What has been registered
The Repatriation Medical Authority has registered a new Statement of Principles concerning chilblains under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004. It is numbered No. 66 of 2026 and was registered on 8 September 2026.
What a Statement of Principles does
A Statement of Principles sets out the factors that must exist for the Repatriation Commission to accept that a disease or injury is connected to a veteran's military service. The factors listed in the instrument determine whether a compensation claim can succeed.
The reasonable hypothesis standard
This instrument applies the reasonable hypothesis standard. This is the lower of the two legal tests used in veterans' compensation claims.
Where to find the full instrument
The full text of the instrument, including definitions, factors, and relationship-to-service provisions, is available on the Federal Register of Legislation at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01180.
Key actions
- Veterans, current ADF members, or family members making a compensation claim involving chilblains can review the full instrument at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01180 to understand the factors required to establish a service connection.
- Bookkeepers or advisers assisting veterans with compensation matters can note that this instrument was registered on 8 September 2026 and replaces any prior Statement of Principles on chilblains under the reasonable hypothesis standard.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.