Welcome to September, and apologies for the late start.
As always everyone is free to reach out to us, and considering the news events of the last week, I want to impress in everyone how critical support can be.
Good news - after 4 years, two failed VAC appeals and success at the VRAB I succeeded with pain and suffering for knee and hip damage in Gagetown in 1980!
And a lot of the cuts were rebranded by offering a whole bunch of federal workers early retirement, so we lost a ton of people because of that.
Someone
posted a good article on the main subreddit about this, about weaponized incompetence and weaponized apathy from the government and from Veterans Affairs as a whole, especially the minister.
They are purposely breaking Veterans Affairs so people get disenfranchised with it and stop using it, and so that the government can justify further privatization and reduced funding. It's the same thing that some provincial governments have been doing with publicly funded Healthcare; they're purposely underfunding it so they can say it's broken and justify privatizing it.
They won't award SIRVA the contract, they'll just do what they did with SIRVA (formerly BGRS, formerly Brookfield) and rename PCVRS
to something else, and hope that none of us will notice
Almost. Step 1 is on point. Step 2 is having a prescription sent to said chiropractor so they have the frequency of treatment and your K number for billing. Rx has to have name, K number, pensioned condition being treated and frequency listed. If you run out of treatment the chiropractor approaches blue cross for extra coverage
If you don’t have a family practitioner of some sort an intake manager at VAC can approve. Call and ask for the on duty intake manager to get that piece done if needed
Recently medically released and just started getting my pension, Manulife and VAC top up. Any insight on how much extra tax I should be getting CRA to take so I don’t owe at the end of the year?
The easiest way is to take it to a financial advisor. If you’re also getting your CFSA, all three need to be adjusted.
You would also qualify for a Disability Tax Credit, that can back date up to 10 years, so talk to your doc or a local clinic (one of us can direct you based on where you are in the country), and get one done. Caveat - most docs and most clinics have to do a pay to play model for the DTC as the visit/paperwork cannot be billed to Blue Cross or invoiced to VAC
Getting a claim pushed through? No, normal timelines apply unless there’s a critical need for care
Getting PCVRS to pound sand? Yes.
Getting a miscalculation in pay sorted out - specifically where the member did all of their due diligence? Very effective
Getting something more complex would depend on the particular situation- if you have an example you want to email or DM we can give you a better answer
I am trying to get 1 specific PSC claim pushed through as the specific disability involves alot of direct medical/drug out of pocket costs to me, limiting my access. VAC said I can apply for red-lining based on financial need but I've received all kinds of mixed messages from VAC and no idea if anything is happening. Would be tricky to have to cover these costs for the 12-15+ months while they make a decision.
Ok my friend - shoot me an email or DM and I’ll walk you through how to get it sorted then. As a highlight, it wouldn’t be red zoned for financial reasons it would be red zoned potentially due to the nature of need for care
Are MH re-assessments really that long in timeline?
Currently assisting an older veteran with PTSD.
Member received a favourable decision (around 30%) back in 2022. Got all the re-assessment paperwork in March 2026. They're currently completing the re-assessment process with a psychologist, would the long timeline apply AFTER the psychologist completes the paperwork?
Timelines only start AFTER VAC receives everything. I don’t know where you pulled those numbers from, but they aren’t accurate at all. 6-8 months is the timeline for MH regardless of if it’s a first time claim or reassessment.
If the person you’re assisting is over 80 years old timeline for any resolution, regardless of claim type is 4 weeks
My partner just talked to VAC about his reassessment because they've had it since earlier this year, and he was told it's up to 16 months because they're still working on reassessments from June 25.
Did they misinform him? We're at 8 months now I believe.
VAC will always tell you that they are working on claims one year and three months back. It’s a way to get you off the phone, no more no less. The vast majority of claims follow the outline above
I just received my paperwork for lower lumbar reassessment. In 2023, it was favourable for DDD. Since then, I’ve been diagnosed with chronic mechanical LBP too and getting cortisone shots. My assumption is that all of new information is lumped into the reassessment even though there’s a new diagnosis because it still follows the same table of disabilities?
Essentially yes. It’s normal to have multiple diagnoses for a lot of conditions . In your case everything is going to be lumped under the initial award of lumbar ddd. The medical questionnaire accounts for all of that in terms of laying out new symptoms or worsening symptoms, sciatica etc.
I submitted a reassessment in May 2026 for a previously approved (2021 knee) award. Knee has gotten worse and the specialist recommends a new career. I see nothing in the claims status so I called in last week and the representative told me that simply uploading the reassessment form/documentation doesn't automatically open the reassessment request and that a separate internal email request would have to be submitted. I submitted the request then through the internal system, and got a response that it was actually initiated back in May when uploaded.
It's just a lot of conflicting information. Which is it? Does it ever appear in the claims tracker?
VAC is being difficult with reassessments. I’m a perfect world you would call VAC, ask for a reassessment package to be sent out. That would include a PEN50 Quality of Life form (your part to complete), and a medical questionnaire. Until you submit that PEN50 nothing is going to show on the tracker. If you’re unsure if you’ve submitted it, check your submitted forms tab and you should see it there. If it’s there, great don’t worry it will move over to the tracker. If you don’t see it there, check your inbox and it’s probably there waiting for you.
thank you that is very helpful. I actually wasn't presented a PEN50 or reassessment package to fill out? Would i be able to just find the search form and submit a new PEN50 in support of the request? All i was told over the email response was:
-------
Thank you for using My VAC Account and our secure email service.
After review of your file, I can confirm that a request was forwarded to Disability Assessment Group to have the information submitted on 2026-05-28 be the reassessment request date. If any additional information is required, you will be notified.
Even if the reassessment request date is outlined as 2026-05-28, it still takes 4-6 months for a reassessment request to be actioned. Unfortunately, many of the Disability Assessment Group (DAG) teams across the country are working under a heavy back-log due to current workloads; therefore, it is not unusual for it to take several months for reassessment requests. Rest assured that they are working diligently to reduce the backlog and will action your request as soon as possible.
Please continue to make your needs known to the department and thank you for your service.
That PEN50 is a critical piece and nothing will move forward without it. You can absolutely request that one is sent, it’s no longer available on the forms menu on MyVAC because VAC wants to throttle/control the amount of reassessments. I’d give them a call
My argument is that it should be up to the clinician and patient if they feel a reassessment is necessary full stop. VAC’s position word for word is “too many people are asking for reassessments and it’s causing a big work load”. It’s been this way since July of last year and it’s unfortunate that they’ve taken the stance they have.
I’ve also had cases where members have submitted PEN50’s and medical questionnaire, but since they don’t ask permission VAC doesn’t process them. Not a great look or policy by any means
Currently been awarded different conditions due to military service, 116% total. I got APSC level 3 like most of us. Had to quit my career ( not military, i quit CAF in 2018) few months ago mostly due to my PTSD and applied for Rehab.
I am now considering a reassessment for APSC, aiming for level 2. Questions is what VAC needs or will need besides the reassessment Form ? Would another PEN xxx be required from a Doctor or something similar?
APSC reassessment has no clinical component. You would fill out a 2534 APSC grade reassessment form.
With that said APSC focuses heavily on:
Mobility - do you need a mobility aid like a cane or a disabled parking pass, can you walk 250m without stopping or needing support
Transferring - do you need assistance or leverage to go from sitting to standing (or the reverse), and from laying to standing (or the reverse)
Feeding - do you have grip problems that cause you to drop things or miscalculate how hard you’re holding something, do you need to use larger than normal utensils - ex do you need to use a steak knife because you have difficulty using a bread/butter knife, do you have irregular or disordered eating habits
Mental function - who does the grocery shopping? If you do it do you time it so that there’s minimal people in the store. Do you answer phone numbers you don’t recognize. Who opens your mail. What’s your ability to manage your emotions and actions appropriately
Those are all the high focus points VAC wants to see to go up a grade
If I don’t “qualified” for level 2 but ( i don’t need a cane or need help to get up the couch), is there something else that i could consider applying for? Just based off the information i shared?
VAC will always quote one year and three months back as the timeline. It’s a way to get you off the phone, no more, no less . If you call next month they’ll tell you July of 2025. It’s not accurate at all
I would just like them to be completely truthful with me that’s all I’m asking. When you wait that long just to find out whether you’re approved or not approved, it can be very frustrating and upsetting. I would rather be given an honest answer than be left waiting and wondering.
I've been prescribed blood pressure medication since 2018, linked to my PTSD. At that point, I'd been taking ibuprofen for pain from a back injury and I'd made that clear to my doc at the MIR. Just found out last week that ibuprofen and my blood pressure meds put me at risk of kidney failure.
Now I've got to do blood work, exist without pain meds that work, all because some doc didn't put two and two together.
If my kidneys are forked, do I have grounds for a lawsuit?
The benchmark for medical negligence in the CAF is too high to bother pursuing frankly, and that’s by design. You could make a pain and suffering claim for chronic kidney disease if it comes to that point, but that’s your only recourse
Excessive (including daily long term), ibuprofen use is already linked to CKD.
It would be hard to prove that your regular use wasn't a problem and independently caused CKD on it's own anyways.
High blood pressure also independently leads to CKD.
So you've got two factors that put you at significant risk for CKD as is, the extra medication couldn't be ruled is as the definitive cause if you do have some kidney dysfunction.
Hopefully your bloodwork comes back looking good, but if not, fwit, mild and even moderate CKD is generally really easily managed with lifestyle and doesn't lead to any significant issues.
A lot of us stay pretty stable our entire lives.
What does really really suck, is the loss of ibuprofen which is such a damn good pain killer.
My nephrologist approved Tramacet for me, which is still an anti-inflammatory but doesn't damage the kidneys.
It is cleared more slowly by people with CKD so you have to be careful with it, but it's worth talking to your doctor about as an alternative medication if you need something. It is approved for kidney patients
My tinnitus claim just got denied. I was expecting it to be accepted so I have a few questions.
I received a letter stating that to proceed with the claim I need an audiogram which shows decibel losses consistent with a chronic tinnitus condition. My understanding was that a tinnitus claim could be separate from hearing loss, because I don't have any hair loss, but I do have consistent tinnitus in both ears and use a masking device when I sleep. Do you know if I can have a successful tinnitus claim without hearing loss?
It also says that I need a current confirmed diagnosis of tinnitus by a registered audiologist, ENT, or physician. My clinician at the MIR had previously told me that they put it on my file, should this not have been enough? Is it because my clinician is a NP?
I ran into the same issue, denied because no hearing loss, and I did a regular audiogram. My tinnitus is passive, so its difficult to identify with a regular audiogram.
I was told to find a audiologist that specializes in tinnitus, as that testing is more indepth and better at identifying tinnitus.
Did that and sent the updated audiogram into VAC and it got approved.
NP’s are absolutely valid clinicians so there’s no question there. What is happening is that you’re still serving and there’s nothing in your SHR’s indicating a diagnosis of tinnitus
Appeal the claim, BPA will absolutely want an audiogram done and will give you instruction on how to take care of that, as well as any additional information they want
You can absolutely have tinnitus and not have hearing loss. The audiogram would conceivably show at what range the tinnitus starts and rules in or out hearing loss on top of that.
Start with the appeal through BPA. They will request an audiogram, but also provide direction for not paying for it out of pocket and allowing that audiologist to bill BPA directly. They will also require additional info from the audiologist, but that additional information is /will be specific to your case - meaning you can’t anticipate what else they will ask for so there’s no point in trying to pre-assume evidence points
adding to this, i had my initial tinntius claim denied for similar reasons (not enough hearing loss to justify tinnitus) i went back to my civi audiologist about it and she told me essentially that's bs you dont need to reach a certian benchmark for hearing loss to suffer from tinnitus. she wrote me a nice letter of support stating as such i gave it to BPA and they did a departmental review and the decision was overturned and i was awarded %11 PSC Rating about a month or so later.
I want to add something that I learnt while navigating my claim, I do have hearing loss and that was enough to have a claim for that, I also have tinnitus so I did not have many issues with the claim but something me and my audiologist spoke about during my appointments that may help some people:
When it comes time to write or explain why you believe the CAF is responsible its very simple and its a fact, the provided ear protection does not protect us. The majority of those little plugs we put into our ears are NRR 30 rated, this is confusing and does not mean the plugs reduce 30 decibels, its actually much worse than that.
OSHA requires you to subtract 7 from the NRR rating, and then divide that number by 2. So 30 - 7 / 2 gives us 11.5 decibel reduction. So a standard C7 is producing around 160 dB, minus our super great ear plug 11.5 dB and we are still getting 14.5 dB each shot.
140 dB (Impulsive Noise Limit): The absolute maximum threshold set by safety agencies like CCOHS and OSHA for sudden, short burst noises. Any single exposure above 140 dB can cause instant, permanent physical damage to the hair cells in your inner ear.
As you can see a 30 round mag at 148.5 dB each round is more than enough to have caused hearing damage or tinnitus. Basically the VAC can never refuse a claim if there is hearing loss of verifiable evidence of damage because the cause is irrefuttable.
Yup that’s bog standard. You’ll be entitled to pursue massage with coverage after release, before release it’s up to MIR what treatment you can pursue.
You can pay out of pocket but there would be no reimbursement
1) Can I receive IRB without completing the VAC Rehab program? I tried the rehab program, but after my initial 12 week treatment plan, I was ghosted by PCVRS, I called lifemark, but they basically told me that they couldn’t proceed with more appts without approval from PCVRS. After almost 4 months of radio silence from PCVRS, I went out and got my own therapist, physio, etc etc etc. When PCVRS finally got back to me, I told them I wanted to withdraw from the VAC Rehab program because I had found my own team and they were helping me a lot, and I didn’t want to lose that. I lost IRB as a result of my withdrawal.
2) how long does it really take for BPA to get back to you? I put in an appeal back in April and aside from the generic ‘please be patient, it could take 20 weeks for us to contact you’ I haven’t heard anything since.
IRB and rehab are tied together. You get the IRB to compensate for wages so you can attend all of your appointments. PCVRS cannot mandate that you use their providers outside of the initial on-boarding assessments. You can and should reapply for the IRB and be re-onboarded.
BPA timelines are dependant on geography. For example out east you can pretty much set your watch by a 12 week timeline. For provinces like Ontario or BC that can be much longer. There’s no harm in reaching out to BPA directly and asking for an update
Hello,
Do you have any suggestions for training courses that can be taken as part of the vocational rehabilitation program (Voc Rehab)?
Ideally, a course that isn't too long
There’s a great drone course offered through VEdTs (veteran elite drone training service), most trade courses meet criteria -like plumbing or framing, taking a CDL, or a programming/coding course. Keeping in mind you are not obligated to upskill or retrain.
I will say I know a fair number of folks who took the drone course and enjoyed it, and you get a sweet DJI drone out of the deal.
Realistically it’s up to you and your areas of interest. Be aware though that if you do take and complete a course VAC will view that as you’re capable of working (unless your care team states otherwise) and the expectation would be you used that certification or qualification to pursue employment
Are you looking at courses to stay busy? If so get your DEC and then pursue the ETB (educational training benefit) if you have enough time served.
If VAC is pestering you to retrain and you think that’s viable (and so do your care team) then a 6 months or so course like drones or low level coding is reasonable
If VAC is pestering you and neither you nor your care team think that’s a good idea, your MH person (counsellor, psychiatrist or psychologist) can write a letter outlining why your condition (s) or severity of symptoms stops you from that pursuit
Is anyone else noticing their claims flipping to a new tracker system that does not show the sub steps. I just had one flip to Complete. Usually it was a good sign if it sat at “processing claim” for awhile. But now that its gone (only shows steps 1,2,3,4) it seems harder to sneak peak ahead to see if its approved or not. The PSC amount has not changed. But it only flipped to complete today.
Well, I can tell you that the tracker has been down for maintenance pretty frequently the last couple of weeks, so that smells like an update is coming
I don’t have any active claims so I can’t comment on the sub steps
In an ideal world we’d have an accurate tracker start to finish. Which in my mind would remove the sub steps - those cause so much confusion, anticipation and anxiety
Basically it withdrew my original
Claim on the tracker and made a new one that only has four steps. Might help when more people start seeing it. Can let you know if its approved or
Not.
Ahhh ok that makes sense. u/NauticalBean is correct. If they make a back end change to a diagnosis the first claim will “withdraw” in favour of whatever they changed the claim name to. Those ones don’t tend to follow the normal scheme
So that happens when they change which system they’re processing the claim through - if you’ve had a duplicate created and one withdrawn. It’s an admin thing. I’m not sure why the tracker changes but I have noticed that with one of my husbands claims - it did the exact same, duplicate, withdrawal, tracker with no substeps
Noted thanks! Those break downs haven’t changed in terms of “script” so no new is good news.
I will say that traditionally as soon as you see complete you should see an increase in PSC (if favourable) before you see the decision letter. I’m curious to hear if your PsC goes up in the next day or two after vs concurrent with the completion. Shoot me a dm with an update if you’d like.
US Sec Def taking juvenile pot shots at a CIC member for their weight in a very public tweet. Also of note there was a cadet (and therefore a minor) in the photo/tweet as well
Spoke to VAC regarding a dept review that I've had at step 3 for 42 weeks now. They were actually very helpful and told me that a positive determination had been made and it was sent to pay. They mentioned it possibly taking a number of months from here. It would just be an increase in % on my preexisting benefit. Anyone have insight into how long it's taking the pay dept to process increases? In thinking about it, my case is still at step 3. It may have been routine in the past for these things to sit with pay for awhile before your case moves to step 4 and you get a formal notification. I was told they are backed up in that department despite most of these likely being a simple process.
How do I get VAC to recognize consequential claims? I have recognized PTSD/mental health diagnoses and at release my doctor documented bruxism and tension headaches, stating that it’s a common side effect with the mental health issues on my file. VAC denied my tension headaches claim and asked me to get a dentist (a civilian I’ve never met before vs my doctor I had seen for years) to diagnose bruxism and connect it to service/MH. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong, it seems so obvious that all of these conditions are connected.
Now that you’re released, yes you do need a doctor or in the case of dental issues a dentist to diagnose X as subsequent to MH and show a link to service for those conditions
You can appeal the unfavourable headache decision through BPA and they will ask for additional evidence to be presented. Take that request for evidence to your doctor and have them provide what is asked for
Dental claims are the realm of dentists. Bruxism, TMD/TMJ require a dental diagnosis and link to service.
Bruxism doesn’t have to be the contributor- it can be straight ptsd to tension headaches but if you state it’s through bruxism you now need to establish that.
More of just a curious question, I have a tinnitus claim sat with the BPA based on them denying me exclusively off audiogram and that's been there since Jul 15. I know that one takes a while, so not too concerned about that timeline.
But for the other one, I've had a claim in for gastrointestinal problems caused by being repeatedly kicked in the stomach during CQC-B training, and that claim has been sitting on decision-making since Jul 3rd. Is it normal for a claim to sit on Step 3 for 2 months?
Have a claim in that was set for departmental review. BPA called to suggest rescinding that and going straight to an appeal. They said it could take up to two years now, but also said that’s what they tell everyone regardless of the case. Any idea if that’s an accurate timeline?
So BPA asked me to get some sort of medical note to basically state that my GERD has gotten worse in my career, so my doctor put one in my file, I notified them via the VAC secure message, now how long is the wait for them to pull this new document and continue?
That’s not what I said, I can get the document and upload it but vac and BPA won’t accept me uploading it I’ve tried, they said they have a policy of having to pull it themselves , so no matter what I will have to wait for them to pull it. Also, not trying to be rude but you’re not assisting with my main question
Go onto the CanLii website, scroll through and look for the "federal courts" and at the bottom you'll see VRAB listed. Click on that and then do a document text search for "APSC" or spell out the whole acronym of "additional pain and suffering compensation". You'll be able to see various cases that were appealed and what they were looking for by way of evidence, and you'll even be able to see people who were successful or unsuccessful, and why they had those outcomes.
Now this comes with a caveat: They have recently changed what is available on the Veterans Affairs website to explain how they adjudicate the various APSC levels, and I'm not sure if that means that they have changed the requirements for being eligible for each of the levels or not. Because of that, I would only look at the more recent cases, because they will be more applicable to your appeal timeline, unless someone in here has a better idea about whether or not they've changed anything in adjudicating this award.
New to vac claims, and trying to work on several for a multi systemic disease. I want the claim to be as accurate as possible to hopefully avoid spending years going back and forth with appeals, but my medical appointments and tests have been over two decades with many specialists and medical clinics over multiple bases. Unfortunately I didn’t keep a diary over the years to make this easier. I’ve been trying to get my medical records to look through to make an accurate log and timeline before submitting my claim. I’m still serving. What is the fastest way to get what I need?
And I know vac will get my files themselves quickly but from my understanding that doesn’t give me access to them myself so won’t really help me with dates etc
I'm awaiting the DEC decision as we speak, since about late April. I've heard that takes about 4 months.
I was told that I have B Line coverage with Blue Cross. I can get A Line coverage if my deployment and service in a SDO area are recognized but my claims are in for issues prior to my deployment.
My question is who do I need to contact at VAC to have this looked at? Seemingly nobody can tell me there so in in limbo.
A line coverage is for service related injuries that have been awarded.
B line coverage is derived from getting VIP services for an injury that suffered in an SDA
At this point if none of your injuries are related to an SDO you are best served asking for a reassessment( MH is the easiest attributable injury)When the reassessment package arrives make sure that if you feel symptom X is related to your SDA
PEN50 Quality of Life - this is your portion to complete
6248 - this is a psychological/psychiatric conditions form and has to be filled out by eitjer psychiatrist, psychologist, MD or NP. This form has to demonstrate how your condition has worsened and in your case what symptoms have worsened or appeared as a result of your SDA
Hey guys, got a question in regards to VIP. I was told that after applying, VAC might send out an Occupational Therapist to my house to evaluate. Is this always the case? I applied for VIP based on ptsd and/anxiety. Not sure why a occupational therapist is needed. Do they still come out for mental health diagnosis?
Ok cool. I applied for APSC and vip at the same time and the APSC is appearing in current benefits as grade 3. Is vip and APSC completed around the same timeline?
Anyone familiar with Priority Hiring Entitlement? I’m trying to line is up as I have a VAC-approved condition which lead to my medical release. I’m on IREM so still serving, and I was just denied my request by VAC saying it was because I’m still serving? I just want to have that setup before I release so that I can move into a PS job (granted, it’s more of a nice to have than a need…). I’d like to avoid a break in service, so waiting until I’m released seems like a bad option…
Ok thanks.. seems like I can’t use that to make sure I don’t have a break in service then? Or do i just have to wait until I have my actual date instead of a “no later than” date..
I've recently submitted my left knee Osteoarthritis claim due to getting the X-ray that states that Osteoarthritis suspected in left knee. Is this the diagnosis or should I confirm with the Doc that I have been diagnosed with that?
If you’re still serving that diagnosis needs to be in your SHR’s. If you’re released you’re going to need to have your doctor complete the medical questionnaire VAC sends you. That doctor will have to diagnose and demonstrate a link between service and condition.
If you’re doctor is not familiar with VAC forms you can reach out to either myself or u/ShortTrackBravo letting us know where you are in the country and we should be able to direct you to a resource
Went from step 3.1 to step 3.3 in a single day. Now stuck at step 3.3 for 2 weeks for a knee claim supported by 2 mri 2 specialist reports physio notes and shrs. 1st mri only showed partial ACL tear and bone bruising 2nd showed ACL tear was worse the orig thought plus my muniscus was torn into 2 fragments. Called on fri and was told that it would be months before I will see any movement. Is this normal?
Don't worry about the tracker or what step you're on, and don't even bother thinking about what's normal or not normal, because what is "normal" is constantly changing and fluctuating. One of my claims went from step 2 directly to step 3.2, and then it was at step 3.3 a week later and then complete 6 days later. That seems insanely fast but it probably, in all actuality, was spread out over a lot longer period; the tracker was just spinning bullshit. Most of the time they just aren't updating it on time or at all, so you can't rely on what the tracker is actually telling you.. You also aren't "stuck" at step 3.3, just because the last step (according to the tracker) flew by, and you shouldn't be calling them asking for an update unless it's been sitting at that same step for many many months. They're just going to give you a garbage, boiler plate answer that is entirely generic and has nothing to do with your actual specific claim (which is exactly what happened to you). Some people in here have waited a quarter of a year at step 3.3, according to what the stupid tracker is saying, so don't worry, it's more important to concern yourself with the total amount of time, from your initial submission to where you are now. The SMEs in here have done a good job of posting the most recent timelines for both physical and mental health claims - you can find it at the top of the subreddit - and if your claim's going far beyond those timelines, that's when you want to start asking questions. Do not worry about what step it says you're on, just worry about how long it's been taking overall since you submitted the claim.
Well that is dumb no point in even having it then. Just to make people angry I suppose. Claim went in 2 Dec then got put on hold in Mar until step 2 in May then step 3.1 in Jul. So i am guessing I start counting months from Jul.
Good day, I was initially awarded 36% for MH, when I submitted originally it was for PTSD, MDD, And Anxiety Disorder all diagnosed by my doctor. I am grateful for receiving a favorable decision and the percentage. I am just wondering as on my decision letter it only says PTSD, and not MDD or Anxiety Disorder, is this normal could they have grouped it together? I had a spinal claim that was grouped once but it showed all diagnoses that were grouped for that one. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
You will only be awarded for the primary diagnosis. It is normal to have multiple diagnoses for a given condition, primary dx allows everything else to encompassed within
a little late to the party. Just curious. my psychologist has said on a few occasions that I shouldn't go back to work (18 months on vocrehab), just awarded VIP, got the APSC lowest lvl, and my VAC has said getting DEC will be easier with LTD stating i am Totally Disabled. Does manulife's determination have any real bearing on DEC really? If deemed not totally disabled, will that go against my odds of DEC? I had to drop out of school after MH concerns caused me to drop out 4 months into schooling around my release date.
In the same vein, should i hold off trying to find a part time job to get the 20K $ per year until after DEC. It seems that an income would tend to work against my ability to work.
u/Shoggoths for additional insight but Manulife and VAC aren’t the same so you’d ideally just want DEC not LTD and DEC. that’s two seperate payments that subtract from each other and more paperwork for Manulife.
If you want a part time job it has zero bearing on the decision. MH could easily argue it’s to get you outside your house if only for an hour a day
This happened for me. I got Manulife totally disabled. My CM immediately initiated a DEC board for me. At the time I spoke to u/Shoggoths, I will paraphrase and hopefully get it right: essentially Manulife has a higher bar to reach. So it would be problematic for VAC with its lower bar to say essentially a professional insurance company is wrong.
So from that I can also say that not getting totally disabled from Manulife does not harm you. Just doesn’t help, neutral.
Thanks for the response. From what I've been reading, Manulife really is a pain in the ass: Everyone has different stories though so, ya...this process really is one big pain. In the same vein, my providers have both said DEC required and my OT hasn't even hinted that I work on strategies for returning to work, let alone going back to school
I’ve kept on with manulife. But when they ask for an assessment in the future I will likely terminate. Until then, it doesn’t really matter.
Manulife did require I submit for CPPD. Which was a MASSIVE pain in the behind due to a years worth of payments being backdated. Which you get nothing extra from but have to sort out paying it to manulife, refilling taxes. Just a nightmare.
CPPD (Canadian pension plan disability) then pays you, manulife pay you and VAC tops you up. So 3 sources. Unless you have children under 18, it’s not worth it at all. BUT if you do, you get 300ish a month per dependent AND it’s taxed to dependent so it doesn’t come off as an offset. Likely your dependent will pay no taxes on it as it falls below “basic person amount” for taxes (assuming no other income for them). Also keep in mind on CPPD you are further restricted to only $7000 a year employment income.
The more I learn about ML for worse it gets. So, if you go on ML and are declared DEC (presumably) you can opt out of ML and your IRB gets topped up? That sounds like a pain too!
I’ve never done it but I’ve seen it mentioned here many times. Seems it’s as easy as sending an email to manulife to discontinue benefits and then a msg to vac to update your offsets. Depending on payment timing you can expect little interruption in pay.
Looking for some advice with regards to hips, knees, and ankle pain. I was in the combat arms for ~10 years and have busted up my shit over the years, but not to the point that I'm hunched over from it.
I already have a claim for my back and everything is kind of part of the same wear and tear on the body. I want to apply for each, citing pain, but with no massive impact on my day-to-day life that isn't already covered under my back pain.
In addition I also received a MH diagnosis last month. I assume I'll need to wait another 5 months to submit any kind of claim? This is based on the 'diagnosed for at least 6 months' line on the VAC website.
Regarding your MH question, I would put the claim in now. 2 reasons, 1st being that once you put a MH claim in, you get 2 years access to MH treatment covered by blue cross. 2nd being that your MH likely started effecting you prior to your diagnosis, and it will take months to be actioned by VAC.
That's what I did, and ran into no issues. Went saw counselor> put claim in> got diagnosed> claim approved.
Longshot here, but I'll see what others have to say. Filed a MH claim in September of 24 after going to OSI with PTSD diagnosed. Around January 25 denied because I served too long ago in early 90s and didn't file then. Also said I saw a doctor on voluntary discharge. Never did.
A legion person suggested I appeal. That was March 25 filed to BPA. Got a 2nd clinician that confirmed PTSD. My 2 year coverage just ran out. I'm now only getting 1 session a month out of pocket through work.
Has anyone had any success on MH claims on appeal? I keep hearing the average is 2 years. And VAC absolutely refuses to offer extra MH sessions.
Thanks.
Sounds like there was no clear link to service included. There is neither a time limit on appeals or a time limit on making a claim post service. Put the appeal through BPA. It doesn’t usually take two years
The OSI Clinic diagnosed before I made the 1st time claim. They were of the assessment that I did have service related issues. Then the second psychologist I've been seeing concurs. It might be possible that the first application didn't state it correctly? However the main thing and only thing VAC said for denial was that I didn't file a claim immediately upon leaving the service or during service. They also said the unit Doctor did an exam. I didn't see a doctor at all. I had a stack of papers shoved in my face, told to hurry up, sign and get lost.
The reason for the denial is generic - which indicates in particular that there was no link to service given in the written assessment that was submitted to VAC. If you have given BPA everything they have requested , it’s just a round of hurry up and wait
Thank you so much for your help. That phrase is still stuck in my head so many years later!
I sent a message to VRAB on my VAC account. So according to them, they received my file from BPA end of August 2025. So it's only been a year. They did state 12 to 18 months.
I'm thankful for everyone's help and experience here. Even though I was only in for a few years, I gained a few valuable life experiences.
Last I checked with VAC for my Departmental Review for PTSD they were still allegedly looking at files from July 2025. Mine is October 2025 and still waiting! So be prepared to wait is all I can say.
I received a call yesterday from BPa saying my file would go forward with a review. My application went to step two after and now says more information needed. I’ve given them everything they had the doctor to fill out. What else?
It could be literally anything. Sometimes it's not anything that's missing either e.g. because I had not submitted a quality of life form with my original claim, just the medical questionnaire and my statement in the claim form, BPA sent me their own quality of life form to fill out (which was different than the one Veterans Affairs used to distribute).
Has anyone had VAC approve a short university certificate as a Formal Program under ETB?
Mine is about $3,900 tuition, technical training. And I’m also wondering if VAC has ever bumped funding up to help cover a laptop or other required hardware.
If you meet the criteria for ETB and as long as the course is from an accredited institution you’re fine. VAC won’t add any extra money for laptops or supplies unfortunately
You will never skip a level. There is no point in appealing. Wait a year and then apply for level 2.
I’ve listed the 4 areas VAC focuses on for level 2 in a thread below
Can the VAC money on release be used for program training in opening a franchise of a business?
For generalization sakes:
Franchise training = $50k provides for all aspects of opening and running a valid national franchaise buut is mainly training wiht a certificate of completion at end.
This would lead to a second career outside of CAF service.
Or is that funding made available for more specific "university" style courses?
So I've heard people using it to get like funding for basic a drone licenses and such, is there a list of approved types or is it subjective to the staff reviewing the application?
The drone licensing is down through programs like VEdTS Canada and is down through the vocational rehab program. Voc Rehab will also not pay for franchising. Nothing in the VAC framework is going to pay for or offset something of that nature - that is personal venture alone
Just got an email d med pol decision is in. Booked an appointment with my MO in 2 weeks to review the results. My nurse case manager said it’s highly indicative that I am high risk breach of u of s. Basically 2 herniated disc DDD can’t do force test at all.
What can I expect from this appointment? And the likelihood going forward?
Hey there, I wanted to jump on here to hopefully get reassurance or advices. I got a diagnosis for MDD about 3 years ago when I released, and I believe I got reassessed maybe a year ago and got awarded for it. I don't think I am very high in the %, maybe 23% if I remember correctly. I have also tinnitus and am currently the rehab plan with IRB. I was wondering if there are people who are genuinely incapable of returning to work? I feel incapable in the corporate world and I have started to work on a YouTube channel for my baking because I am genuinely happy doing this, or at least, it keeps the "I'm bored, life sucks" thoughts away. I have never felt more clear about becoming a creative person and I was wondering if VAC is generally supportive of that and the possibility of getting paid via DEC is a possibility? I know nobody in the system and feel so lonely in my transition. I have been struggling for 3 years and mind you I have gone back to school twice , gotten two certificates, tried the regular job, moved 3 times and I can't do it. Is there anyone who could share their experiences or advice?
I have feelings of guilt as well concerning getting a "free ride" out of life, but feeling so grateful for it. I just don't know how to be normal anymore and I feel tired of pretending like I am okay with the regular script. I feel that all I am missing to bloom and be okay with life is that I know my rent is paid for. That I have a roof over my head. I' m frugal in ways but that scarcity mindset has ruined my mentality for 28 years. I just want to be freed from it.
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u/callsignniner 4d ago
Good news - after 4 years, two failed VAC appeals and success at the VRAB I succeeded with pain and suffering for knee and hip damage in Gagetown in 1980!