Repatriation Medical Authority - Notice of Investigation – Multiple Conditions

Overview

The Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority) has announced, under section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (the VEA), its intention to conduct investigations to review the contents of Statements of Principles regarding specific medical conditions. The Authority is undertaking these investigations to ascertain whether there is new information available about how certain conditions may be suffered, contracted, or resulted in death, and the extent to which these conditions or deaths may be attributable to war, defence service, injuries, diseases, or other service-related factors. These investigations cover a range of conditions including malignant neoplasms, irritable bowel syndrome, acoustic neuroma, and others. The Authority invites submissions from eligible individuals and organisations, including veterans, representatives, and experts, to provide written input by 28 March 2019. The first meeting for each investigation is scheduled for 9 April 2019. Submissions can be lodged electronically via the RMA website or by email and post, with guidelines available for reference. This initiative aims to ensure the Statements of Principles remain current and accurate in light of new evidence and understanding.

Scope and Application

The Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority) intends to conduct investigations under section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (the VEA) to review the contents of Statements of Principles concerning specific medical conditions relevant to veterans. These conditions include, but are not limited to, malignant neoplasm of the nasopharynx, irritable bowel syndrome, acoustic neuroma, subdural haematoma, and others listed with their corresponding Instrument numbers. The purpose of these investigations is to determine if there is new information regarding how these conditions may be suffered or contracted, and to what extent these conditions or resultant deaths may be attributable to war, defence service, or service injuries. The Authority invites eligible persons and organisations to submit written submissions by 28 March 2019, either electronically via the RMA website, by email, or by post. Submissions can include those from individuals eligible to claim pensions or compensation under the VEA or Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004, organisations representing veterans and their dependants, the Repatriation and Military Rehabilitation Commissions, and experts in relevant fields. The first meeting for these investigations is scheduled for 9 April 2019.

Key Provisions

Section 196G of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) mandates that the Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority) must notify its intention to conduct investigations into specific medical conditions. These investigations, outlined in subsection 196B(7) of the VEA, aim to review Statements of Principles concerning various medical conditions experienced by veterans, including malignant neoplasm of the nasopharynx, irritable bowel syndrome, acoustic neuroma, subdural haematoma, retinal vascular occlusive disease, acute pancreatitis, extrinsic allergic alveolitis, diabetes mellitus, sprain and strain, malignant neoplasm of the bladder, malignant neoplasm of the renal pelvis and ureter, multiple sclerosis, renal artery atherosclerotic disease, chronic pancreatitis, malignant neoplasm of bone and articular cartilage, photocontact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, patellar tendinopathy, spinal adhesive arachnoiditis, and anosmia. The Authority seeks new information about how these conditions may be suffered, contracted, or may lead to death, and the extent to which they may be war-caused, defence-caused, a service injury, a service disease, or a service death. The VEA imposes specific obligations on the Authority, including the requirement to invite written submissions from relevant parties. These parties include individuals eligible to make claims for pensions or compensation, organisations representing veterans and other specified groups, and experts with relevant field expertise. Submissions can be made electronically through the RMA website, via email, or by post, with a deadline of 28 March 2019. The Authority will convene its first meeting for each investigation on 9 April 2019. Failure to comply with the requirements of the VEA and the notice provisions could result in various civil or criminal consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the notice, breaches of legislative requirements under the VEA can generally lead to sanctions such as fines or other penalties prescribed by law. The precise consequences would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as any relevant provisions in the VEA or associated regulations.