VAC Disability Pensions: What CF Members Need to Know

Retired, still-serving or releasing members of the Canadian Forces (CF) often have questions about the kinds of support that may be available to them through Veterans Affairs Canada. In this issue of Salute!, we'd like to answer some common questions that members in uniform have about VAC disability pensions.

Q.  Are former and still-serving CF members eligible for a VAC disability pension if they have a service-related injury?

A.  Yes. Under the Pension Act, a disability that can be attributed to, or occurred during, Special Duty Area (SDA) service is pensionable, regardless of its cause. Non-SDA-related disabilities must be linked to your military service to be pensionable.

Q. Can I collect a VAC disability pension while I am still serving?

A. Yes. If you have a disability that is related in some way to your military service (see Question 1), you should contact the nearest VAC District Office as soon as possible. This is because the date you contact us often is the effective date of award if your claim is ruled on favourably.

Q. Will DND know that I applied for a VAC disability pension?

A. If you are awarded a disability pension, VAC will share the following information with DND medical personnel: name, service number, description of the pensioned condition, associated pension code, and effective date of pension award. The DND Medical Group requires this information to administer benefits. Sharing this information means that VAC and DND can better respond to the health and well-being of our mutual clients, their families, their colleagues, and the public.

Q. I didn't have a CF98 completed for my injury. Can I still apply for a VAC disability pension?

A. Yes. While a CF98 is an important piece of evidence to substantiate your pension claim, it is not the only evidence considered. Other important information includes:

• medical documents pertaining to your claim (i.e., audiograms, diagnostic reports, medical attendance records, hospital and outpatient records);
• your military service history (i.e., types of service, enrolment/release dates, temporary postings, Special Duty Area deployments);
• your occupational information (i.e., service occupations [MOCS] and duties, confirmation of military authorized events/activities related to your claim);
• administrative documents relevant to your claim (i.e., Personnel Record Resume, Change of Medical Category, Record of Service, etc.); and
• witness statements.

Q. What if my pensioned condition gets worse?

A. If medical evidence shows that your condition has worsened sufficiently, your pension amount could increase. Assessments are based on VAC's Table of Disabilities to ensure that similar disabilities are assessed fairly and consistently.

Q. I am being medically released and am applying for a disability pension. Does VAC take into account my loss of income when they calculate the pension amount?

A. The amount of pension you receive is based on the severity of your disability and the degree to which it is related to your military service. Disability pensions are not linked in any way to your rank or gender, nor are they meant to replace lost income. Your pension is tax-free and adjusted annually to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index. Please note: In the event you are medically released or totally disabled, you may be eligible to receive a monthly income through the Service Income Security Insurance Plan (SISIP). The amount of VAC disability pension you receive will be deducted from any long-term disability benefits you get through SISIP.

How to Reach Us

• CF veterans and still-serving or releasing CF members who need more information about VAC programs and services should contact their nearest VAC District Office. Our offices are listed in the Government or "blue" pages of your local telephone book.
• Still-serving and retired CF members who have been injured while in the Forces can call the DND-VAC Centre for the Support of Injured Members and their Families. The Centre's toll-free telephone number is 1-800-883-6094.
• As part of a pilot project, specially trained VAC staff are located on the following military bases: Edmonton, Esquimalt, Gagetown, Halifax, Mississauga, Ottawa and Valcartier.
• You also can learn more about VAC's eligibility guidelines and the Table of Disabilities by visiting our Web site at www.vac-acc.gc.ca.