Backgrounder

When Service Affects Health

In addition to the $24,000 ex-gratia payment, Veterans who participated in chemical testing may be eligible for a disability pension and related benefits from Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC). Medical studies have shown that exposure to mustard gas can cause the following conditions and symptoms: chronic lung conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COLD), asthma and bronchitis, as well burns, scarring and skin conditions such as keratopathy and possibly cancer. Currently a number of Veterans have already qualified for a VAC disability pension as a result of these disabilities. If Veterans suffer from these or other symptoms which they believe may be related to the testing, they should contact VAC at 1- 866 522-2122 (English) or 1-866-522-2022 (French) to make an application.

In general, a disability pension is a monthly tax-free amount, the rate of which is tied to the degree of pensionable disability and the connection of the disability to service (e.g. is the cause of disability fully or partially connected to service). Currently the monthly rate varies from approximately $100 - $2,000 for a single Veteran (when the disability is deemed to be fully related to service). Additional pension is paid if the Veteran has a spouse and also if there are dependent children.

Disability pensions are paid retroactive to the date of application, or three years prior to the date of the decision to award a pension, whichever is later.

Veterans who receive a disability pension will also qualify for health care benefits related to their pensioned condition. This includes treatment benefits (drugs and chiropractic, etc.), and services, such as home care under the Veterans Independence Program (VIP) to help Veterans remain independent in their own homes, if not covered by a provincial program.

VAC currently provides disability pensions to 166,000 Canadians, totalling $1.57 billion.

Media Enquiries:
Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
(613) 992-7468

• DND Backgrounder - Chemical Warfare Agent Testing Recognition Program
• DND News Release