{"id":"F2021L00013","name":"Statement of Principles concerning psoriasis (Reasonable Hypothesis) (No. 13 of 2021)","slug":"statement-of-principles-concerning-psoriasis-reasonable-hypothesis-no-13-of-2021","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":130967,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2021L00013-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-03","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Statement of Principles concerning psoriasis (Reasonable Hypothesis) (No. 13 of 2021)","content":"![Commonwealth Coat of Arms](image.001.png)\n\nStatement of Principles concerning psoriasis (Reasonable Hypothesis) (No. 13 of 2021)\n\nmade under subsection 196B(2) of the\n\nVeterans' Entitlements Act 1986\n\nCompilation No. 1\n\nCompilation date: 19 September 2022\n\nIncludes amendments up to: Veterans' Entitlements (Statements of Principles—definition of \"one pack-year\") Amendment Determination 2022 (No. 94 of 2022) (F2022L01128)\n\nThe day of commencement of this Amendment Determination is 19 September 2022.\n\nAbout this compilation\n\nThis compilation\n\nThis is a compilation of the Statement of Principles concerning psoriasis (Reasonable Hypothesis) (No. 13 of 2021) that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 19 September 2022.\n\nThe notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.\n\nUncommenced amendments\n\nThe effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Legislation Register (www.legislation.gov.au). The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. For more information on any uncommenced amendments, see the series page on the Legislation Register for the compiled law.\n\nApplication, saving and transitional provisions for provisions and amendments\n\nIf the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes.\n\nModifications\n\nIf the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. For more information on any modifications, see the series page on the Legislation Register for the compiled law.\n\nSelf‑repealing provisions\n\nIf a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.\n\nContents\n\n1 Name\n\n3 Authority\n\n5 Application\n\n6 Definitions\n\n7 Kind of injury, disease or death to which this Statement of Principles relates\n\n8 Basis for determining the factors\n\n9 Factors that must exist\n\n10 Relationship to service\n\n11 Factors referring to an injury or disease covered by another Statement of Principles\n\nSchedule 1 - Dictionary\n\n1 Definitions\n\nEndnotes\n\nEndnote 1—About the endnotes\n\nEndnote 2—Abbreviation key\n\nEndnote 3—Legislation history\n\nEndnote 4—Amendment history\n\n  \n\n1 Name\n\nThis is the Statement of Principles concerning psoriasis (Reasonable Hypothesis) (No. 13 of 2021).\n\n3 Authority\n\nThis instrument is made under subsection 196B(2) of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986.\n\n5 Application\n\nThis instrument applies to a claim to which section 120A of the VEA or section 338 of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 applies.\n\n6 Definitions\n\nThe terms defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary have the meaning given when used in this instrument.\n\n7 Kind of injury, disease or death to which this Statement of Principles relates\n\n(1) This Statement of Principles is about psoriasis and death from psoriasis.\n\nMeaning of psoriasis\n\n(2) For the purposes of this Statement of Principles, psoriasis means a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterised by keratinocyte hyperproliferation that results in erythematous plaques, patches and papules.\n\n> Note: Morphological variants of psoriasis include the common plaque type, as well as flexural, erythrodermic, pustular (including impetigo herpetiformis) and guttate forms.\n\n(3) While psoriasis attracts ICD‑10‑AM code L40.0, L40.1, L40.2, L40.4, L40.8, L40.9 or L40, in applying this Statement of Principles the meaning of psoriasis is that given in subsection (2).\n\n(4) For subsection (3), a reference to an ICD-10-AM code is a reference to the code assigned to a particular kind of injury or disease in The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision, Australian Modification (ICD-10-AM), Tenth Edition, effective date of 1 July 2017, copyrighted by the Independent Hospital Pricing Authority, ISBN 978-1-76007-296-4.\n\nDeath from psoriasis\n\n(5) For the purposes of this Statement of Principles, psoriasis, in relation to a person, includes death from a terminal event or condition that was contributed to by the person's psoriasis.\n\n> Note: terminal event is defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary.\n\n8 Basis for determining the factors\n\nThe Repatriation Medical Authority is of the view that there is sound medical‑scientific evidence that indicates that psoriasis and death from psoriasis can be related to relevant service rendered by veterans, members of Peacekeeping Forces, or members of the Forces under the VEA, or members under the MRCA.\n\n> Note: MRCA, relevant service and VEA are defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary.\n\n9 Factors that must exist\n\nAt least one of the following factors must as a minimum exist before it can be said that a reasonable hypothesis has been raised connecting psoriasis or death from psoriasis with the circumstances of a person's relevant service:\n\n(1) having an injury to the skin of the affected site or developing a lesion of the affected site within the 30 days before the clinical onset of psoriasis;\n\n(2) taking a drug from the specified list of drugs for at least the seven days before the clinical onset of psoriasis;\n\n> Note: specified list of drugs is defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary.\n\n(3) taking a drug which is associated in the individual with:\n\n(a) the development of psoriasis during drug therapy; and\n\n(b) the improvement of psoriasis within two months of discontinuing or tapering drug therapy;\n\nwhere taking the drug continued for at least the seven days before the clinical onset of psoriasis;\n\n(4) withdrawing from tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitor treatment in the six months before the clinical onset of psoriasis;\n\n(5) withdrawing from systemic glucocorticoids, moderate potency topical glucocorticoids or high potency topical glucocorticoids in the 30 days before the clinical onset of psoriasis;\n\n> Note: moderate potency topical glucocorticoids and high potency topical glucocorticoids are defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary.\n\n(6) consuming an average of at least 200 grams of alcohol per week for at least the one year before the clinical onset of psoriasis;\n\n> Note: Alcohol consumption is calculated utilising the Australian Standard of ten grams of alcohol per standard alcoholic drink.\n\n(7) experiencing a category 1A stressor within the six months before the clinical onset of psoriasis;\n\n> Note: category 1A stressor is defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary.\n\n(8) experiencing a category 1B stressor within the six months before the clinical onset of psoriasis;\n\n> Note: category 1B stressor is defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary.\n\n(9) experiencing a category 2 stressor within the six months before the clinical onset of psoriasis;\n\n> Note 1: A category 2 stressor can arise in a variety of circumstances connected with service. Such circumstances can arise during the course of service, as a result of separation from service and the conditions associated with that separation, and in the transition to civilian life in the years following separation.\n\n> Note 2: category 2 stressor is defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary.\n\n(10) having a Streptococcus pyogenes infection of the pharynx, tonsils or skin within the 30 days before the clinical onset of psoriasis;\n\n(11) having infection with human immunodeficiency virus before the clinical onset of psoriasis;\n\n(12) having smoked at least five pack-years of tobacco products before the clinical onset of psoriasis;\n\n> Note: one pack-year is defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary.\n\n(13) being exposed to second-hand smoke for at least 5,000 hours before the clinical onset of psoriasis;\n\n> Note: being exposed to second-hand smoke is defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary.\n\n(14) being overweight or obese for at least five years before the clinical onset of psoriasis;\n\n> Note: being overweight or obese is defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary.\n\n(15) for impetigo herpetiformis only, being pregnant within the six weeks before the clinical onset of impetigo herpetiformis;\n\n> Note: impetigo herpetiformis is defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary.\n\n(16) having an injury to the skin of the affected site or developing a lesion of the affected site within the 30 days before the clinical worsening of psoriasis;\n\n(17) taking a drug from the specified list of drugs for at least the seven days before the clinical worsening of psoriasis;\n\n> Note: specified list of drugs is defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary.\n\n(18) taking a drug which is associated in the individual with:\n\n(a) the worsening of psoriasis during drug therapy; and\n\n(b) the improvement of psoriasis within two months of discontinuing or tapering drug therapy;\n\nwhere taking the drug continued for at least the seven days before the clinical worsening of psoriasis;\n\n(19) withdrawing from tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitor treatment in the six months before the clinical worsening of psoriasis;\n\n(20) withdrawing from systemic glucocorticoids, moderate potency topical glucocorticoids or high potency topical glucocorticoids in the 30 days before the clinical worsening of psoriasis;\n\n> Note: moderate potency topical glucocorticoids and high potency topical glucocorticoids are defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary.\n\n(21) consuming an average of at least 200 grams of alcohol per week for at least the one year before the clinical worsening of psoriasis;\n\n> Note: Alcohol consumption is calculated utilising the Australian Standard of ten grams of alcohol per standard alcoholic drink.\n\n(22) experiencing a category 1A stressor within the six months before the clinical worsening of psoriasis;\n\n> Note: category 1A stressor is defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary.\n\n(23) experiencing a category 1B stressor within the six months before the clinical worsening of psoriasis;\n\n> Note: category 1B stressor is defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary.\n\n(24) experiencing a category 2 stressor within the six months before the clinical worsening of psoriasis;\n\n> Note 1: A category 2 stressor can arise in a variety of circumstances connected with service. Such circumstances can arise during the course of service, as a result of separation from service and the conditions associated with that separation, and in the transition to civilian life in the years following separation.\n\n> Note 2: category 2 stressor is defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary.\n\n(25) having a Streptococcus pyogenes infection of the pharynx, tonsils or skin within the 30 days before the clinical worsening of psoriasis;\n\n(26) having infection with human immunodeficiency virus before the clinical worsening of psoriasis;\n\n(27) having smoked at least five pack-years of tobacco products before the clinical worsening of psoriasis;\n\n> Note: one pack-year is defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary.\n\n(28) being exposed to second-hand smoke for at least 5,000 hours before the clinical worsening of psoriasis;\n\n> Note: being exposed to second-hand smoke is defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary.\n\n(29) being overweight or obese for at least five years before the clinical worsening of psoriasis;\n\n> Note: being overweight or obese is defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary.\n\n(30) inability to obtain appropriate clinical management for psoriasis.\n\n10 Relationship to service\n\n(1) The existence in a person of any factor referred to in section 9, must be related to the relevant service rendered by the person.\n\n(2) The factors set out in subsections 9(16) to 9(30) apply only to material contribution to, or aggravation of, psoriasis where the person's psoriasis was suffered or contracted before or during (but did not arise out of) the person's relevant service.\n\n11 Factors referring to an injury or disease covered by another Statement of Principles\n\nIn this Statement of Principles:\n\n(1) if a factor referred to in section 9 applies in relation to a person; and\n\n(2) that factor refers to an injury or disease in respect of which a Statement of Principles has been determined under subsection 196B(2) of the VEA;\n\nthen the factors in that Statement of Principles apply in accordance with the terms of that Statement of Principles as in force from time to time.\n\nSchedule 1 \\- Dictionary\n\nNote: See Section 6\n\n1 Definitions\n\nIn this instrument:\n\nbeing exposed to second-hand smoke means being in an enclosed space and inhaling smoke from burning tobacco products or smoke that has been exhaled by another person who is smoking.\n\nbeing overweight or obese means having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or greater.\n\n> Note: BMI is also defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary.\n\nbiologic agent means a therapeutic product which is derived from living organisms or which contains components of living organisms.\n\n> Note: Examples of biologic agents used for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune disease include interferons, monoclonal antibodies, tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitors, tyrosine kinase inhibitors and vascular endothelial growth factor antagonists.\n\nBMI means W/H2 where:\n\n(a) W is the person's weight in kilograms; and\n\n(b) H is the person's height in metres.\n\ncategory 1A stressor means one of the following severe traumatic events:\n\n(a) experiencing a life-threatening event;\n\n(b) being subject to a serious physical attack or assault including rape and sexual molestation; or\n\n(c) being threatened with a weapon, being held captive, being kidnapped or being tortured.\n\ncategory 1B stressor means one of the following severe traumatic events:\n\n(a) killing or maiming a person;\n\n(b) being an eyewitness to a person being killed or critically injured;\n\n(c) being an eyewitness to atrocities inflicted on another person;\n\n(d) participating in the clearance of a corpse or a critically injured casualty; or\n\n(e) viewing a corpse or a critically injured casualty as an eyewitness.\n\n> Note: corpse and eyewitness are also defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary.\n\ncategory 2 stressor means one of the following negative life events, the effects of which are chronic in nature and cause the person to feel ongoing distress, concern or worry:\n\n(a) being socially isolated and unable to maintain friendships or family relationships, due to physical location, language barriers, disability, or medical or psychiatric illness;\n\n(b) experiencing a problem with a long-term relationship including the break-up of a close personal relationship, the need for marital or relationship counselling, marital separation or divorce;\n\n(c) having concerns in the work or school environment including ongoing disharmony with fellow work or school colleagues, perceived lack of social support within the work or school environment, perceived lack of control over tasks performed and stressful workloads, or experiencing bullying in the workplace or school environment;\n\n(d) experiencing serious legal issues including being detained or held in custody, ongoing involvement with the police concerning violations of the law, or court appearances associated with personal legal problems;\n\n(e) having severe financial hardship including loss of employment, long periods of unemployment, foreclosure on a property or bankruptcy;\n\n(f) having a family member or significant other experience a major deterioration in their health; or\n\n(g) being a full-time caregiver to a family member or significant other with a severe physical, mental or developmental disability.\n\n> Note: significant other is also defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary.\n\ncorpse means the human remains or body parts of one or more persons who have met a violent or horrific death.\n\n> Note: Examples of a violent or horrific death may include death due to suicide, gunshot, improvised explosive devices, natural and technological disasters, terrorist attacks or motor vehicle accidents. Seeing a closed body bag or viewing a body in an open-casket coffin are excluded from this definition.\n\neyewitness means a person who observes an incident first hand and can give direct evidence of it. This excludes persons exposed only to public broadcasting or mass media coverage of the incident.\n\nhigh potency topical glucocorticoids means:\n\n(a) betamethasone dipropionate 0.05%;\n\n(b) betamethasone valerate 0.1%;\n\n(c) clobetasol 0.05%;\n\n(d) methylprednisolone 0.1%;\n\n(e) mometasone 0.1%; or\n\n(f) another topical glucocorticoid of equivalent potency.\n\nimpetigo herpetiformis means a pustular skin condition of pregnancy, characterised by the presence of widespread tiny superficial pustules in a herpetiform pattern on erythematosquamous plaques, and often associated with constitutional symptoms.\n\nmoderate potency topical glucocorticoids means:\n\n(a) betamethasone valerate 0.02% and 0.05%;\n\n(b) clobetasone 0.05%;\n\n(c) desonide 0.05%;\n\n(d) triamcinolone 0.02%; or\n\n(e) another topical glucocorticoid of equivalent potency.\n\nMRCA means the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004.\n\none pack-year means the amount of tobacco consumed in smoking 20 cigarettes per day for a period of 1 year, or an equivalent amount of tobacco products.\n\n> Note 1: An equivalent amount of tobacco products is 7,300 grams of smoking tobacco by weight, either in cigarettes, pipe tobacco or cigars, or a combination of same. For pipe tobacco, cigars or combinations of multiple tobacco types, 1 gram of tobacco is considered to be equal to one cigarette.\n\n> Note 2: Pack-years are calculated by dividing the number of cigarettes smoked per day by 20 and multiplying this number by the number of years the person has smoked. For example, smoking 10 cigarettes per day for 10 years is equal to 5 pack-years, and smoking 40 cigarettes per day for 10 years is equal to 20 pack-years.\n\npsoriasis—see subsection 7(2).\n\nrelevant service means:\n\n(a) operational service under the VEA;\n\n(b) peacekeeping service under the VEA;\n\n(c) hazardous service under the VEA;\n\n(d) British nuclear test defence service under the VEA;\n\n(e) warlike service under the MRCA; or\n\n(f) non-warlike service under the MRCA.\n\n> Note: MRCA and VEA are also defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary.\n\nsignificant other means a person who has a close family bond or a close personal relationship and is important or influential in one's life.\n\nspecified list of drugs means:\n\n(a) angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors;\n\n(b) apixaban;\n\n(c) beta-blockers;\n\n(d) biologic agents for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune disease;\n\n(e) bupropion;\n\n(f) chloroquine;\n\n(g) docetaxel;\n\n(h) hydroxychloroquine;\n\n(i) itraconazole;\n\n(j) lithium;\n\n(k) mefloquine;\n\n(l) primaquine;\n\n(m) quinacrine (mepacrine or Atebrin);\n\n(n) terbinafine; or\n\n(o) tetracyclines.\n\n> Note: biologic agent is also defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary.\n\nterminal event means the proximate or ultimate cause of death and includes the following:\n\n(a) pneumonia;\n\n(b) respiratory failure;\n\n(c) cardiac arrest;\n\n(d) circulatory failure; or\n\n(e) cessation of brain function.\n\nVEA means the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986.\n\n> Note: Endnotes\n\n> Note: Endnote 1—About the endnotes\n\nThe endnotes provide information about this compilation and the compiled law.\n\nThe following endnotes are included in every compilation:\n\nEndnote 1—About the endnotes\n\nEndnote 2—Abbreviation key\n\nEndnote 3—Legislation history\n\nEndnote 4—Amendment history\n\nAbbreviation key—Endnote 2\n\nThe abbreviation key sets out abbreviations that may be used in the endnotes.\n\nLegislation history and amendment history—Endnotes 3 and 4\n\nAmending laws are annotated in the legislation history and amendment history.\n\nThe legislation history in endnote 3 provides information about each law that has amended (or will amend) the compiled law. The information includes commencement details for amending laws and details of any application, saving or transitional provisions that are not included in this compilation.\n\nThe amendment history in endnote 4 provides information about amendments at the provision (generally section or equivalent) level. It also includes information about any provision of the compiled law that has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law.\n\nMisdescribed amendments\n\nA misdescribed amendment is an amendment that does not accurately describe the amendment to be made. If, despite the misdescription, the amendment can be given effect as intended, the amendment is incorporated into the compiled law and the abbreviation “(md)” added to the details of the amendment included in the amendment history.\n\nIf a misdescribed amendment cannot be given effect as intended, the abbreviation “(md not incorp)” is added to the details of the amendment included in the amendment history.\n\n> Note: Endnote 2—Abbreviation key\n\n|                                                | o = order(s)                        |\n| ---------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------- |\n| ad = added or inserted                         | Ord = Ordinance                     |\n| am = amended                                   | orig = original                     |\n| amdt = amendment                               | par = paragraph(s)/subparagraph(s)  |\n| c = clause(s)                                  | /sub‑subparagraph(s)                |\n| C[x] = Compilation No. x                       | pres = present                      |\n| Ch = Chapter(s)                                | prev = previous                     |\n| def = definition(s)                            | (prev…) = previously                |\n| Dict = Dictionary                              | Pt = Part(s)                        |\n| disallowed = disallowed by Parliament          | r = regulation(s)/rule(s)           |\n| Div = Division(s)                              |                                     |\n| exp = expires/expired or ceases/ceased to have | reloc = relocated                   |\n| effect                                         | renum = renumbered                  |\n| F = Federal Register of Legislation            | rep = repealed                      |\n| gaz = gazette                                  | rs = repealed and substituted       |\n| LA = Legislation Act 2003                      | s = section(s)/subsection(s)        |\n| LIA = Legislative Instruments Act 2003         | Sch = Schedule(s)                   |\n| (md) = misdescribed amendment can be given     | Sdiv = Subdivision(s)               |\n| effect                                         | SLI = Select Legislative Instrument |\n| (md not incorp) = misdescribed amendment       | SR = Statutory Rules                |\n| cannot be given effect                         | Sub‑Ch = Sub‑Chapter(s)             |\n| mod = modified/modification                    | SubPt = Subpart(s)                  |\n| No. = Number(s)                                | underlining = whole or part not     |\n|                                                | commenced or to be commenced        |\n\n> Note: Endnote 3—Legislation history\n\n| Name                                                                                                                          | Registration              | Commencement      | Application, saving and transitional provisions |\n| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------- | ----------------- | ----------------------------------------------- |\n| Statement of Principles concerning psoriasis (Reasonable Hypothesis) (No. 13 of 2021)                                         | 4 January 2021F2021L00013 | 25 January 2021   |                                                 |\n| Veterans' Entitlements (Statements of Principles—definition of \"one pack-year\") Amendment Determination 2022 (No. 94 of 2022) | 26 August 2022F2022L01128 | 19 September 2022 |                                                 |\n\n> Note: Endnote 4—Amendment history\n\n| Provision affected                             | How affected      |\n| ---------------------------------------------- | ----------------- |\n| Section 2……………….                               | rep LA s 48D      |\n| Section 4……………….                               | rep LA s 48C      |\n| Subsection 9(12) note...                       | rs No. 94 of 2022 |\n| Subsection 9(27) note...                       | rs No. 94 of 2022 |\n| Schedule 1 – Dictionary – one pack-year...…….. | rs No. 94 of 2022 |","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":5,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"Amendments in the compilation (notably to the definition of one pack‑year and related notes) clarify measurement and wording but do not materially expand or narrow the core scope: the instrument still covers psoriasis and death from psoriasis and the same enumerated risk factors as bases for a reasonable hypothesis of service connection."},"complexity_factors":["Detailed list of 30 discrete factors with differing temporal windows and separate sets for onset and clinical worsening (section 9).","Multiple technical medical definitions and mapping to ICD‑10‑AM codes (section 7(2)–(4)).","Quantified exposure thresholds that require measurement or estimation (alcohol 200 g/week — s9(6)/(21); smoking 5 pack‑years — s9(12)/(27); 5,000 hours second‑hand smoke — s9(13)/(28); BMI ≥25 for ≥5 years — s9(14)/(29)).","Cross‑references to other Statements of Principles where factors overlap, creating dependency on external determinations (section 11).","Interplay with statutory concepts of relevant service and entitlement under the VEA/MRCA, requiring a causal link between the factor and service (sections 3, 5, 10).","Numerous defined terms in Schedule 1 that affect interpretation (e.g. category 1A/1B/2 stressors, specified list of drugs, one pack‑year).","Administrative judgement required to relate an identified factor to a person’s service (section 10(1)), introducing implementation discretion and evidentiary burdens."],"plain_english_summary":"This Statement of Principles sets the medical rules the Repatriation Medical Authority uses to decide whether psoriasis, or death contributed to by psoriasis, can be linked to a person’s military service for claims under the VEA or MRCA. It defines psoriasis medically, lists specific risk factors and precise timing thresholds (e.g. drug exposure, infection, alcohol, smoking, stressors, obesity, skin injury) and says that if at least one listed factor related to relevant service exists, a “reasonable hypothesis” of service connection is raised. It directly affects veterans, claim assessors and treating clinicians."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":5,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The instrument remains focused on its original purpose: establishing medical criteria for linking psoriasis to military service. The 2022 amendment was technical—updating the definition of 'one pack-year' to clarify tobacco weight equivalents—without expanding the scope beyond psoriasis or altering the fundamental structure of the 30 factors."},"complexity_factors":["30 distinct factors with specific temporal requirements (e.g., 'within 30 days', 'for at least one year', 'for at least five years')","15 defined terms in Schedule 1 Dictionary, including nested definitions (e.g., 'being overweight or obese' refers to BMI, which has its own formula)","Cross-references to other Statements of Principles for related conditions (section 11)","Dual application framework: factors 1-15 for initial onset, factors 16-29 for worsening of pre-existing condition, plus factor 30 for clinical management","Specific medical terminology requiring clinical interpretation (e.g., 'tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitor', 'keratinocyte hyperproliferation', 'ICD-10-AM codes')","Mathematical calculations required for some factors (BMI formula, pack-year calculations with conversion rates for pipe tobacco/cigars)","Categorical stressor definitions with multiple sub-categories (Category 1A, 1B, and 2 stressors with 12 distinct scenarios total)","Specific drug lists with both generic classes and named medications (15 items in specified list of drugs)","Amendment history showing structural changes (repeal of sections 2 and 4, substitution of pack-year definition)"],"plain_english_summary":"This instrument sets medical criteria for deciding when Australian Defence Force members, veterans, peacekeepers (and their families for death) can get compensation for psoriasis or death from psoriasis. It identifies service-related factors that create a \"reasonable hypothesis\" that service caused or worsened the condition, so claimants need not prove certainty. By linking common triggers—injury, infection, medication, stress, environmental and lifestyle exposures—to service, it makes it easier for affected veterans to access benefits."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/statement-of-principles-concerning-psoriasis-reasonable-hypothesis-no-13-of-2021","history":"/api/acts/statement-of-principles-concerning-psoriasis-reasonable-hypothesis-no-13-of-2021/history","analysis":"/api/acts/statement-of-principles-concerning-psoriasis-reasonable-hypothesis-no-13-of-2021/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/statement-of-principles-concerning-psoriasis-reasonable-hypothesis-no-13-of-2021/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/statement-of-principles-concerning-psoriasis-reasonable-hypothesis-no-13-of-2021/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/statement-of-principles-concerning-psoriasis-reasonable-hypothesis-no-13-of-2021/documents"}}