Accessing the programs and services offered by Veterans Affairs Canada can be challenging. But veterans don’t need to figure it out alone. The Royal Canadian Legion’s command service officers (CSOs) are compassionate and well-trained professionals who offer counselling and representation services for Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP members, veterans and their
families in dealing with VAC.

This includes disability claims or related issues
with VAC and the Veterans Review and Appeal Board (VRAB) under the Pension Act and the Veterans
Well-being Act.

The CSO’s role is mandated through legislation.
They can represent veterans and have authorized access to a veteran’s personal information when
the individual signs an “Authority in Respect to Representation and Access/Release of Information” form. The services of CSOs are free of charge, whether you’re a Legion member or not.

CSOs must have security clearance from the government and sign a declaration committing themselves to respect the privacy requirements of the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act. They will use a veteran’s private and protected information solely for the purposes of representing their claims, appeals and other associated benefits with respect to VAC processes or under due process of law.

The authorization and access granted to CSOs may be withdrawn at any time by advising a VAC office in writing of a decision to do so. VAC will determine the extent to which the individual wishes to limit access and use information and will ensure all appropriate Legion and VAC authorities are informed of the details of the change.

If you or someone you know requires assistance in accessing VAC benefits, please contact a provincial Legion CSO at www.legion.ca/support-for-veterans/contact-a-service-officer or call the Legion’s national headquarters toll free at 1-877-534-4666.