Serving You is written by Legion command service officers. To reach a service officer, call toll-free 1-877-534-4666, or consult a command website. For years of archives, visit legionmagazine.com
As we reflect on the service and sacrifice of Canadian forces past and present with remembrance season upon us, it’s a good time for veterans to ensure they are receiving the benefits they deserve for service-related disabilities. Here are a few important items to remember:
Entitlement and disability assessment
There are two parts to consider when a claim to Veterans Affairs Canada for service-related injury or illness benefits is successful:
- entitlement is granted when a connection to service factors has been established. It is expressed in fifths, ranging from 1/5th to 5/5ths;
- once entitlement has been established, VAC determines the level of disability currently experienced, expressed as a percentage.
Partial entitlements
A policy change was implemented on Feb. 23, 2018, that provides guidance on awarding partial or full entitlement benefits for disabilities arising from:
- both service-related and non-service-related injury or disease (causation);
- a non-service-related injury or disease that was aggravated by service (aggravation); and
- a consequential relationship.
VAC won’t necessarily reach out if this policy change can apply to one or more of a veteran or service member’s entitled conditions. If their entitlement is less than 5/5ths, they should have their file reviewed by a Legion command
service officer to determine whether the policy change affects their benefits.
Reassessments
If a veteran is receiving a disability pension, disability award, or pain and suffering compensation for a medical condition(s) linked to their service, they can request a reassessment if they believe the condition has worsened over time. It is important to note that:
- medical conditions aren’t normally reassessed within two years of the previous assessment. However, if one or more service-related conditions has worsened, a veteran or service member should discuss their circumstances with a command service officer;
- remember that a disability assessment is expressed as a percentage and can be increased over time if a condition worsens.
Other benefits and services
There are many other benefits and services, including the Veterans Independence Program and Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation, to name a few.
For free assistance in determining which benefits and services may apply, call a Legion command service officer toll-free at 1-877-534-4666 or email veteransservices@legion.ca.
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