At the National level, the Legion advocates for Veterans’ benefits and for the wellbeing of Veterans and their families
To develop our positions and messages to effectively advocate for Veterans and their families, the Legion supports and conducts research, speaks with Veterans and their families, and consults with subject matter experts. Our advocacy is consistent with the approximately 20 other Canadian organizations that make up the Veterans Consultation Assembly.
Veterans served to protect the rights and freedoms we enjoy today, and The Royal Canadian Legion is committed to ensuring they receive the care and supports they deserve.
While working as the Branch Service Officer, it is common to get calls/emails seeking guidance on how to reverse a negative decision from a Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) application. Sitting down with the veteran and hearing why the application went forward originally, and looking over the evidence used, we develop a plan to launch an appeal. Sometimes it is simply a more recent medical test, or a file not sent/received.
However, there are cases where thinking outside the box is needed as VAC may not provide the necessary support.
Below are examples of when other agencies have been accessed to provide the necessary care for the veteran.
No two veteran situations are the same, so being open to hear their story is crucial to a positive outcome.
At NO time should a veteran or family member be requested to pay fees to complete VAC forms, undergo mental health assessments. Also, NEVER should any Disability award funds be used to repay fees or services to an individual or organization.
Case Study 1
A member of the local clergy called saying they were concerned for a veteran in their social group. The veteran was living in their vehicle and with winter setting in, personal health and wellbeing was at risk.
When speaking with the vet over the phone, it was apparent they were at their lowest. We met over a coffee and talked a while. I learned a bit of the situation and together we completed a VAC application for an OSI (Operational Stress Injury). The vet lived in a vehicle and a broken down trailer, With winter setting in I reached out to Ontario Command of the Royal Canadian Legion seeking assistance. A heavy duty parka, winter boots and multiple pairs of woolen socks were mailed. The vet was assessed and commenced mental health therapy. The case manager discovered the vet had been awarded for an injury while serving, but never received anything. The case manager corrected the error and this permitted the vet to upgrade accommodations. This also allowed the vet to relax a bit and concentrate on the therapy.
Today, the vet continues the path to mental health wellness and holds a part-time job.
Case #2
I received a call from a vet seeking assistance in completing VAC forms. The vet had a medical condition which made writing very difficult. I completed the forms on their behalf. Over the successive 3 weeks, I returned to perform the same task, however I noticed a significant decline in the vets physical ability to maneuver around their room. I contacted VAC seeking advice on how to get support to the vet. VAC took over and arranged for an assessment and the vet was relocated to a better accommodation as well PSW support daily.
Case #3
I received a call saying a vet was feeling down. I called the vet to arrange a visit, and heard they were at their lowest point ever.
I met numerous times to chat, assist with VAC forms, and to sometimes just listen. Over the following months, the vets spirits picked up but was troubled to the point of giving up, as there was a mounting of bills and the upcoming prosthetic and necessary upgrades to their home.
I made some calls to The War Amps and March of Dimes.
With finances less of an issue, the vets morale improved significantly to the point they were able to go home and eventually return to work. I hear practical jokes recommenced at work too.