Introducing the Bureau of Pensions Advocates

The Bureau of Pensions Advocates (BPA) is a unique organization within Veterans Affairs Canada that offers free legal advice, representation and services to people who apply to the Department for a disability pension and want to appeal the decision or the assessment that has been awarded. The Bureau has offices across Canada and is staffed with skilled lawyers, called Pensions Advocates, who specialize in matters relating to disability pension claims.

How can BPA Help Me?

If you seek help from the Bureau, the lawyer who is assigned to your case will be responsible for serving your best interests. Anything you tell your lawyer will be held in confidence.

The first thing your Advocate will do is carefully review your claim. If the Advocate finds that the original decision is sound, he or she may counsel you not to proceed: however, the final decision always rests with you. If you have new information about your claim, or the Advocate believes VAC made a mistake in law or fact, you can ask the Department to reconsider your claim. There also are two other levels of appeal you can pursue through the Veterans Review and Appeal Board (VRAB):

1. VRAB Review Hearing

These hearings are held in more than 40 locations across the country. You have the right to attend the hearing, along with witnesses and family members. Your travel costs will be reimbursed. At this hearing, your Advocate will review the relevant documents in your file with members of the Review Panel and make an oral argument on your behalf. They'll also introduce any new evidence that supports your claim. You, or other witnesses, may be called upon to answer questions.

What is VRAB?

The Veterans Review and Appeal Board is a government tribunal that is completely independent from Veterans Affairs Canada. It provides clients with the opportunity to have their disability pension or allowance claim independently reviewed at two levels of appeal. Hearings are non-adversarial and conducted in a more relaxed manner than in a court of law. All clients receive written decisions, usually within 30 to 40 days following their hearing.

2. VRAB Appeal Hearing

If you are not satisfied with the Review Panel's decision, you may proceed to the VRAB Appeal Panel. Prior to the hearing, your Advocate will provide members of the Appeal Panel with a written submission. The Bureau will represent you before the Appeal Panel and introduce any new evidence that may be available. At this hearing, you will not be asked to testify. This means you do not need to be present when the hearing is held. As a general rule, decisions of the Appeal Panel are final and binding.

Did you know?

• BPA handles between 90% - 95% of all the reviews and appeals that are heard by the Veterans Review and Appeal Board.
• Veterans' organizations, such as the Royal Canadian Legion, also represent clients at all levels of appeal, free of charge.

Need More Help or Info?

The Bureau of Pensions Advocates would be pleased to talk with you if you need legal advice, representation, or services on matters relating to your disability pension claim. To contact BPA, please call our national toll-free number at 1-877-228-2250.