Bilateral conditions

Bilateral conditions

This procedure discusses the labelling of conditions affecting both sides of the body (bilateral), and when they should be treated as two separate conditions or a single (unilateral) condition at the initial liability stage.

The way bilateral conditions are labelled during the initial liability stage can have implications for a permanent impairment assessment and the outcome for veterans. 

3.4 Requesting initial liability advice in R&C ISH

Before requesting advice, delegates should check if there is another active claim for the client or if the claimed condition has been previously accepted.  This will avoid the creation of duplicate or conflicting medical advice. The condition may have been accepted under a different Act.

Evidence required to confirm a diagnosis

All claims require confirmation of the condition by a health practitioner. The evidence should be current.

Attaching evidence in R&C ISH