Overview
The Repatriation Medical Authority has registered a new Statement of Principles (SoP) covering immersion pulmonary oedema - a condition where fluid fills the lungs during water immersion. This is SoP No. 63 of 2026, registered on 8 September 2026, and is now in force.
What this SoP covers
The SoP sets out the medical and service-related factors that must exist for a veteran or defence member to establish a connection between immersion pulmonary oedema and their military service. It applies under the balance of probabilities standard.
Enabling legislation and administration
This SoP is made under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004. It is administered by the Department of Veterans' Affairs and is relevant to compensation and rehabilitation claims made under that Act.
Key actions
- Veterans, defence members, or their representatives dealing with a compensation or rehabilitation claim involving immersion pulmonary oedema can review the full text of SoP No. 63 of 2026 at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01177 to understand the factors required to establish a service connection.
- The Department of Veterans' Affairs can be contacted directly for guidance on how this SoP applies to a specific claim.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.