Statement of Principles concerning thoracolumbar spondylosis (Reasonable Hypothesis) (No. 13 of 2023) (Cth)

Statement of Principles concerning THORACOLUMBAR SPONDYLOSIS (Reasonable Hypothesis) (No. 13 of 2023) The Repatriation Medical Authority determines the following Statement of Principles under subsection 196B(2) of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986.

Dated 27 February 2023

The Common Seal of the Repatriation Medical Authority was affixed to this instrument at the direction of:

Professor Terence Campbell AM Chairperson

Contents 1 Name 2 Commencement 3 Authority 4 Repeal 5 Application 6 Definitions 7 Kind of injury, disease or death to which this Statement of Principles relates 8 Basis for determining the factors 9 Factors that must exist 10 Relationship to service 11 Factors referring to an injury or disease covered by another Statement of Principles Schedule 1 - Dictionary 1 Definitions

1 Name This is the Statement of Principles concerning thoracolumbar spondylosis (Reasonable Hypothesis) (No. 13 of 2023). 2 Commencement This instrument commences on 27 March 2023. 3 Authority This instrument is made under subsection 196B(2) of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986. 4 Repeal The Statement of Principles concerning thoracic spondylosis No. 64 of 2014 (Federal Register of Legislation No. F2014L00931) made under subsections 196B(2) and (8) of the VEA is repealed. The Statement of Principles concerning lumbar spondylosis No. 62 of 2014 (Federal Register of Legislation No. F2014L00933) made under subsections 196B(2) and (8) of the VEA is repealed. 5 Application This instrument applies to a claim to which section 120A of the VEA or section 338 of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 applies. 6 Definitions The terms defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary have the meaning given when used in this instrument. 7 Kind of injury, disease or death to which this Statement of Principles relates (1) This Statement of Principles is about thoracolumbar spondylosis and death from thoracolumbar spondylosis. (2) This Statement of Principles applies to thoracolumbar spondylosis that has been diagnosed on the basis of: (a) clinical manifestations of local pain and stiffness, or symptoms and signs of thoracolumbar cord or thoracolumbar nerve root compression; and (b) imaging evidence of degenerative change, including disc space narrowing or osteophytes. Note: imaging evidence of degenerative change is defined in the Schedule 1 Dictionary. It will usually be the case that the date of the imaging evidence of degenerative change is after the date of clinical onset.