Last year proved to be another busy year for professional Legion Command Service Officers (CSOs) in all provincial commands and at Dominion Command.

Legion CSOs completed 3,230 first applications and departmental reviews to Veterans Affairs Canada in 2023 for veterans, including both serving or released members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and their families. This is an increase of more than 12 per cent from 2022. They also participated in or represented at 180 entitlement reviews, entitlement appeals and requests for reconsideration in 2023.

In addition, CSOs counselled out or withdrew 1,006 applications and/or appeals last year. The reasons for withdrawal are varied and may include a lack of a confirmed or permanent diagnosis, or the member or veteran simply decides not to pursue. Despite the withdrawal, after each veteran’s file is thoroughly reviewed, a CSO can often suggest other benefits the veteran may not know about and assist with instructions to VAC.

Last year, 3,656 actions were taken to assist veterans with VAC and consisted of recommending many different avenues to pursue, including reassessments of already entitled conditions, to submit additional claims, and providing information about other VAC and community programs and services. Much more assistance was provided through the toll-free line, general emails and via outreach and could conservatively double the actions noted above. 

In addition to their office work, CSOs are also on the road. They meet with members, veterans and their families in Legion branches and the Canadian Armed Forces Transition Centres across the country. They also speak at various Second Career Assistance Networks on various CAF bases and stations to advise about their services and how CSOs can help during service and after release. 

It was an extremely busy year in 2023 and we do not anticipate any decrease in applications or requests for help in 2024. The first few months of this year have demonstrated the need to help is greater than ever.

If a member or a veteran is in receipt of benefits from VAC, would like to receive benefits from VAC, or has questions about benefits, it is recommended that they contact a CSO to review their file. Call 613-591-3335 or toll-free at 1-877-534-4666 to speak with a service officer, email us at veteransservices@legion.ca, or visit our website www.legion.ca to contact a CSO in your area.