engine exhaust and VEA service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
31692 the veteran has established the causal connection between heavy exposure to diesel engine exhaust and operational service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
or
31693 the veteran has established the causal connection between heavy exposure to diesel engine exhaust and eligible service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
31694 the veteran has been heavily exposed to diesel engine exhaust for a cumulative period of at least 10,000 hours at some time.
31697 the veteran was heavily exposed to diesel engine exhaust for a cumulative period of at least 10,000 hours at least five years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
34299 operational service made a material contribution to the veteran's heavy exposure to diesel engine exhaust for a cumulative period of at least 10,000 hours at least five years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
31695 the veteran has been heavily exposed to diesel engine exhaust for a cumulative period of at least 15,000 hours at some time.
31698 the veteran was heavily exposed to diesel engine exhaust for a cumulative period of at least 15,000 hours at least ten years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
31696 eligible service made a material contribution to the veteran's heavy exposure to diesel engine exhaust for a cumulative period of at least 15,000 hours at least ten years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
The factor deals with inhaling toxic fumes from various specified substances. Substances specified for inhaling fumes factor in malignant neoplasm of the lung provides information about exposure to these fumes.
The SOP requirements are:
Inhaling the particular fumes:
(i) for at least 4 hours per day on more days than not for at least 2 years or for a cumulative period of at least 1500 hours, and
(ii) the first inhalation of the fumes occurred at least 5 years
before the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
Inhaling the particular fumes:
(i) for at least 4 hours per day on more days than not for at least 5 years or for a cumulative period of 3500 hours, and
(ii) the first inhalation of the fumes occurred at least 10 years
before the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
Additional information about the scope and nature of particular service occupations may be located in Physical requirements, duties, and workplace hazards of specific military occupations.
31737 there is some evidence that inhaling fumes as specified in the Statement of Principles for malignant neoplasm of the lung may be a factor in the development of the condition under consideration.
31738 the veteran inhaled one of the fumes specified in the Statement of Principles for malignant neoplasm of the lung while on VEA service.
5011 the veteran has established the causal connection between inhaling fumes as specified in the Statement of Principles for malignant neoplasm of the lung and VEA service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
5012 the veteran has established the causal connection between inhaling fumes as specified in the Statement of Principles for malignant neoplasm of the lung and operational service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
or
5013 the veteran has established the causal connection between inhaling fumes as specified in the Statement of Principles for malignant neoplasm of the lung and eligible service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
5015 the veteran inhaled fumes as specified in the reasonable hypothesis Statement of Principles for malignant neoplasm of the lung at some time.
5020 the veteran inhaled fumes as specified in the reasonable hypothesis Statement of Principles for malignant neoplasm of the lung before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration, where the first inhalation of fumes occurred at least five years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
31739 operational service made a material contribution to the veteran's inhalation of fumes as specified in the reasonable hypothesis Statement of Principles for malignant neoplasm of the lung before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration, where the first inhalation of fumes occurred at least five years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
6188 the veteran's inhalation of fumes as specified in the reasonable hypothesis Statement of Principles for malignant neoplasm of the lung, to which operational service made a material contribution and the first inhalation occurred at least five years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration, was due to the veteran's serious default, wilful act or serious breach of discipline.
5016 the veteran inhaled fumes as specified in the balance of probabilities Statement of Principles for malignant neoplasm of the lung at some time.
5019 the veteran inhaled fumes as specified in the balance of probabilities Statement of Principles for malignant neoplasm of the lung before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration, where the first inhalation of fumes occurred at least ten years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
5021 eligible service made a material contribution to the veteran's inhalation of fumes as specified in the balance of probabilities Statement of Principles for malignant neoplasm of the lung before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration, where the first inhalation of fumes occurred at least ten years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
6189 the veteran's inhalation of fumes as specified in the balance of probabilities Statement of Principles for malignant neoplasm of the lung, to which eligible service made a material contribution and the first inhalation occurred at least ten years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration, was due to the veteran's serious default, wilful act or serious breach of discipline.
Mustard gas was first used by the Germans at Ypres on 12.7.1917. Although chlorine gas, lachrymatory (tear) gas and phosgene (in conjunction with chlorine) were used from 1915, a veteran could only have been exposed to mustard gas after 11.7.1917.
Australian defence personnel were exposed to mustard gas during World War 2 in two circumstances. The first form of exposure, gas training, was by far the most common, and the majority of Australian defence personnel received this training. Usually, trainees were assembled in a tent and were exposed to an agent that they were told was mustard gas. They were instructed to don gas masks, breathe through the mask and leave the tent. The training varied between establishments. Most armed forces had this training, or similar, during World War Two. In actual fact, due to the unavailability of mustard gas in some parts of Australia, substitutes such as tear gas was sometimes used, although the trainees were usually still told that the agent was mustard gas. Personnel involved in the transportation and storage of mustard gas were also at risk of exposure.
The second form of exposure was far more serious. It involved the deliberate exposure of a group of volunteers in Northern Queensland in a series of experiments to determine the effectiveness of mustard gas in tropical environments. Whilst the majority of volunteers suffered little ill effect as a result of the experiments, the effects on others were more serious. The severity of these effects indicates there was a significant exposure to mustard gas.
Each State has a list of those veterans who were associated with the experiments at Brook Island, Innisfail and Proserpine. (Lists are generally held in the Review area). The listing of a name is not conclusive evidence that the veteran actually took part in a trial. Nor does failure to appear on the list mean conclusively that the veteran did not participate in a trial. If there is alleged involvement in a trial and the veteran's name does not appear on the list, confirmation of involvement in a trial should be requested from the Director of Public Information, Department of Defence in accordance with Departmental Instruction B42/87 of 11.12.1987 [30].
Note: This Departmental Instruction contains instructions which are out of date. To request information from the Department of Defence a request should be made to the SAM team via DocTracker.
Type | Title | PDF Format | Word Format |
---|---|---|---|
Claimant Report | Exposure to Mustard Gas | CR049.pdf [31] | CR049.docx [32] |
31700 there is some evidence that inhaling mustard gas may be a factor in the development of the condition under consideration.
31701 the veteran has inhaled mustard gas at some time.
3781 the veteran has established the causal connection between inhaling mustard gas and VEA service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
3782 the veteran has established the causal connection between inhaling mustard gas and operational service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
or
3783 the veteran has established the causal connection between inhaling mustard gas and eligible service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
4864 the veteran inhaled mustard gas at least five years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
4865 on operational service, the veteran inhaled mustard gas at least five years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
36254 the inhalation of mustard gas on operational service at least five years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration was due to the veteran's serious default, wilful act or serious breach of discipline.
36253 the veteran inhaled mustard gas at least ten years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
4868 on eligible service, the veteran inhaled mustard gas at least ten years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
4869 on eligible service, in the course of eligible service duties, the veteran inhaled mustard gas at least ten years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
36255 the inhalation of mustard gas on eligible service at least ten years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration was due to the veteran's serious default, wilful act or serious breach of discipline.
Type | Title | PDF Format | Word Format |
---|---|---|---|
Claimant Report | Respirable Asbestos Fibres | CR9203.pdf [33] | CR9203.docx [34] |
4931 there is some evidence that inhaling respirable asbestos fibres in an enclosed space may be a factor in the development of the condition under consideration.
4969 the veteran has established the causal connection between inhaling respirable asbestos fibres in an enclosed space and VEA service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
4970 the veteran has established the causal connection between inhaling respirable asbestos fibres in an enclosed space and operational service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
or
4971 the veteran has established the causal connection between inhaling respirable asbestos fibres in an enclosed space and eligible service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
4974 on operational service, the veteran inhaled respirable asbestos fibres in an enclosed space at the time when material containing such fibres was being applied, removed, dislodged, cut or drilled.
36248 on operational service, the veteran inhaled respirable asbestos fibres in an enclosed space at the time when material containing such fibres was being applied, removed, dislodged, cut or drilled at least five years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
4976 the veteran's inhalation during operational service of respirable asbestos fibres in an enclosed space at the time when material containing such fibres was being applied, removed, dislodged, cut or drilled before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration was due to the veteran's serious default, wilful act or serious breach of discipline.
5004 on eligible service, the veteran inhaled respirable asbestos fibres in an enclosed space at the time when material containing such fibres was being applied, removed, dislodged, cut or drilled.
5005 on eligible service, in the course of eligible service duties, the veteran inhaled respirable asbestos fibres in an enclosed space at the time when material containing such fibres was being applied, removed, dislodged, cut or drilled.
36249 on eligible service, in the course of eligible service duties, the veteran inhaled respirable asbestos fibres in an enclosed space at the time when material containing such fibres was being applied, removed, dislodged, cut or drilled at least ten years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
5008 the veteran's inhalation during eligible service duties of respirable asbestos fibres in an enclosed space at the time when material containing such fibres was being applied, removed, dislodged, cut or drilled before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration was due to the veteran's serious default, wilful act or serious breach of discipline.
Type | Title | PDF Format | Word Format |
---|---|---|---|
Claimant Report | Respirable Asbestos Fibres | CR9203.pdf [35] | CR9203.docx [36] |
31626 there is some evidence that inhaling respirable asbestos fibres in an open environment may be a factor in the development of the condition under consideration.
33528 the veteran inhaled respirable asbestos fibres for a cumulative period of at least 1000 hours in an open environment at the time when material containing such fibres was being applied, removed, dislodged, cut or drilled.
33529 the veteran inhaled respirable asbestos fibres for a cumulative period of at least 1000 hours in an open environment at the time when material containing such fibres was being applied, removed, dislodged, cut or drilled before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
31627 the veteran has established the causal connection between inhaling respirable asbestos fibres in an open environment and VEA service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
31628 the veteran has established the causal connection between inhaling respirable asbestos fibres in an open environment and operational service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
or
31629 the veteran has established the causal connection between inhaling respirable asbestos fibres in an open environment and eligible service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
31631 operational service made a material contribution to the veteran's inhalation of respirable asbestos fibres for a cumulative period of at least 1000 hours in an open environment at the time when material containing such fibres was being applied, removed, dislodged, cut or drilled before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
31635 where operational service made a material contribution to the veteran inhaling respirable asbestos fibres for a cumulative period of at least 1000 hours in an open environment at the time when material containing such fibres was being applied, removed, dislodged, cut or drilled before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration, the first such service-related inhalation occurred at least five years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
31632 eligible service made a material contribution to the veteran's inhalation of respirable asbestos fibres for a cumulative period of at least 1000 hours in an open environment at the time when material containing such fibres was being applied, removed, dislodged, cut or drilled before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
31636 where eligible service made a material contribution to the veteran inhaling respirable asbestos fibres for a cumulative period of at least 1000 hours in an open environment at the time when material containing such fibres was being applied, removed, dislodged, cut or drilled before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration, the first such service-related inhalation occurred at least ten years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
There is no RMA definition of this SOP factor.
The most common forms of crystalline silica are quartz, cristobalite and tridymite. Crystalline silica is the principle component of sandstone and other rocks.
Industry/occupation | Specific tasks |
Abrasives | Silicon carbide production; abrasive products fabrication |
Agriculture | Mechanised ploughing, harvesting; sorting, cleaning, grading |
Agricultural chemicals | Raw material crushing, handling |
Asphalt and roofing felt | Filling and granule application |
Automobile/Vehicle repair | Abrasive blasting |
Boiler scaling | Clean ash and mineral deposits from coal-fired boilers |
Cement | Materials processing: clay, sand, limestone, diatomaceous earth |
Ceramics | Mixing, moulding, glaze or enamel spraying, finishing |
Construction | Abrasive blasting: highway and tunnel construction; excavation/earth moving; masonry, concrete work, demolition |
Dental material | Abrasive blasting, polishing |
Foundries | Casting, shaking-out; abrasive blasting, felting; furnace installation and repair |
Glass, fibreglass | Raw material processing (sand, quartz); refractory installation and repair |
Iron, steel mills | Refractory preparation and furnace repair |
Jewellery | Cutting, grinding, polishing, buffing (gems, stones) |
Metal | Abrasive blasting (structural, machinery, transportation equipment) |
Mining, milling | Most occupations and mines (ores, associated rock) |
Paint | Raw materials handling (fillers) |
Quarrying, milling | Stone, sand, gravel processing; stone cutting and abrasive blasting; slate work; diatomite calcination |
Rubber and plastics | Raw materials handling (fillers) |
Shipbuilding, repair | Abrasive blasting |
Silicon, ferro-silicon | Raw materials handling (sand) |
Soaps, cosmetics | Abrasive soaps, scouring powders |
Industries, occupations, and tasks with crystalline silica exposure (Parks et al 1999:794). Data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Additional information about the scope and nature of particular service occupations may be located in Physical requirements, duties, and workplace hazards of specific military occupations.
Type | Title | PDF Format | Word Format |
---|---|---|---|
Claimant Report | Respirable Crystalline Silica Dust | CR9201.pdf [37] | CR9201.docx [38] |
31742 there is some evidence that inhaling respirable crystalline silica dust may be a factor in the development of the condition under consideration.
31745 the veteran has established the causal connection between inhaling respirable crystalline silica dust and operational service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
31743 the veteran has inhaled respirable crystalline silica dust as specified in the reasonable hypothesis Statement of Principles for malignant neoplasm of the lung at some time.
34302 the veteran inhaled respirable crystalline silica dust as specified in the reasonable hypothesis Statement of Principles for malignant neoplasm of the lung before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
34303 operational service made a material contribution to the veteran's inhalation of respirable crystalline silica dust as specified in the reasonable hypothesis Statement of Principles for malignant neoplasm of the lung before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
34304 where operational service made a material contribution to the veteran's inhalation of respirable crystalline silica dust as specified in the reasonable hypothesis Statement of Principles for malignant neoplasm of the lung before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration, the first such service-related inhalation occurred at least five years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
31749 the veteran's inhalation of respirable crystalline silica dust as specified in the reasonable hypothesis Statement of Principles for malignant neoplasm of the lung, to which operational service made a material contribution and the inhalation occurred at least five years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration, was due to the veteran's serious default, wilful act or serious breach of discipline.
Following the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung, the appropriate clinical management includes treatment according to the nature, position and development of the cancer. Distinction between small cell and non-small cell carcinoma is crucial. The outlook generally is grim, often with palliative care the only course to take.
Inability to obtain appropriate clinical management
Type | Title | PDF Format | Word Format |
---|---|---|---|
Medical Report |
Inability to Obtain Appropriate Clinical Management |
GQACM.pdf [39] | GQACM.docx [40] |
11109 the condition under consideration has been accepted on the basis of inability to obtain appropriate clinical management for the condition under consideration.
7066 there is some evidence that an inability to obtain appropriate clinical management for the condition under consideration may be a factor in the worsening of the condition under consideration.
7334 the clinical onset of the condition under consideration occurred after the end of the veteran's last period of VEA service.
7335 the condition under consideration permanently worsened.
7378 the veteran was unable to obtain appropriate clinical management for the condition under consideration at some time.
7379 the inability to obtain appropriate clinical management for the condition under consideration contributed to the clinical worsening of the condition under consideration.
11234 the veteran has established the causal connection between the inability to obtain appropriate clinical management for the condition under consideration and VEA service for the clinical worsening of the condition under consideration.
11235 the veteran has established the causal connection between the inability to obtain appropriate clinical management for the condition under consideration and operational service for the clinical worsening of the condition under consideration.
or
11236 the veteran has established the causal connection between the inability to obtain appropriate clinical management for the condition under consideration and eligible service for the clinical worsening of the condition under consideration.
7384 the veteran was unable to obtain appropriate clinical management for the condition under consideration, which contributed to the clinical worsening of the condition under consideration, during operational service.
21084 the veteran was unable to obtain appropriate clinical management for the condition under consideration, which contributed to the clinical worsening of the condition under consideration, during operational service, as a causal result of operational service.
7387 the veteran's inability to obtain appropriate clinical management for the condition under consideration during operational service was due to the veteran's serious default, wilful act or serious breach of discipline.
or
7389 the veteran was unable to obtain appropriate clinical management for the condition under consideration, which contributed to the clinical worsening of the condition under consideration, because of an illness or injury which is identifiable.
7390 the identified illness or injury which prevented the veteran from obtaining appropriate clinical management for the condition under consideration is causally related to operational service.
7392 the clinical onset of the condition under consideration occurred prior to that part of operational service to which the identified illness or injury that prevented the veteran from obtaining appropriate clinical management for the condition under consideration is causally related.
7385 the veteran was unable to obtain appropriate clinical management for the condition under consideration, which contributed to the clinical worsening of the condition under consideration, during eligible service.
7386 the veteran was unable to obtain appropriate clinical management for the condition under consideration, which contributed to the clinical worsening of the condition under consideration, during eligible service, as a causal result of eligible service.
7388 the veteran's inability to obtain appropriate clinical management for the condition under consideration during eligible service was due to the veteran's serious default, wilful act or serious breach of discipline.
or
7389 the veteran was unable to obtain appropriate clinical management for the condition under consideration, which contributed to the clinical worsening of the condition under consideration, because of an illness or injury which is identifiable.
7391 the identified illness or injury which prevented the veteran from obtaining appropriate clinical management for the condition under consideration is causally related to eligible service.
7393 the clinical onset of the condition under consideration occurred prior to that part of eligible service to which the identified illness or injury that prevented the veteran from obtaining appropriate clinical management for the condition under consideration is causally related.
If there is a history of pipe smoking it will be necessary to obtain information about:
The evidence gathered should be as complete and accurate as possible. Information already held in departmental files, eg in previous statements and clinical notes, should not be overlooked. Conflicting evidence should be resolved.
Before a causal link between a smoking habit and service may be established, consideration must be given to Repatriation Commission Guideline CM5030 - Guideline for claims assessors on smoking and alcohol related conditions and military service [6].
NB The SOP factor dealing with pipe smoking covers only the smoking of tobacco. It does not include non-tobacco products such as marijuana or hashish. This is because the RMA SOP factors refer to "cigarettes or the equivalent thereof in other tobacco products".
Type | Title | PDF Format | Word Format |
---|---|---|---|
Claimant Report | Smoking | CRD905.pdf [20] | CRD905.docx [21] |
Claimant Report | Smoking | CRV905.pdf [22] | CRV905.docx [23] |
26927 there is some evidence that pipe smoking may be a factor in the development or worsening of the condition under consideration.
4880 the veteran has ever smoked pipe tobacco.
5824 the veteran has established the causal connection between the pipe smoking and VEA service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
14754 the veteran has established the causal connection between the pipe smoking and operational service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
or
14755 the veteran has established the causal connection between the pipe smoking and eligible service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
5804 the veteran has a malignant neoplasm of the lung of the first kind.
5816 the veteran has a squamous cell carcinoma of the lung.
or
5817 the veteran has a carcinosarcoma of the lung.
or
5818 the veteran has a small cell or oat cell carcinoma of the lung.
or
5819 the veteran has a malignant neoplasm of the lung of undetermined histology.
or
5821 the veteran has a large cell carcinoma of the lung.
14758 the veteran had smoked at least one half of a pack-year of pipe tobacco prior to the clinical onset of the malignant neoplasm of the lung of the first kind.
31752 the veteran commenced the service related pipe smoking at least 5 years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
4911 the veteran has some period or periods of pipe smoking that are causally related to operational service.
or
5820 the veteran has an adenocarcinoma of the lung.
14759 the veteran had smoked at least three pack-years of pipe tobacco prior to the clinical onset of the malignant neoplasm of the lung of the second kind.
5804 the veteran has a malignant neoplasm of the lung of the first kind.
5816 the veteran has a squamous cell carcinoma of the lung.
or
5817 the veteran has a carcinosarcoma of the lung.
or
5818 the veteran has a small cell or oat cell carcinoma of the lung.
or
5819 the veteran has a malignant neoplasm of the lung of undetermined histology.
or
5821 the veteran has a large cell carcinoma of the lung.
14758 the veteran had smoked at least one half of a pack-year of pipe tobacco prior to the clinical onset of the malignant neoplasm of the lung of the first kind.
31754 the veteran commenced the service related pipe smoking at least 10 years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
4913 the veteran has some period or periods of pipe smoking that are causally related to eligible service.
or
5820 the veteran has an adenocarcinoma of the lung.
14759 the veteran had smoked at least three pack-years of pipe tobacco prior to the clinical onset of the malignant neoplasm of the lung of the second kind.
Silicosis is a group of lung diseases that develop following the inhalation of crystalline silica dust, the principle component of sandstone and other rocks.
Silicosis is diagnosed from characteristic chest x-ray changes (multiple small, rounded or regular opacities), and a history of exposure to free silica. Depending on the type, silicosis may be symptomless or may give rise to shortness of breath on exertion and reduced exercise tolerance.
Anyone who is exposed to crystalline silica is susceptible to developing silicosis. However, silicosis typically affects workers in specific professions. Among these are construction workers, sandblasters, quarry workers, rock drillers, foundry workers, railroad workers, concrete blasters and cutters, brick masons, pottery workers, ship workers, miners, glass workers, and welders. These workers are at the highest risk for silicosis because freshly cracked, split, or fractured silica-based materials release high concentrations of airborne dust.
In the construction industry, jobs that can expose workers to hazardous crystalline silica dust include jack hammering, concrete block cutting and sawing, rock drilling and transportation, concrete mixing, tunnelling, and repairing linings of rotary kilns and cupola furnaces.
Sandblasters also have a high risk of silica dust exposure. Specific tasks include blasting irregularities from foundry castings, putting a finish on harmful materials, etching glass, and removing materials like rust or dirt from objects that are to be repainted or treated.
Physical requirements, duties, and workplace hazards of specific military occupations
Note: You will need information as to the type of silicosis to correctly identify if the condition is covered by a SoP or not.
31727 there is some evidence that silicosis may be a factor in the development of the condition under consideration.
31728 the veteran has had silicosis at some time.
41372 the veteran's silicosis is an illness or injury which is identifiable.
31729 the veteran had the identified illness or injury, a type of silicosis, at the time of the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
31730 the veteran has established the causal connection between silicosis and VEA service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
31731 the veteran has established the causal connection between silicosis and operational service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
or
31732 the veteran has established the causal connection between silicosis and eligible service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
31733 the identified illness or injury, a type of silicosis, is causally related to operational service.
31734 the identified illness or injury, a type of silicosis, is causally related to eligible service.
Smoking cigarettes, cigars or pipe tobacco due to VEA service need only have made a material contribution to the minimum smoking requirements specified in the SOP (refer Kattenberg v Repatriation Commission [2002] FCA 412). It has not been possible to make changes to the smoking module in CCPS to take account of this, but for many cases this is of no consequence because service-related smoking alone is sufficient to meet the SOP requirements. However, for smoking cases that do not succeed under the CCPS smoking module, there is a contention:
This contention covers all types of smoking – cigarettes, pipe and cigars - with rulebase questions to ascertain whether or not VEA service made a material contribution to the SOP requirements. This may entail addressing issues that have already been covered in the smoking module because it has not been possible to isolate specific facts established within that module.
Type | Title | PDF Format | Word Format |
---|---|---|---|
Claimant Report | Smoking | CRD905.pdf [20] | CRD905.docx [21] |
Claimant Report | Smoking | CRV905.pdf [22] | CRV905.docx [23] |
30303 the veteran has smoked cigarettes, cigars or pipe tobacco at some time.
34290 the veteran has established the causal connection between smoking tobacco products and VEA service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
34291 the veteran has established the causal connection between smoking tobacco products and operational service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
or
34292 the veteran has established the causal connection between smoking tobacco products and eligible service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
5804 the veteran has a malignant neoplasm of the lung of the first kind.
5816 the veteran has a squamous cell carcinoma of the lung.
or
5817 the veteran has a carcinosarcoma of the lung.
or
5818 the veteran has a small cell or oat cell carcinoma of the lung.
or
5819 the veteran has a malignant neoplasm of the lung of undetermined histology.
or
5821 the veteran has a large cell carcinoma of the lung.
34293 the veteran had smoked at least one half of a pack-year of cigarettes or the equivalent thereof in other tobacco products prior to the clinical onset of the malignant neoplasm of the lung.
34295 the veteran commenced smoking tobacco products at least 5 years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
34297 smoking as a causal result of operational service made a material contribution to the SOP requirements for malignant neoplasm of the lung and smoking tobacco products.
or
5820 the veteran has an adenocarcinoma of the lung.
34294 the veteran had smoked at least three pack-years of cigarettes or the equivalent thereof in other tobacco products prior to the clinical onset of the malignant neoplasm of the lung.
5804 the veteran has a malignant neoplasm of the lung of the first kind.
5816 the veteran has a squamous cell carcinoma of the lung.
or
5817 the veteran has a carcinosarcoma of the lung.
or
5818 the veteran has a small cell or oat cell carcinoma of the lung.
or
5819 the veteran has a malignant neoplasm of the lung of undetermined histology.
or
5821 the veteran has a large cell carcinoma of the lung.
34293 the veteran had smoked at least one half of a pack-year of cigarettes or the equivalent thereof in other tobacco products prior to the clinical onset of the malignant neoplasm of the lung.
34296 the veteran commenced smoking tobacco products at least 10 years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
34298 smoking as a causal result of eligible service made a material contribution to the SOP requirements for malignant neoplasm of the lung and smoking tobacco products.
or
5820 the veteran has an adenocarcinoma of the lung.
34294 the veteran had smoked at least three pack-years of cigarettes or the equivalent thereof in other tobacco products prior to the clinical onset of the malignant neoplasm of the lung.
Links
[1] http://www.rma.gov.au/assets/SOP/2023/b09ff78362/086.pdf
[2] http://www.rma.gov.au/assets/SOP/2023/24cca6f5b7/087.pdf
[3] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/SOP%20Bulletin%20238%20.pdf
[4] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=comment/reply/63782%23comment-form
[5] http://www.rma.gov.au/SOP/alpha_ind/m.htm
[6] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/commission-guidelines/cm5030-guideline-claims-assessors-smoking-and-alcohol-related-conditions-and-military-service
[7] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/advisory-notes/2000/an02-alcohol-habituation
[8] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/CRD904_1.pdf
[9] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/CRD904_0.docx
[10] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/CRV904_2.pdf
[11] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/CRV904_1.docx
[12] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/MR9244_1.pdf
[13] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/MR9244_1.docx
[14] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/CR9171_1.pdf
[15] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/CR9171_1.docx
[16] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/CRD901_0.pdf
[17] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/CRD901_1.docx
[18] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/CRV901_0.pdf
[19] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/CRV901_1.docx
[20] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/CRD905_7.pdf
[21] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/CRD905_6.docx
[22] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/CRV905_7.pdf
[23] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/CRV905_9.docx
[24] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/CR9020.pdf
[25] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/CR9020.docx
[26] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/CR9258_0.pdf
[27] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/CR9258_0.docx
[28] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/CR9199.pdf
[29] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/CR9199.docx
[30] https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-reference-library/departmental-instructions/1987/b4287-defence-personnel-involvement-chemical-gas-trials-during-world-war-ii
[31] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/CR049.pdf
[32] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/CR049.docx
[33] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/CR9203.pdf
[34] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/CR9203.docx
[35] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/CR9203_0.pdf
[36] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/CR9203_0.docx
[37] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/CR9201.pdf
[38] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/CR9201.docx
[39] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/GQACM_15.pdf
[40] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/GQACM_15.docx