By Michael Blais
Sadly, I have heard this catch phrase far too often during a decade of veterans advocacy. Particularly in respect to the prolonged waiting times the troops have been historically confronted with when seeking assistance to cope with various levels of mental and/or physical trauma directly attributable to their service in war and peace. Whether it be for basic acknowledgement of national sacrifice or for seeking approvals for entitled treatment procedures, hearing aids, medical cannabis and medications as the situation dictates, problems with delays persist.
By the left… Slow… March!
We know through recent media reports approximately 50,000 disability applications remain in transition as of the end of March 2020. These claims are unattended, collecting dust and awaiting due process as pledged by the Liberal government 5 years ago in respect to a pledged 16 week period wherein veterans’ applications for benefits would be formally processed.
Veterans Affairs Canada has deemed 21,000 of these claims as ‘acklogged’, a quaint term to define their collective failure to accommodate the increasing numbers of veterans seeking recognition in the aftermath of the Afghanistan War. Innovative ideas floated by the department may have proved marginally effective but have yet to significantly impact the
steadily rising number of applicants awaiting the due processing of their claims. Strikingly, there are 10K files more in the cue now than there was at the time of reporting last year. The much maligned backlog is increasing, despite the hiring of 150 staff last year to facilitate intake issues.
The last integral number is the most important, as it is indicative of where the standard truly lies in respect to processing veterans’ claims within a 16 week period: A mere 37%.
Hardly encouraging.
There is good news, however. The government is dedicating $192 million over the course of the next two years to address the perpetual delays. Staffing levels assigned to intake services will increase by 300 temporary positions and these workers will “drill down” on deficiencies in disability adjudication, case management, and salvos of incoming applications. They will encompass comprehensive team efforts and innovation designed to streamline the adjudication process.
The pandemic has had a decidedly adverse impact on many veterans. Many physical therapies have been cancelled or greatly mitigated, while those confronting mental trauma have often been isolated, left alone and without the assistance required.
Here is where veterans can help veterans: Do a buddy check.
Were we all to do our part, we could very well save lives by the time this pandemic is finally over. You need to know what VAC is doing as there are resources available and should the situation dictate, emergency financial support is possible through the Veterans’ Emergency Fund. Should one of your buddy checks require mental health support, urge them to call 1-800 268-7708. Psychological assistance and counselling by mental health professionals are available. Veterans concerned about their benefits should be aware almost 3000 VAC employees are still performing their duties albeit ‘virtually’ these days.,
Provisions have been attained wherein VAC will cover the costs for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) aka the masks and gloves which disabled veterans will require to safely continue their treatment programs. Veterans can use their VAC card at their pharmacy, and the expense is automatically approved. Certain prescription requirements have been temporarily waived and the department is extending coverage for telehealth or virtual health services.
Veterans access to medical cannabis has not been ‘impacted’ by the crisis.
Many veterans enrolled in vocational services are very concerned about their status and more importantly, how it affects their Education and Training Benefit. VAC has staff on hand to review your education plan.
More information can be found by calling 1-800-866-522-2122, through your My VAC Account.
Extremism in the Canadian Forces? DND has launched a new initiative, inclusive of defining what exactly constitutes hateful conduct.
To wit:”[any] act or conduct, including the display or communication of words, symbols or images, by a CAF member, that they knew or ought reasonably to have known would constitute, encourage, justify or promote violence or hatred against a person or persons of an identifiable group, based on their national or ethnic origin, race, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics or disability.”
Stay strong, stay safe, remember always that we are a very unique brother/sisterhood and the challenges many within our family are confronting during the pandemic are far greater than our own.
Do a buddy check, be aware, if you think things are going sideways, step up, be the one that makes a difference through kindness and compassion.
