While many members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and their families appreciate the work being done by The Royal Canadian Legion on behalf of military veterans, few RCMP members realize the important work being done on their behalf by the Legion.

Since 1926, the Legion Service Bureau Network has had service officers across the country at Legion branches and provincial commands. The command service officers can assist former and current members of the RCMP and their families by representing their interests in claiming disability benefits under the Pension Act from Veterans Affairs Canada and the Veterans Review and Appeal Board (VRAB).

The Legion’s command service officers provide counselling, assistance and representational services from a first application with VAC to a VRAB appeal free of charge, whether or not you are a Legion member.

Veterans seeking a disability claim often ask if there are any advantages associated with using the services of a command service officer of the Service Bureau Network. While all advocates bring their own qualities and strengths, we would like to think that Legion command service officers are a special breed. We are there to serve those who serve.

Indeed, Legion command service officers are former members of the Canadian Forces, the RCMP and VAC, with extensive time and experience with the Service Bureau Network. We understand CAF and RCMP terminology, culture and operational practices. This shared background between a Legion command service officer and a veteran promotes a good understanding between the applicant and the Legion advocate.

Next time you consider submitting a disability claim or an appeal, remember that we care and our services are second to none. More than 4,100 veterans with disability claims sought the help of Legion command service officers in 2020.

If you require assistance in gaining access to VAC disability benefits or someone you know needs help, please contact a command service officer at www.legion.ca.or call toll free at 1-877-534-4666 to speak to a service officer.