Who Should I Turn To For Advice On My Cdn Vac Paperwork

[myheadhurts]

Last year, on my doctors advice, I sent my VAC paperwork in for my PSTD claim. It took VA 6 months to get a copy of my medical file and 3 months to decide that I was not stable at the time of the claim and needed to wait 6 months for a reassessment. At this time VAC awarded me 10%(29,000)

6 months later I had my doctor answer reassessment questions provided by VAC. 16 weeks later, VAC has written back saying I'm still at 10% but they feel I was still not stable and they want me to wait an additional 3 months and complete another reassessment.

I find that this process very stressful and with a medical release expected in the next 6 - 8 months I want to ensure I don't get screwed over.

Who do you recommend talking to for advice?

VA case manager?
Fellow Vets going through the same thing?
The Royal Canadian Legion?

I've started looking at the VA Disability Pension Rate and thinking I need to know my entitlements and know how VA calculates a persons disability . It can be so confusing and sometimes I have to chuckle when I'm trying to figure out where I fall on the VA Psychiatric Impairment chart.

Any golden nuggets from you guys and gals here??

 

[Zipperhead]

The guys at te OSSISS Centers are probably be best bet. They are diagnosed vets that have already been through th system.

Dead Link Removed

You will find contact numbers for the centre in your area on this link.

 

[JarHed]

I've started looking at the VA Disability Pension Rate and thinking I need to know my entitlements and know how VA calculates a persons disability .

I'm sure that the Canadian VA uses the same convoluted methods for calculating ones ratings as they do here. I think in an attempt to be fair they've come up with something so complex that no one, even those working at the VA, understands. I'm sure you can find the info you seek on the internet. Unfortunately, I as well sought that out, and after finding it and studying it found it to not be as helpful as I wanted it to be.

I get the feeling that the rating adjudicators have a dart board with numbers on it. What ever the dart lands on is what they give as a rating. Making a joke of course but what I'm saying is it all seems to be very arbitrary.

I would say getting involved with a vets group that will act as an advocate can be very helpful. Hang in there and best of luck.

Jar

 

[myheadhurts]

I've called the JPSU in Ottawa and after phone number bingo I managed to get a hold of the OSISS rep for the area. I'll be attending my first meeting next week.

I also found a number on the legion website for advice on VAC claim.

Crossing my fingers that I don't lose my mind filling this stuff out. I feel guilty bringing VA Claims up to anyone. Reminds me of the first time I went to the MIR in 1991 while in the RCR. A couple visits to the MIR in a year and a person could be labelled a MIR Commando :0)

Thanks everyone

 

[myheadhurts]

Met with legion staff in Ottawa today to get some advise on my file. The legion staff had me fill out some forms so they can have access to my medical and Veterans affairs Canada (VAC) file.

Had I gone to them 16 months ago they would have given me advise on how to fill on the VAC paperwork. I wish I had known that at the beginning.

 

[JarHed]

Had I gone to them 16 months ago they would have given me advise on how to fill on the VAC paperwork. I wish I had known that at the beginning.

At least you taken the steps to do it now. Try not to beat yourself up about no knowing. You can't know what you don't know. It's kind of like the quest for the holy grail. Veteran groups as advocates can give the best kind of support and help as they've been there as well. I know it's hard to be patient, but it will take a bit of time to get it all sorted out. You're on the right road.