You may hear a discussion of your service injury referred to as a pensioned condition, a disability “award”. Someone may ask you, “Are you applying for an award for your tinnitus?” The usual troop response would be, “No, I’m applying for hearing aids for my tinnitus”.
Don’t assume the worst, just a different department and different terminology. Always remember, regardless of how it may seem, VAC is there to help you get the services you need and with more knowledge, you will be able to negotiate the VAC process in a very positive manner.
WHAT IS A VAC TO DO?
From what we have seen so far that seems to be the exception rather than the rule and barring occasional errors, most veteran patients we interact with feel well looked after once the process is complete.
Although timelines are a bit long and errors sometimes occur we truly do have some of the best coverage in the country and considerably in the world, to seek a healthier and better quality of life after service for you and your family. It’s your earned right and worth it to apply.
With most of the process being available online as well as by phone or in person, you, the veteran, have options on how you feel most comfortable approaching this.
STEP 1
Your first step is having a diagnosis related to your service. If you do not have one contact us or Veterans Affairs Canada to assist in finding the appropriate specialist
STEP 2
Getting the application form
Most VAC offices are open during business hours, closing on government and stat holidays. You do not need to be a current client of VAC to initiate contact with one of their client service agents, and most offices have a duty case manager of the day if required. They are able to print off the document you need to get started.
Request by phone
VAC’s phone lines are staffed during business hours, simply ask one of the agents on the phone to mail you an application for disability benefits.
VAC Office Number: 1(866)522-2122
Request online
You can download the fillable form from VAC’s website here. Fill in your particulars, and print it. http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/services/after-injury/disability-benefits/how-to-apply
STEP 3
Preparing the application
Once you have received the completed medical portion from your doctor you need to establish the connection to your service and attach the items requested here;
http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/services/after-injury/disability-benefits/application-checklist
STEP 4
Submitting your application
There are a variety of ways to submit your application to VAC. To make it easier for you, we’ve included all the phone numbers, addresses, and websites needed for making your submission.
Online: http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/services/after-injury/disability-benefits/submit-application
Online via My VAC account: http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/e_services
In person at your local office: http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/contact/map
By mail: Veterans Affairs Canada, PO Box 6000, Matane QC G4W 0E4
As always, if you have any questions regarding Veterans Affairs programs or applications contact Spartan Wellness and we would be happy to assist in any way we can.
– Andrew Brown, Spartan Wellness Volunteer