Veteran stories and perspectives

Hear from veterans we have supported about their service, their experience with VAC benefits and the support they received along the way.

Stories

Veterans, in their own words

Every veteran’s experience is different. In these stories, veterans describe their service, what the benefits process was like for them and the support they received. We share their stories with permission.

Story 01 · Video

I didn’t feel like a number. I didn’t feel like a file.

Lieutenant-Commander (Ret’d), Royal Canadian Navy

Watch Robyn's story →

Story 02 · 4 min read

If I didn’t think the process was great, I certainly wouldn’t be recommending it to my own brother.

Lieutenant CD3 (Ret’d), Canadian Army

Read Michael's story →

Story 03 · 4 min read

I didn’t have to coordinate. I got an appointment. I showed up.

Lieutenant-Commander (Ret’d), Royal Canadian Navy

Read Todd's story →

Story 04 · 3 min read

She offers a friendly hand any time I need it.

Widow of Ralph, a Canadian Army sergeant

Read Norma's story →

Story 05 · 4 min read

I felt looked after.

Ordinary Seaman (Ret’d), Royal Canadian Navy

Read Leanne's story →

Story 06 · 5 min read

They opened the door to Veterans Affairs for me.

Captain (Ret’d), Royal Canadian Air Force

Read Michael's story →

Have a story you would like to share?

If you have worked with us and would like to talk about your experience, we would be glad to hear from you. You decide what you are comfortable sharing.

About two minutes · Confidential · No costWhere could you use support with VAC benefits?Answer a few short questions about your service, VAC history and what you would like help with. It is fine if you are unsure about an answer. A 270 West team member will review your answers and contact you to discuss possible next steps.Start now →Question {n} of {total}← Back{pct}% completeAlmost thereHow should we contact you?Full nameYour nameEmailPhonePreferred contact methodChoose onePhone callText messageEmailSending…SubmitConfidential. We never share your info.Answers receivedThank you, {name}.Thank you.We have received your answers. A 270 West team member will review them and contact you to discuss your options.This service is not monitored for emergencies. If you need immediate assistance, call 911. For 24/7 mental health support, call the VAC Assistance Service at 1-800-268-7708.Book a Free Call →RestartVAC Status CheckPlease enter your name and a valid email address.Please agree to be contacted so a 270 West team member can follow up.Please choose how you would like us to contact you.Please add a phone number so we can reach you that way.Too many submissions. Please try again in a few minutes.We could not send your answers. Please try again.CloseComing soon. This film is in production.11Have you served in the Canadian Armed Forces or RCMP?Regular ForceReserve ForceRCMPNoHave you received a VAC decision or assessment for the claim or condition you are asking about?YesNoPartiallyAre you experiencing service-related health issues?YesNot sureNoHave you previously filed a claim with VAC?Yes – approvedYes – deniedNoNot sureWhat are you looking to do?Start a new claimContinue a claim already in progressReview a VAC decisionReassess a condition that has worsenedHelp for a friend or family memberGeneral informationNot sure yetWho are you looking for information or support for?Spouse, partner or survivorFamily member or caregiverFriendGeneral informationNot sureWhat would you like help with?Understanding VAC benefitsHelping with an existing VAC matterCaregiver or family supportFinding other veteran resourcesGeneral information or not sureI agree to be contacted by a member of the 270 West Consulting team.