Question: I was injured in the Second World War and only found out in 2010 that I could apply for a disability pension from Veterans Affairs Canada. My application was favorable but I am disappointed that my benefits were not retroactive to the date of my injury. Answer: Insofar as retroactivity is concerned, the effective date of disability pension awards is governed by the Pension Act (subsection 39(1)) which provides that pensions shall be payable from the date an application is first made to the department or to a maximum of three years prior to the date on which a favorable ruling is made, whichever is the later date. The onus is on the veteran to apply. Such contact may be made by telephone, a personal visit or in writing. In cases of written contact, the minister will accep...