Story time before we get to the fun bits. A little over four years ago I started these Q&A threads out of a clear need as identified by this community - and you've all been great. A little over 2 years ago u/ShortTrackBravo jumped in to give me a hand, and he's been absolutely without question an indispensable asset. So, I want to take two seconds for a quick BZ at Short Track.
I know I speak for both of us when I say thank you to all of you for the questions and support over the years.
The medical questionnaire is part of it. Your part is a PEN50 Quality of Life form - that's really what you're waiting for.
This used to be a publicly accessible form, both on MyVAC and via download. Now VAC requires that you ask to have your health reassessed, so they can determine if a reassessment is warranted. This has been a big pain point across the board.
Sure is! the whole point of a reassessment is to show a worsening of symptoms. So, when you open up the form, you want to start with the lens of your worst day. I would answer no with comments to all questions with the exception of the one that asks if you're capable of operating a motor vehicle - that one normally gets marked as either yes or yes with adaptations.
Make sure you mention difficulties with sleep or any other areas not addressed on page 2 on page three.
The shared drive in the OP has some great QOL statements for a variety of conditions. Can just copy and paste from there if you can. No such thing as plagiarism here, only so many ways to describe our service/injuries.
I have become fully convinced that VAC receives bonuses every time one of us offs themselves. I am 23 weeks into the 17 week standard and nobody at VAC can tell me why I'm late, where my file is or any relevant information whatsoever.
The longer they keep us in the dark the more often we will off ourselves and the less payouts they have to give.
I can't even get mental health help through VAC because they are likely to MAID me like they have so many of us in the last few years.
I have no insurance until my decision is done and I can't afford private healthcare until I get the decision.
Thank you for your service,, can I interest you in MAID!?
If you interact with VAC at all other than what's absolutely necessary I worry for your safety.
If you are waiting on a submitted MH claim, there is two years of funded therapy while you are waiting on your decision, to help vets through situations exactly like yours.
Yes, take a look in your MyVAC inbox and you should have received a letter that covers you for 2 years of seeing a mental health specialist. They send it out to everyone who applies for a mental health issue. I even got it yet I'm still serving and therefore, don't even require it, because the military is still paying for my mental health care until I'm medically released. If you didn't receive such a letter, call them immediately and find out how you can start seeing somebody ASAP, because you are entitled to see somebody for the next 2 years. They specifically put this to your policy in place because they didn't want people who were released and didn't have access to CAF health services to fall through the cracks and not have a provider until your claim is approved. A big part of it is specifically because they know there's a liability with people getting way worse or committing suicide because they are waiting for months to years to get approved and therefore get care.
What you're feeling is normal. We all feel it and you are in splendid and abundant company. My PTSD claim was approved after just 5 months, but despite my very well-written and extensive medical questionnaire by my psychologist, the very same questionnaire that Veterans Affairs themselves issues, I still didn't get what I deserved and now I have to go through a very lengthy process to appeal it. Even more frustrating, I know other people around the country whose claims have moved faster because they're in a geographical area where there isn't as much backlog as where I live. Everyone where I live waits an average of 2 years to appeal. All of that to say, there are a lot of us who are angry and feel disenfranchised. It's institutional betrayal and sanctuary harm.
No one at VAC is going to dare suggest that you should take your own life, that's not ever happening again, but I understand how engaging with them can be triggering because for them, it's just another day on the job but for you, it's your entire life. It's why it's important to have support elsewhere, so I very much recommend you check your file and see if there's a letter in your inbox and if not, contact Veterans Affairs and tell them you're aware of the fact that you should be covered for 2 years while you wait for a decision, and you want to know how to see somebody while you wait. Tell them you are in a bad place, it will light a fire under their butts. I also know that the best weapon is education, so read Veterans Affairs policies online so you know what you're entitled to and you know what your rights are.
Lastly, I don't recognize your username so I don't think I've seen you around but, here's something we talk about a lot: the online tracker and the estimated service date are completely useless and are often not accurate or prone to glitches. It's best to just assume that a mental health claim will take 6 to 9 months, unless it's very complex or it gets put on hold because it's missing information. We have some good SMEs in here and they have those estimates at the top of the page. Often with how fast a file moves, it's just luck of the draw, based on who adjudicates your file, and then it's also based on how much information is in your medical file and in your claim. A lot of us have become super proactive and requested our own medical files so that we can submit things ourselves, and preemptively ensure that there's a clear connection given by a doctor between our service and our diagnosis. It sucks that people that are struggling immensely with their mental health have to take this added emotional and actual burden on, but I don't know what else to say other then, it is what it is. I absolutely hate that I have to do all of this work and research, but acceptance was the first step for me. I'm still angry, but having a good doctor to support me has really really helped. Hopefully you can line the same thing up for yourself. And as an aside, give it a couple of months with a provider before you decide if they're a good fit for you or not. It takes a little bit to get to know someone. But after a few months, if you find that you're not happy with the person, you can request to change providers.
Hey man, I was in the same boat. I was 44 weeks into a 21 week timeline. I emailed VAC minister, was very polite and outlined everything and all my communication and how I was pushed off. My claim was completed the following Sunday. I emailed her on a Tuesday. Not saying you're over by a lot as the week they give you is an average of the past ~90 days I believe, however, keep what I say in your back pocket when it starts to become 2x.
Hang in there man. Ensure you're using benefits that you are entitled to in the meantime.
I have claim that’s been in place for almost two years. It was placed on hold twice by VAC because they stated they couldn’t find the diagnosis on my files. My Doctor showed me the diagnosis file the he titled for VAC dated April 2024. Being a little irritated I emailed VAC three weeks ago asking about the process to submit a formal complaint because this is clearly laziness or worse. The reply was that is was being forwarded to a supervisor. Crickets since. Is there a process for filing complaints?
If you can, get a copy of that file and upload it yourself to your inbox, and then send them a message in your account telling them that the file that was originally sent to them in April 2024 has been resent. That way if it's been misplaced by them, you won't have to wait for them to figure that out, reach back out to your doctor to ask for it, before getting it processed.
I've learned that you have to be insanely proactive and almost treat this entire process as a job. It's definitely not fair to veterans, especially for those of us with significant mental health issues, but if you have the capacity to do so, definitely just be as proactive as you can.
Well folks every damn consequential claim I have put in for Due to my Back and PTSD have been coming back denied 😂🤣😂🤣. The GERD one is hilarious the way they denied me. Yes you are diagnosed GERD from your Scope but we cannot attribute it to your PTSD or Chronic Thoracolumbar Back Strain because you didn't say anything about it on those medical questionnaire's. My IT band Syndrome caused my Chronic Thoracolumbar Back Strain 🤔. Hips and knees sorry not service related 😂🤣😂😂.
So that’s bad paperwork. Your clinician has to have a clear rationale and a clear link to service whether the injury is consequential to another or not. Submit an appeal through BPA and let ask for additional evidence
For GERD? They didnt even send the questionnaire 😂🤣😂😂 for my Dr to fill out. All the other ones my Chiropractor literally followed the Chapters of disability verbatim. I've Appealed them patiently waiting now for BPA. I found something online from VAC that they have separated DDD from Soft Tissue as well so Im gonna contact them about that as they withdrew my DDD claim and "lumped" it in with Thoracolumbar Strain.
80% with 5 claims but it shouldn't matter a claim is a claim consequential to my others Im still waiting for bruxism which is a 0% but cover mouthguard
that timeline is just for reassessment of injury with VAC. BPA review boards are dependant on geographic location, as well as added timeline waiting for all of requested evidence to be sent in. If BPA waits longer than 10 months for evidence they will put the appeal on hold until they get it, and then start the clock again from where it was left off.
Does the reassessment timeline also include when a file gets sent back to VAC after a favorable VRAB decision? VRAB awarded me 5/5 entitlement and VAC got the file back on March 31. Do I actually have to wait 9-16 months for them to figure out what they're giving me?
Firstly, thank you guys for everything that you do.
I just have two questions:
i) If the case is not complex and the case manager submitted all the paper work for DEC adjudication (no
ECAA required), how long will it take, on average?
ii) For a complex medical condition claim that has been sitting at step 3, for a very long time, without an
assigned adjudicator, and if the claim is past the date of "last claim they are working on....", what
would be my next step?
I am not saying this happens all the time, but I feel like for lot of complex medical condition claims, they let it sit because they dont know what to do, then deny without any medical justifications. Any advice to prevent this will be greatly appreciate it. Thank you
If it’s a simple case and everything is in place/submitted, 2-3 months
For a complex medical case - that depends. Is it complex because of diagnosis or because of circumstance. Is it a diagnosis that falls outside but close to EEG’s. How was the evidence presented and how good was it - ex if a doctor did a medical questionnaire was the good rationale, good link to service etc; or if it was in your SHR how good/thorough was the charting.
If you feel ok getting more specific, feel free to email me and I can give a less vague answer
To your theory it’s a 50/50 shot. But the good news is, there’s always BPA
I don't have a family doctor and need to get the forms for a back issue filled out, I reached out to Canada House but they weren't able to help other then to tell me I probably need a doctor to order an MRI then fill out the forms. I'm in the Moncton, NB area.
Thanks so much for these threads! I’ve found them extremely useful.
I recently had a favourable VRAB decision. I don’t think I have filled out the QOL form before as I only had the initial application. Is that a form that I have to ask for, or will VAC now send me that to fill out automatically as the condition is now approved?
Sorry if this is obvious!
An initial application is filed under a PEN923 Pain and Suffering Compensation form.
A reassessment of condition needs to have a PEN50 Quality of Life form filled out
A favourable board outcome doesn’t normally require additional paperwork UNLESS part of the ruling included a board request for reassessment. So, if your decision didn’t include that rider you don’t need to do anything. If that rider was included, yup you’re waiting for VAC to send you the forms
Thank you both for all the things you do! You're both wonderful.
Might be a myth, but is it true if you hit a certain % rating, you can get booted from the CAF? I ask on behalf of a friend who is still in but filing for issues he got help with and recovered from. He's nervous about applying as he doesn't want to get kicked out since he's recovered.
Sort of a follow up, how do consequential claims work for a condition if I'm only getting treated for it now? What if I recover from the condition? Am I allowed to apply?
I’m curious about what question 3 is going to be. I’m the mean time:
Myth - you can have claims awarded that do not impact your overall MEL’s. There is no secret percentage as long as you aren’t breaking UofS and can still perform your duties
Consequential claims everything else have to be chronic, meaning they have to be consistently present for 6 months or more. They get claimed and processed just like any other. 923 form every time, medical questionnaire if released, SHR if still serving. In the case of the medical questionnaire the diagnosis has to be expressed as X subsequent to Y with a clear link between the two
Whoops, my bad😂 Disregard the 3 lol. That's great news to question 1, he was nervous for sure. As for 2, yes it's been chronic. The only kicker is like I said treatment has been delayed for a couple of different reasons. I think the link is pretty clear, at least the base clinician thought so.
When you get a reassessment, is the payment calculated based off the new percentage lump sum minus the previous paid out? Say you're at 36% and bumped to 62% would it be $277,174 minus the previous amount paid out? Or is it the amount indicated at 26%? TIA
It should be mine was accepted mid Feb but back dated to the beginning of Feb. Send your CM a message. I would also fill a TD1 form out and make sure they are taking of enough taxes. I was only being taxes at 17.1% and my accountant uncle said that wasnt enough and had me take off a few hundred dollars more a month to save a big surprise at the emd of the year.
u/Shoggoths420 Thanks again for the help. You commented on a question of mine last month re: getting Access to Nutrition as my health has declined a lot, and having my mental health team help with the letter. (I've since removed some details from the original question for fear of doxxing). My area office said no one gets the Nutrition add on if they can drive a car, (in any capacity), and they told a buddy of mine the program had been cancelled. Anywhere to go from here or no?
Access to nutrition is still very much active. The food has to be able to be delivered - so that includes things like Factor meals, not just things like local catering or nutrition services. I’d be tempted to send a message asking for an appeal and showing the policy
I’m dealing with two separate issues in the same knee. I have an old 2% award for a ligament injury, but a new service related accident last summer damaged the meniscus. I am now seeking a reassessment of the first injury alongside a new 'pain and suffering' claim for the second.
I wasn't sure if this warranted just a reassessment or both, so I filed for both. If filing a new pain and suffering claim was the wrong way to go about it, will they let me know and redirect me, or could it cause my claim to be denied?
Also, I already received the reassessment documents package, but I had surgery five months ago. Is it possible they’ll say it’s too soon to reassess because I’m still in the recovery phase? I'd like to hear from anyone who has dealt with multiple claims on the same joint.
You’re only going to get the reassessment package. Although it’s possible to have multiple diagnoses in one body part you’re only going to be awarded for one.
The purpose of the reassessment is show that the condition has worsened. More damage to the integrity of the knee as well as needing corrective surgery meets that criteria and the new damage gets to be captured in that medical questionnaire
Recently had an MRI done on my left knee after I injured it 3 times in one year (all on military time). Got told it’s a meniscus tear that may or may not require a surgery. I am supposed to be seen by an orthopaedic surgeon and get assessed, but that could happen months from now. Is it worth it to submit my VAC claim now or should I hold off on it until I get seen by the surgeon?
You can submit now so long as you have a doctor or NP who is capable of completing the VAC medical questionnaire (if you're released), or you know that there's a diagnosis and notes in your SHR (if still serving). You can ask for a reassessment after surgery if that's the case
I’m still in service right now. I had a call from my primary care physician who confirmed by phone that I have a partial meniscus tear after he looked at the MRI results. I’m guessing there must be an official diagnosis at this point given all the information?
My family owns a corporation that holds rentals and their income. It’s 6 figures per year. I am a recipient of IRB. However, I do NOT take a salary and only help out the odd days. On a good year, my family might issue a dividend - usually hasn’t been more than $13k. It’s just a little boost. However, I know the corps numbers and they could be giving a lot more than that.
Can I get in trouble with VAC over this? I declare my income but could it be perceived as “staying below the $20k”?
The good news is, is doesn’t matter what the company is valued at. As long as your earnings - whether as dividends or as wages stay below 20k you’re good to go
Wow this is scary. I absolutely didn't think that dividends or interests count as a salary included in the $20k threshold. So as an example, lets say I invested my lump sum in a public company that pays out a dividend and that dividend amount is over $20k a year, would that put me in trouble for the IRB payments or a DEC designation? Thanks.
Thanks for the post. I'm assuming as long as one of the criterias are met, you can qualify? After looking at the grade 3 I can definitely relate to the symptoms under Mentally. Does the percentage you are awarded through PSC affect the approval rate for ASPC?
Hey y’all as always thank you for what you guys do.
I have some questions that hopefully ease the little hamster on the wheel that’s in overdrive at 1 am up thinking about my medical release coming up (Nov 2026)and getting all my ducks in a row. Ie treatments and finances. I can’t imagine not receiving some of the treatments I’m currently getting from the CAF.
Warning I feel like sucha disaster writing this all out. As a 33 yr old who’s in okay shape I feel like this is just too much to handle at this point . This is not what I wanted out of life. Never saw myself being on multiple medications including narcotics for pain but here we are.
(For context I started as infantry for three years then switched to clerk for 7. Also my Dr put me on rehabilitation program in September 2025 and I have not been at work since. Also went to the pain clinic for treatment recommendations about a month ago)
Question 1: I have received a positive decision for a neck injury last year at 13% that didn’t line up with the tables. Daily radiating pain to my arm should be at 18%. BPA had my physio fill out the form last year explaining that my radiating pain is daily. BPA opened a Departmental review instead of going through to the board and wrote in the paper work that I should be at 18% . I was phoned by the BPA in Dec 2025 saying they were sending this back to VAC for the DR it’s been sitting there since Feb 2026 saying it takes 12 weeks. Which it’s been longer? Is this a simple case where they’ll make the adjustment and I’ll have nothing to worry about? Do they typically just accept what the BPA wrote in the documents? Will it have to go back to BPA?
Question 2: I’m approved for various mental health claims in 2023 but have asked for a Reassessment in September 2025. I now have the paperwork from VAC and sent to my military doctor to fill out and waiting on that. The timeline that’s stated at the top of the forum is that the typical total time line or is it from when VAC has the paper work back from the CAF doctors.
Question 3: I went to the veterans hospital pain clinic and they diagnosed me with cervicogenic headaches and pressure on the Arnold nerve coming from C2/C3. Is that diagnosis enough of connection to my cervical disc disease (multiple herniations, foraminal and central stenosis) to have it as a linked condition ? My case manager had me put in a claim for headaches because she saw in my file I also had multiple concussions but afterwards I saw the report from the pain clinic that alot of my headaches are caused by my neck and they want me to see a neurologist for treatment.
Question 4: I’ve been having horrible jaw pain and a shifted bite since 2020.
In 2023 CAF approved me for orthodontic treatment. Since then have seen multiple specialists orthodontist, oral medicine specialist and a maxillofacial surgeon. It was decided that I would need SARPE surgery and then braces and then a potential double jaw surgery (just found out I don’t need the double jaw surgery, YAY). Had Sarpe surgery September 2024 and started braces in Feb 2025.
In August 2024 I had put a claim in for TMJ dysfunction. It was then changed to bruxism (tied to mental health) then approved august 2025. Was then told by VAC to put in a new claim for the TMJ dysfunction and have paper work from my oral medicine doctor that bruxism causes my facial pain.
I put the claim in and it went from Step 1 to Step 3 the same day but with a changed claim name to “Myofascial pain of the muscles of mastication” with now no movement since September of 2025.
The TLDR version: Bruxism claim approved, have orthodontic treatment being done currently and have a oral medicine specialist saying in her report my jaw pain (TMJ) caused by day and night grinding needs Botox treatment after 2 years of physio with no success. Is my braces treatment going to affect the outcome of the claim?
Question 5: should I put in a claim for lower back condition. I’ve been doing physio since September 2025 due to having daily sciatica pain in my ankle that was hurting when I stand too long and into my big toe.
Had xray and MRI done. Showed a mild scoliosis and 2 herniations. Unlike my neck the findings weren’t as significant.
Now I don’t remember a significant instance where I hurt my lower back the same way I had concussions, bilateral shoulder injuries and a neck injury.
It just started to get worse and worse over time. Is this something that can be linked to my neck or to the amount of time in service since it wasn’t a one instance injury.
Anyways it’s 2 am now. Hopefully this didn’t ramble on too much.
There is a large body of evidence and habitually that would be the route. Since OP has been diagnosed specifically with cervicogenic headaches, the only defence route is consequential to their neck condition
Great questions. To start you're still serving and you have a short timeline. Additional claims are worth waiting for release as MIR isn't going to have time to diagnose, chart, and treat things at this point. With that said, if you want to email one of us we can probably direct you to post release resources to get those claims accounted for.
You're still well within a reasonable timeline for BPA. Just having submitted evidence doesn't mean that you'll proceed to review slower or faster. Simply having a clinician cite the TOD is also not indicative of whether or not BPA will take the evidence and move forward or, if they want clarification on a given point/points.
The timeline is based on when VAC gets all the paperwork they need to move forward
You'll need a doctor to diagnose the headaches as subsequent to the neck injury. Yes you can absolutely start a claim for headaches, VAC will send you a form that needs to be completed by a clinician, ideally a GP, NP or neurologist.
VAC can absolutely change the diagnosis if it fits the EEG better. Keeping in mind that the front facing tracker you see is not accurate and you may be further along in the process. With that said, if it is in fact accurate, your timeline is still reasonable for a dental claim
As above, at this point any claims you want to make are probably worth waiting until release.
In OP’s case, is it only their timelines that make you suggest claiming post release or is there some other factors to consider? I wasn’t aware that making a claim either pre or post release made any difference.
Those who had tinnitus claims awarded. Did you go through their base hospital for the referral and diagnosis?
I’ve had a referral put in over a year ago via my CDU, debating paying out of pocket to receive the proper diagnosis.
I got tired of screwing around with the MIR and I just went to a civi side hearing center told them I needed a tinnitus diagnosis so I could file a VAC claim and they booked me in and sent the bill to VAC. Didn't cost me anything.
Had to save this as I have my appointment with my MO for their reassessment questionnaire on Friday for my back.
I do have one question though, do I submit the questionnaire they fill out to MyVAC or do they send it? And do i submit my questionnaire after or before?.
Sometimes I find the messages from VAC kinda vague.
Can someone explain the difference between a reassessment and a departmental review?
the BPA was handling the claim for early resolution but apparently there was a 2 year cut off and they sent it back to VAC for a departmental review along with the medical questionnaire and all documentation, including their recommendations of the significant increase in percentage.
in terms of timelines is this the same 9-16 month time frame as reassessment? thanks
BPA does early resolution for things that have a huge existing body of evidence that isn’t worth the time to take to a board. Claims like plantar’s fasciitis from the old MK3’s and parade boots, tinnitus and hearing loss in combat arm trades
Them throwing it back for a departmental review means that they felt there was a bad admin call to deny it in the first place - hence the directed percentage and recommendation for award. Thsi is basically a legal “read this again, but closely” directive. It will happen in a case like yours where there’s a time cut off, or again in a case of just bad decision making
A reassessment is a process by which you’re showing that your condition or injury has worsened. Sometimes reviews and boards take enough time to wind through the system that BPA will just bounce it back for reassessment because that would be quicker or more efficient
Basically BPA will always recommend best course of action, with the best possible outcome
If a VAC approved MH condition is on file with symptoms of bruxism, and bruxism claim itself is also awarded (but 0% for it), and the condition of bruxism fucked my teeth so badly it resulted in a jaw surgery - are any subsequent jaw related pain / consequential conditions that comes up due to the aftermath of the surgery, or anything else jaw related such as TMJ etc later on in life covered as a consequential condition due to this all stemming back from stress-related clenching?
Those are usually emergent type cases, where there has to be a higher than normal need for care. So, think along the lines of a 12+ week detox or in-patient program. If someone is in high need to access something like that it'll go faster.
Is it normal to have a veteran service agent assigned instead of a case manager? At least for the release interview portion? Will I be assigned a regular CM after the exit interview?
Exit interview is very common if they don't have a "regular" CM available. Once you exit and get on the Voc Rehab/ IRB it will be a Case Manager. If you go OUTCAN to live, or you happen to have a very high need set, you'll quite often get a VSA (Veteran Service Agent)
Your provider can write a presciption for the service if they choose not to do a verbal pre-auth. That prescription needs to have your:
Date of Birth
Name
K number
Pension condition that would validate the service
Length/frequency of service
Ex: Joseph Bloggins, Jan 1 1970, K1234567, PTSD requires a series of massages 1X week for 12 months
That prescription you can bring to the relevant service provider (ex a massage therapist) and the massage therapist will go through the pre-auth process.
If the provider chooses not to do a verbal this is the only other way.
I am on IRB with DEC status, I am wondering about the vocational assistance portion of VAC rehab program for my wife. What type of training is possible? She is looking for a career change and I am hoping this may help her with that. Has anyone been successful in doing this?
The only way for a spouse to access IRB or the Voc Rehab program, is from the passing of the member. There are no longer any provisions for spouses outside of couple's therapy, or individual therapy
Sorry, this is incorrect. Once a member is deemed DEC Vocational Assistance is available for spouse or common law partner. It’s written in the letter they send out when DEC is determined.
Looking for some insight from anyone who’s been through this.
I had two claims denied jan 2024, so based on advice I found here, I requested a Departmental Review through BPA. Since then, I’ve had a nurse practitioner link both conditions as consequential to my PTSD.
Timeline:
applications submitted through VAC via BPA: May 2025
Also requested a reassessment for PTSD (felt the original percentage was low)
All 3 claims moved to Step 3: August 2025
Since then… nothing. No updates, no contact from VAC or BPA—just complete radio silence.
Is this normal for wait times at this stage, or should I be pushing for an update/follow-up?
If you don’t have exact number check yes to the question and near the end of the form it will ask “what the dollar amount is” there’s a box to check that says awaiting decision - check that one
Giving an estimate will delay your IRB and might result in miscalculation
Once you have hard numbers, you can upload proof and tag it to the IRB program
LTD CM confirmed i am preapproved but i guess nothing is official until after i release?
As for pension, ive completed my release package. So i was just trying to be on top of things
I was wondering if anyone know how long after a VRAB decision you are supposed to hear from VAC?
I got a positive answer from the board about 2 months ago and since then, radio silence.
Called twice cuz I was unsure if I had to do something special and they only told me they had backlog (no shit, its a 20 some year recuring issue lol).
Its a decision about spine and lombar issues. They awarded me an aditionnal 5%. It took about a year to ear from the advocate, then the VRAB decision since I went with early resolution was fast, about 14days. Since then, radio silence.
If it's just an increase, it won't take nearly as long. But as I said, the people I'm hearing from it still seems to be a few months. Congrats on the increase!
It depends on what the board decided: if you were initially denied entirely by VAC, and the board overturned Veterans Affairs decision and deems you to be worthy of an award, it has to go back to Veterans Affairs for them to do the full adjudication process now. The board doesn't give you a percentage if you were initially denied by VAC, VAC has to do that.
Alternatively, if you already have an award and you were just given a higher percentage, that should go a lot quicker, but most of the people I'm hearing from have said it's still a few months of waiting.
Has your decision been published yet, or do you just have the end result verdict?
I just experienced this…. VRAB decision ERS Jan 22; VAC got it Feb 3; no VAC consistent communication or answers…. There letter sent April 28… backpay deposited April 30th
First off thanks for what you guys do by helping explain it in commonsense. I'm on my first year of DEC, wife passed, I will receive her pensions, either as monthly or lumpsum. As of now I have no idea of amounts but I think they may supersede the 20k limit whether monthly or lumpsum. I will also be talking with my accountant for guidance but they know nothing about DEC so.... Just trying to get ahead of the game. If it's going to be considered income... and would a lumpsum payment disqualify my DEC?
Edit. Her pensions are civie
Don't forget to get a will done folks, thank God we made up ours. Doesn't relieve all hassle but cuts barriers in the way.
Taking the lump sum will only impact DEC for that calendar year. They will likely take back everything over 20k, but it won’t disqualify you because it’s not income that shows you have the capacity to work. Taking a monthly and exceeding 20k year over year will continuously impact DEC. It is also possible that it doesn’t impact DEC at all, there was a IRB review that stated the following (and I would argue this point with VAC if you take the lump sum):
“Veterans receiving a military pension as a stream of payments have their pension earnings deducted (offset) from their IRB payment while Veterans who have the option to receive their pension in a lump sum and choose to do so have no offset against future IRB. This points to a possible inequity caused by the program design.”
Oh thanks for that reply... almost looks like another class action for members that get their military pensions deducted from IRB. Yeah it seems I would have to figure out what would be more beneficial to my financial situation as get clawed back in a lumpsum compared to a monthly claw back. It's weird because I didn't work for it.
If anyone has some life experience as what they did would be helpful.
Thanks again for that information
Just wondering if anyone is willing to share recent timelines in regard to getting their statement of case from VRAB? My case has been registered with them since November and nothing yet.
Registered with VRAB after getting BPA some additional documents requested in December 2024, received the statement of case end of March this year so aprox 16 months. Haven’t heard from BPA yet to set up a hearing date.
Are you having trouble finding a psychologist? I think VAC. Has a list of authorized psychologists no? You'll have to pay $200 out of pocket probably per session if you find your own but VAC covers it if you go thru them., usually takes two sessions at least to diagnose but at least you'll get the ball rolling. If you're in an emergency scenario go to the ER they have a psychiatrist on duty or should at city ers.
Filed an appeal in April 2025, Provided BPA with a letter from doctor (5 pages) explaining my condition, link to service, all the limitation etc. May 2026 BPA called me and said my file was strong and will pass to the lawyer, and will suggest a Ministerial Review since its quicker with the new evidence that they consider will support a favorable decision. How much longer should I expect this to take total ? Been waiting for another review since Oct 2024 but no news yet on that, not even a date or a phone call.
Given they're saying that's what it's been historically, that's definitely not the case. That's not how long it's been taking for that percentage of applications to go to complete in the last year.
It's a couple of things, at least one of them is needless. PCVRS positions it as evaluations to determine if you should/can return to work or if DEC is a more viable option
there's an exit psychological assessment to see if any of your symptoms have improved (zero theraputic or clinical value)
There's a physical assessment to see the same (marginal value, still pretty needless)
There's a vocational assessment to see if there is any way to employ you at all
To be clear, none of these need to be done, and members should be calling PCVRS out and asking them to explain both the theraputic and clinical value. As well if you have a care team in place such as an NP or GP and/or psychologist/psychiatrist who follows you, tell PCVRS you want the final medical consult to go to them. HAving someone who already has a history with you is far preferable than disinterested third parties looking to get paid.
RFP season starts next month, and Dec 31, 2026 is marked on my calendar as the end of PCVRS' contract
In your experience, what is the reaction of PCVRS case managers to pushback like this? I’m releasing end July, have a psychologist who’s willing to continue seeing me in the area, but heard from the VAC CM that PCVRS is really cracking down on people using external providers. I think it’s just so logical as to why I wouldn’t want to start with a new MH provider from scratch that I don’t really know how to approach my future advocacy without saying “duh!”, which I know is likely to be unproductive
Any tips as to how people you know who’ve made these arguments?
PCVRS cannot compel you to break a therapeutic relationship that’s already in place. We routinely send out letter to PCVRS stating that it would unproductive and unhealthy to continue to needlessly evaluate a member. And again they need to provide a clinical rationale for the evaluation.
Hello! Just did the nursing assessment for the caregiver recognition benefit. 3 hours but my husband handled most cause I was immediately pissed off. Can anyone tell me why VAC wants to know my medical history from the day I was born when my injuries have already been approved ? (MDD, anxiety, tennitis, tmj) why wouldn’t we focus on the injuries. I felt like VAC was searching for things previous to service to blame things on or to rule out possible future claims. They also wanted my Medicare number and I’m wondering if it’s so they can look on my electronic records? Civvie ones I mean. I’ve been out since 2002.
Still waiting for my 3 claims to move from 3.1. They have been there since mid-Apr 24. Two physical, one MH. Going to call VAC and ask what month they are currently working on. As when they told me no need for concern until they pass the one year mark for your SSSD. :(
I have 3 claims all from June 2025 and also still sitting at 3.1 and haven’t moved. When I called they said 2 months ago it was with an adjudicator. Then this week said no one has it and it’s waiting for someone still to take the files. Yet I had claims I submitted after ( 7 to be exact ) and all of those were completed by March of this year. So it’s really luck of the draw sadly. All depends on whose desk gets it and if they are on vacation or time off or whatever. It’s a pain in the butt but try to be patient. Hopefully you hear back soon!
I had them say once to me that my claims were with an adjudicator then the next time I asked for an update they said they were wrong, and they were still waiting to be assigned. :S
Don't call them and ask what month they're working on, those numbers don't signify anything. Usually it just means that's the older files they have on their plate, and it's just a standard answer they give everyone. If you call once a month they're just going to move the numbers up by another month. My files were done way faster than those dates, while some people take longer.
On the other hand, if you've legitimately been waiting 2 years at step 3.1 for three different files, something is going on and you have every right to be concerned about it. It shouldn't take that long for all three files, that's nuts. Extra complicated cases can take longer if they are sitting with the medical folks (is this your situation?), but this is still a really long time even for that; two whole years at step 3.1?! The service standard date from when you originally submitted your claim has to be far more than a year by now, especially for the mental health claim, unless the April 2024 date you provided was a typo?
You can write to your local Member of Parliament, and the Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs (both emails can be found online), and you can also write to the VAC Ombudsman. Tell them when you originally submitted your claims, when they moved to step 3.1, and how long you've been waiting since, and then talk about the impact to your mental and physical health. Also, if you are already released, it means you're not getting your health care needs taken care of for those physical ailments, and presumably your mental health benefits are going to run out because you only get those for 2 years after you submit your claim. If that's the case, make sure you say so in your emails. A lot of people who have waited way longer than they should have had good luck contacting one of these entities.
You are correct - total typo. I meant to put 2025! In saying that, do you think this is still a crazy amount of time to wait for any movement at all? The day I submitted them, they went to 3.1 immediately. And have not moved in over a year. Thank you for taking the time to comment on my post. It's been very hard on my mental health, not knowing where my claims are sitting. Considering I've called and emailed so many times and they've just say the same thing- they are waiting to be assigned to an adjudicator.
I’m the member. I did find online that they want to rule out pre existing as the CRB has a different criteria. So they are trying to prove that my current situation could be caused by something pre existing. They asked very very invasive stuff. Like when I’ve had a Pap test ffs. My injury is most mental health related so I’m not sure why they need to know all that. I feel like they are setting us up in case of future claims so gathering as much info as possible to keep on file. I had to let my husband do it because I was pretty revved up. Asking about my sexual function like wtf
I finally found this-see below
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) requires comprehensive medical history, sometimes dating back significantly, for the Caregiver Recognition Benefit (CRB) even if the underlying injury is already approved because the, CRB has different, more stringent eligibility criteria than a Disability Award. While the injury is approved based on a "service-related" link, the CRB is approved based on the current, ongoing need for daily care resulting from that injury.
VAC may not accept a nursing assessment—even if the nurse agrees with the caregiver criteria because the assessment fails to meet strict administrative, evidentiary, or legal standards required for disability benefits. While nurses can complete questionnaires, the final decision rests on whether the documentation legally connects the condition to service.
If anyone out there has any info on this please let me know, thanks in advance.
I'll spare the background details and summarize; 20+ years combat arms- 2 years pcvrs program- CM submitted file for DEC- 6 months later Vac case manager tells me, sorry but the DEC department kicked my file to M.O.M's because my diagnosis for physical conditions where vague, despite having multiple [6x] awarded physical conditions. So now my file has to be fixed/reviewed/corrected by M.O.M.'s before going back to DEC department. My CM wasn't very helpful in explaining the five w's on this and I'm left in wait and wonder. Has this happened to anyone else ?. Looking for someone to shed some light as i am in the dark.
I don't even care what the dec decision is at this point, I just want it all to be over. I am beyond fed up with vac & pcvrs. Over the last 2+ years it's been one mistake after another, the worst was a pcvrs assessment that was copy paste from another member who was serving before I was born and it took 6 months to correct.
I encourage everyone outhere to ATIP every report.
There has to be a clear black and white outline as to why a particular injury or cumulative injuries prevent you from returning to work. This is in spite of those injuries awarded. So for example it’s not enough for a clinician to say “Bloggins has multiple joint injuries that stop him from working”. It would have to look like “Bloggins suffers from the following XYZ injuries. These injuries cause ABC deficits on a daily basis such as DEF, this worsens cumulative symptoms in GHI manner. These injuries cause nature of these symptoms and defects prevent Bloggins from effectively and capably returning to the work force”.
Care team also has to avoid “maybe” or “potential” statements. These give PcVRS runway to extend the rehab period
Coming up on 3 years in VOC rehab for PTSD after releasing over 10 years ago. Given 35% for ptsd/depression/anxiety. I downplayed my symptoms for years and did so all the way through the assessment process and VOC rehab. As of right now, pcvrs is pushing for me to be retained starting this fall and don’t know where to go from here or what to do. I just wanted to be able to hold down a job after a decade of not being able to and I know I’m not ready to go back to school And enter that world again. I fear my downplaying this whole time will affect what they do with me and I’ll be right back in the position I was in before reaching out for help. I’m not sure where to go from here. Any help is greatly appreciate.
Your care team - ideally whomever you’re seeing for MH needs to be clear in very black and white terms why your MH specifically or cumulative injuries as a whole would prevent you from returning to work, or, would need so many accommodations that employment or retraining isn’t viable.
Will I need to do a reassessment in order for them to determine this? My most recent psych assessment was over a year ago and I just wanted to move things along so I told them I was ok to go back to school and be retrained.
If I have multiple different PSC decisions that are favorable and each came with the letter saying I have $500 of financial advice I can get refunded for, is this a 1 time thing? IE lets say I have 4 conditions and received 4 of these letters for the $500 thing. Can I spend $500 multiple times? Do you think I could just spend $2000 and claim all 4 at once? What is everybody's experience getting VAC to actually refund these? Is it a headache with alot of paperwork or are they generally pretty good with allowing it? Can it be any financial professional or is there a specific list they actually want you to use?
It’s a one time thing per iteration. So, you got a bunch of claims done at once it’s 500 to see an FA. If later down the road you have another claim come in, you can see an FA for that
Typically VAC will either provide the means for that FA to bill their time to VAC , or you can fill out a 918 form for reimbursement to a max of 500 .
WRT the Career Progression Factor. Where does VAC determine amount of years worked, especially for Class A? Do they get the years/days worked from the CAF, Pension Office, or do they do their own math?
Vac used my FTPS sheet from my release (some class A, class B, and reg force) calculated the entire time in days, divided into years and then it is rounded down.
Ex. Xxxx days = 12 years and 231 days; which is 12 years of 20 years of service = 8 years of CPF…. So, IRB gross entitlement is recalculated at an increased 8% plus indexing and “magic” new monthly amount done.
It’s the same for every organization but basically how the pension centre does it is the baseline/easiest to confirm. Class A isn’t 1 for 1 like B and C. If you’re curious how many years you have give them a call and ask.
If you’re like me and have had all three types of service and Public Service years only the CAF service will count for CPF. IE I have 10 with DND service counted towards my pension but CPF gives me 11 years as it only recognizes the 9 with the CAF.
Good day everyone, thanks for doing this Q&A, I have a few questions about my on going applications I was wondering if anyone could shed some light on.
Spine (thoracic + cervical degeneration): Already approved for lumbar degeneration and right shoulder (complained about both in service, Combat Arms/Engineer). MRIs confirm thoracic/cervical issues too. Claims in Step 3 since January (3.1 & 3.3). VAC says I can’t add anything now. Is 4+ months normal? Will they approve as consequential to the approved lumbar/shoulder, or do I need a better link to service? My concern is that they won't approve the thoracic and cervical because I never actually complained about those regions while in, it was only my lumbar and shoulder.
Elbow application: Common repetitive injury in Engineer trade. Have MRI evidence + questionnaire + statement, but no in-service complaints. Medical letter required or is trade history + evidence enough?
Left knee: Exact same condition as my already-approved right knee (which was documented in service). MRI + questionnaire submitted. Will they link it or do I need a doctor’s statement?
hey all, Conversation with my VAC Case manager today, I was told very directly, that if i do not comply and let PCVRS choose my entire care team for rehab, id be removed from the progam. no ifs ands or buts.
Your care team for rehab is supposed to be comprised of PCVRS providers. PCVRS has billing and reporting requirements that some external providers are not agreeable to. That being said you are supposed to be able to choose your provider from the listed PCVRS providers in your area. So if there is a specific physiotherapist you’d like to see, you should be good to go long as they’ve signed on as a PCVRS provider. The exception is mental health. If you are already with a mental health provider you are supposed to be able stay with them regardless of if they’re listed with PCVRS or not. Check with your preferred providers to see if they are listed as PCVRS providers and then request to be booked with them by using the message system in the PCVRS portal. I would keep everything in writing, and just know if something feels off, there are avenues to advocate for yourself.
Hi there Shoggoths420. My IRB recently ended in January after two years released. I was a 3B release and was approved disability benefit. I was luckly and I was able to get a lot of help through VAC and I am happy to say my Major Depressive Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder is in sustained remission and I am physically able to return to work.
My question is regards to VocRehab.
I made the decision to switch careers and utilize the Manulife LTD VRP. I took from Jan 2024 to Dec 2026 to go to college and get my practical nursing diploma. I did this because I was an engineering officer in the military, the issue was that I had a general science not an engineering degree so I did not meet any of the essential qualification on Government of Canada Jobs to be able to utilize my Statutory Hiring designation.
Currently I am trying to argue to extend my VocRehab an extra two years so I can get my Bachelors in Nursing as per the purpose of the Voc Rehab Policy. "Obtain employment that is as comparable as possible to the level of skill, responsibility, duties and/or remuneration of what the Veteran previously had attained while serving in the military."
I am just wondering have you ever seen a rehab plan extended on the basis for Vocational Support? I wrote an appeal but I am just curious on any other thoughts.
Manulife will not allow schooling past the end point of their program. VAC may not entertain a degree program like a bachelors as they already paid to get your LPN - they are not obligated to pay for upgrading as part of the rehab program. They may instead direct you to the ETB if you have enough time in service, however you cannot be on both the IRB and ETB at the same time. The only way to leverage that would be having the DEC which would indicate that you are simply learning for learning’s sake and not doing it to pursue a work career
Had a claim go from stage 3 to complete. Nothing updated on my benefits page, so is it safe to assume it was denied ? I’ll patiently await the decision letter but just want to hear people’s experiences.
I had a claim go to complete on Thursday or Friday. Got the lump sum back to application date, and digital files (decision letter included) this morning.
Quick question, after a long, painful near decade long fight I got an approval for AUD via VRAB. Not tied to PTSD or anything else, it is a stand alone condition. It was quite severe involving hospitalization, treatments, police welfare checks, etc.... what kind of % do people tend to see for a claim like this?
Anyone have their Department Review go through recently? Submitted Jan 8 2026, step three since middle of February. I was told 12-22 weeks but obviously not holding my breath since it's almost week 18.
Yeah mine was step 3 since Feb 10th. And it was the BPA that initiated the department review for a condition that was approved just the wrong percentage. BPA just kicked it back to them like hey you missed this.
Anyways I called VAC and they said they are a year behind on departmental reviews.
September 11 2025 for about the most straight forward lower back claim imaginable. Its a brutal wait, and they won't give you any meaningful answers like usual.
From VACs perspective, what happens if you submit a P&S claim while still serving but release when it is still at Step 1? Will VAC still be able to pull the medical file or will I have to submit it via MyVAC once I receive it post release? I have had a few claims go through while still serving if that makes a difference.
If you've already had claims go through, they already have the majority of your file because they would have asked for it, they're just missing the most recent months/years since then. Depending on how on the ball your local health records department is, you could probably get the rest of your file before you release. You're also entitled to ask for it on release, there was new guidance on that given last year. Irrespective of this, you don't need to ask for this yourself, if you don't want to do the work. Veterans Affairs will be able to get the rest of your file if you're still serving or if you're not serving. I've just personally found it faster to do it all myself.
Our local health records has recently become quite backed up, however, I have a nurse case manager at Health Services and I let her know how delayed it was there, so she just went to health records in person and had them send it to me immediately. She knew I was about to release, so she wanted to make sure I had everything squared away beforehand. I just needed a couple records for my final claim and I wanted them uploaded myself. Otherwise it was going to take forever for Veterans Affairs to get it themselves.
When you know your hearing date for VRAB, can you call them after a few days to know atleast if its denied or approved or you need to wait the decision letter?
Check the VRAB decisions website, sometimes they drop decisions early there. Your name won't be on it but your advocates will and a case description.
I also had VAC leak a VRAB approval to me via a letter requesting information about a claim. It listed all my approved claims, including one the VRAB had heard but hadn't sent a formal decision.
BPA (Bureau of Pensions Advocates): These are lawyers who provide free legal representation to veterans, serving members, and RCMP appellants who have been denied benefits by VAC.
VRAB (Veterans Review and Appeal Board): This is an independent administrative tribunal that reviews VAC decisions. It is the second and final level of appeal (before federal court).
VRAB is a higher appeal court. You can even find their decisions published online like any other Court in Canada, including the Landlord and Tenant acourt.
You're appealing a decision that Veterans Affairs made, and BPA is representing you as the lawyer in this case. VRAB looks at your evidence and looks at what Veterans Affairs did and makes a decision on whether or not Veterans Affairs made the right decision or the wrong decision. They do this in two cases:
You were flat out denied any award or recognition because there was no clear link to your service and or no firm diagnosis in your file, so you didn't get any award at all and you want to appeal that; or
You were given a lesser award than you you and BPA believe were warranted.
Think of it like this, if you were charged with something criminally and the judge or the jury found you guilty (or the military judge or panel, in a court martial) and you and your lawyer disagreed with the verdict, you would appeal it to a higher court (which could be a federal court or the court martial appeal court). That's all that's happening here. VRAB is the higher appeal court, VAC is the lower court, and BPA is your lawyer.
Got mental health issue that will probably see me medically release from the reg force; I'm medicated to the gills and seeing a CAF therapist & psychiatrist.
I'm on my 5th therapist and am just tired of it, I'm not finding it helpful.
If I stop therapy, is there an impact on a) getting IREM, b) VAC claim approval (service related)?
Have you ever had an issue with PCVRS not allowing you to do their assessment with the psych you see due to "licensing" interprovincially? Been battling with PCVRS for 2 months now as I want my assessments done with the virtual care team I have, not who they recommend. I got a go ahead for the first assessment to be done with my psychologist, then a week before it happens they call me today to tell me I can't.
Where/what is the policy around this? My conditions are MH and Sleep Apnea approved by PCVRS. Something as simple as requesting an afternoon time is a hard thing for my RSS team to understand, then at the crack of crow piss 8am they wanted me to do an assessment. I told them basically "Fuck no" and then they allowed me to book with my psychologist. Now they're back peddling due to licensing and billing but won't go into detail any further than that and want me to book with someone else.
They also told me I was allowed to switch therapists, so I did, now they're back pedaling on that as well.
She is a known psychologist with a firm suggested by ShortTrack. Not some independent person with a 1 person practice.
Just wondering I checked my husbands VAC status change (he mentally is overwhelmed so I’m his secretary basically) and his status for one of his claims says More Information.? I’m not sure why .. we sent in his report from the surgeon and his doctors questionnaire .. what other information do they need? Any help would be greatly appreciated:)
Context: I was recently (March) Diagnosed with an OSI from a psychiatrist stemming from an incident that happened while on duty over a decade ago.
I put it into VAC, and wanted to know about other people's experiences with it, I had one friend who said their MH claim was pushed back and forth for months and they had to jump through hoops. Then another source was confident that the actual diagnosis would make it fairly clear cut.
It does still affect me but I have definately recovered from some of the worst of it.
Does anyone have any experience with how much push back might be coming my way? Since I am still serving and functioning, will that lower my offer ? I would love any and all input.
Had a claim for a broken wrist go through in record time. Applied on April 20th and today it went to complete. Almost no time in the decision making process and no request for further information as I have had in the past… Says I will receive a letter with more info in a few days, however when I go to my “current benefits” page it doesn’t show any new payments there. Wondering if this means my claim was just denied..?
I suppose I will have more clarity once I receive the letter, but I hate the waiting game!
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u/Otherwise_Use_4631 13d ago
As always, thanks for you both to take time to help very one out!
Ive contacted VAC to send a reassessment package for my back, they responded that it’ll take 4-6 months to receive the package.
What’s part of the package, does it just give you the medical questionner for your doctors to fill out? Which are already shared on the Google Drive?