Specialist Medical Review Council

Declaration

Section 196W
Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986

Re: Statements of Principles Nos. 68 & 69 of 2008

In Respect of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Request for Review Declaration No. 18

1.            In relation to the Repatriation Medical Authority (the RMA) Statement of Principles No. 68 of 2008 in respect of rheumatoid arthritis and death from rheumatoid arthritis, made under subsection 196B (2) of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (the VEA), the Specialist Medical Review Council (the Council) under subsection 196W of the VEA:

DECLARES THAT:

the sound medical-scientific evidence available to the RMA is insufficient to justify an amendment to Statement of Principles No. 68 of 2008 to include factors for exposure to mineral oils containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) or acute PCB exposure or to amend the definition of 'mineral oil' as contended.

2.            In relation to the RMA Statement of Principles No. 69 of 2008 in respect of rheumatoid arthritis and death from rheumatoid arthritis, made under subsection 196B (3) of the VEA, the Council under subsection 196W of the VEA:

DECLARES THAT:

the sound medical-scientific evidence available to the RMA is insufficient to justify an amendment to Statement of Principles No. 69 of 2008 to include factors for exposure to mineral oils containing PCBs or acute PCB exposure.

The Common Seal of the   )

Specialist Medical Review )

Council was affixed to this )          

document by authority of the)

Council in the presence of:           )

Jan Bowman

Registrar

Dated this      fourteenth             day of             December       2012