Zipperhead
Diamond Member
I got another request today to join in and protest the Canadain Veterans Bill of Rights. All aspects of the process seem to be under attack. From the claims and appeals process to the compensation package. Am I missing something?
In a nut shell;
I initially launched my claims for physical injuries August 2010. It took 7 months to be seen by the Doctors at Veterans Affairs, at which time THEY suggested I see the Mental Health folks, booked my appointments for me, assigned me a case manager to help me fill out my claims, and sent my medical files off for review.
It took another 3 months for my claims for physical injuries to be processed, and I received a 43% rating, worth $83,000. We do not have a monthly disability payment here, but I was able to put most of that down on my morgage, thus decreasing my monthly bills by about $500 a month.
By June / July I had an appointment with Mental health, and was Diagnosed with PTSD in Sept 2011. Again, Veterans affairs Canada Signed me up for a rehab program. Income replacement topping my pension up to 75% of my pre retirement earnings until I complete therapy and rejoin the work force. I didn't even know there was a rehab program. I didn't have to fight or beg.
Veterans affairs then sent me a health card that pays 100% of all health care costs for all service related injuries. They have contacted therapists on my behalf, and are paying for all sessons until I am deamed treated.
Then Veterans Affairs offered to pay for Re-Education. Up to a 2 year program in any field I am deamed suited for, Tuition, Books and income suppliment until completed. I am not doing the re-education yet as THEY think I should finish therapy before I start. No rush, no pressure, just "we're here when you're ready."
If a civilian were injured on the job in Canada, I doubt their compensation package would even come close to what I have received so far. So why is everyone up in arms here in Canada?
The old Veterans Charter allowed for Medical Pensions. An injury that was assessed at 43% (like mine) would result in a 43% payment of your former wage on top of your pension, whether you were able to return to work or not. That would mean that I'd be getting 83% total (when my service pension was factored in) for the rest of my life. Would the extra money be helpful? Maybe. Would the thought of sitting at home for the rest of my life, with no hope of getting back into the work force, no rehab and no re-training be worth the extra 8%? Come on guys! If I am never deemed rehabilitated I will still receive 75% for the rest of my life. But I have hope. Hope is something the old system seemed to lack. And the other bonuses (therapy, rehab, retraining) cost far more than that 8%.
I guess that it is human to want more. But when I read about the struggles of our American Brothers, for recognition and treatment, I thank God I am Canadian. The only 2 issues I have with our system are:
1) It's slow. No one seems to be pushing to speed up the process.
2) It's dependant on your former wage. Why should I get more then some poor Private with a wife and 2 kids at home just because I was lucky enough to make Sargeant before I retired?
No, I am Canadian. I am proud to have served, and happy that our citizens have recognised our service with a very transparent and fair compensation package. My experiences so far have been of a system that cares for my well being. Maybe I've been lucky. Perhaps I've just had the right people working on my file. Perhaps PTSD is the flavour of the day, and I have received preferential treatment. What ever the case, Veterans Affairs have done right by me, and I will not sully their names.
In a nut shell;
I initially launched my claims for physical injuries August 2010. It took 7 months to be seen by the Doctors at Veterans Affairs, at which time THEY suggested I see the Mental Health folks, booked my appointments for me, assigned me a case manager to help me fill out my claims, and sent my medical files off for review.
It took another 3 months for my claims for physical injuries to be processed, and I received a 43% rating, worth $83,000. We do not have a monthly disability payment here, but I was able to put most of that down on my morgage, thus decreasing my monthly bills by about $500 a month.
By June / July I had an appointment with Mental health, and was Diagnosed with PTSD in Sept 2011. Again, Veterans affairs Canada Signed me up for a rehab program. Income replacement topping my pension up to 75% of my pre retirement earnings until I complete therapy and rejoin the work force. I didn't even know there was a rehab program. I didn't have to fight or beg.
Veterans affairs then sent me a health card that pays 100% of all health care costs for all service related injuries. They have contacted therapists on my behalf, and are paying for all sessons until I am deamed treated.
Then Veterans Affairs offered to pay for Re-Education. Up to a 2 year program in any field I am deamed suited for, Tuition, Books and income suppliment until completed. I am not doing the re-education yet as THEY think I should finish therapy before I start. No rush, no pressure, just "we're here when you're ready."
If a civilian were injured on the job in Canada, I doubt their compensation package would even come close to what I have received so far. So why is everyone up in arms here in Canada?
The old Veterans Charter allowed for Medical Pensions. An injury that was assessed at 43% (like mine) would result in a 43% payment of your former wage on top of your pension, whether you were able to return to work or not. That would mean that I'd be getting 83% total (when my service pension was factored in) for the rest of my life. Would the extra money be helpful? Maybe. Would the thought of sitting at home for the rest of my life, with no hope of getting back into the work force, no rehab and no re-training be worth the extra 8%? Come on guys! If I am never deemed rehabilitated I will still receive 75% for the rest of my life. But I have hope. Hope is something the old system seemed to lack. And the other bonuses (therapy, rehab, retraining) cost far more than that 8%.
I guess that it is human to want more. But when I read about the struggles of our American Brothers, for recognition and treatment, I thank God I am Canadian. The only 2 issues I have with our system are:
1) It's slow. No one seems to be pushing to speed up the process.
2) It's dependant on your former wage. Why should I get more then some poor Private with a wife and 2 kids at home just because I was lucky enough to make Sargeant before I retired?
No, I am Canadian. I am proud to have served, and happy that our citizens have recognised our service with a very transparent and fair compensation package. My experiences so far have been of a system that cares for my well being. Maybe I've been lucky. Perhaps I've just had the right people working on my file. Perhaps PTSD is the flavour of the day, and I have received preferential treatment. What ever the case, Veterans Affairs have done right by me, and I will not sully their names.
