Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) is no longer initiating optional reviews, for example, calling veterans to periodically review assessments.

Application for financial assistance can be made using a simple two-page Legion Benevolent Fund Application to confirm eligibility through a local Legion branch, provincial command or Dominion Command.

Once you are in receipt of disability benefits and an assessment decision is completed for your condition, you are able to request a reassessment if you feel that the condition(s) have worsened.

However, there are some timelines you must adhere to.

Medical conditions are not normally reviewed if it is less than two years since your last examination. If you feel that your condition has worsened and you have new medical evidence, you can request a reassessment by contacting VAC or a Legion command service officer.

If it has been two or more years since your last assessment and you believe your condition(s) have worsened, you can request a reassessment either through VAC or command service officer who will review your file and make arrangements with VAC.

If you are receiving benefits under the Pension Act, no reduction in the assessment of a given pensioned disability shall be made if the same assessment has been in effect for three or more years and you have reached 55 years of age. If you are 55, the assessment of your disability is considered stabilized three years following the effective date of that assessment and you can be reassessed every two years if your condition has worsened.

Please note that the processing time for new or previously approved conditions is within 16 weeks from the time VAC receives all of the supporting documentation for your reassessment.

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 www.legionmagazine.com