VAC claims support for Canadian veterans
We help prepare a VAC disability benefits application that clearly describes your condition and how it relates to your service. We review it with you, help you file it with VAC and stay involved through the decision.
When veterans come to us for VAC claims help
Whether you are starting for the first time or a claim has stalled, become confusing or hit a roadblock, we can help you work out what is needed to move forward.
“I have no idea where to start.”
We explain the first steps, what information may be needed and how your condition may connect to your service. You do not need to have every document ready before speaking with us.
“I started a claim and got stuck.”
We review what you have completed, identify what remains and help you get the application ready to file with VAC.
“I am not sure I qualify.”
Many veterans may qualify for more than they realize. We talk through your service, your current situation and the benefits that may be relevant.
“I am not sure whether my injury or condition is related to my service.”
We look at your service history, trade, relevant events and available medical information. Where useful, we research historical context and relevant precedent to help you understand whether a service connection may be worth exploring. VAC makes the entitlement decision.
“I have an injury, but I have been out of the service for decades.”
Time since release does not automatically mean there is nothing to explore. We can help you look at your service history, current diagnosis and available records to understand what information a claim may need and what route may be relevant.
How we help with VAC claims
The basic stages of a VAC claim are straightforward to describe. The details within them vary from one veteran to another. We work out what your claim may need, bring the information together and review the claim with you before it goes to VAC.
Components of strong VAC claims
A strong VAC claim clearly describes your service history, documents your current condition and explains how the condition relates to your service. Our experience allows us to identify where more context, medical information or historical research could be useful.
Detailed service history
Relevant details about your service and the events or experiences connected with your claim.
Complete documentation
A current diagnosis and medical records that identify and describe your condition.
Credible connections
A clear explanation of how your condition relates to your service. We help make sure that description is organized and easy to follow.
Experience applied to your claim
Experience across many VAC claims allows us to recognize where additional context, medical information, trade history or precedent research could strengthen the application.
Everything we prepare is reviewed and approved by you before it goes to VAC.
Working with us – what it is like to have someone in your corner
A VAC claim can feel like a lot to carry. Here is what changes when you have help.
VAC makes its own decisions, so we cannot promise approval. We can promise you will not face the process alone.
Questions about filing a VAC claim
Can I speak with 270 West if I have not been diagnosed yet?
Yes. A Benefit Navigator can talk through your situation and what a claim may need. VAC requires a diagnosed condition before it can decide entitlement to disability benefits, and the diagnosis comes from a health-care professional. We can help you arrange that assessment.
What is an applicant statement?
It is your opportunity to explain how your condition relates to your service. We help you present the relevant details clearly, and you review and approve the statement before we help you send it to VAC.
Who completes a VAC medical questionnaire?
A doctor or other health-care professional completes and signs the relevant questionnaire. We help you understand where it fits in the claim and what you need to follow up on.
Do I need to request my Canadian Armed Forces service health records?
No. Most claims can move forward without you personally obtaining your full service health records. VAC can request service health records from the Department of National Defence or Library and Archives Canada. If additional records are needed, we can help you understand what to request and where to request it.
Can I apply for more than one condition?
Yes. VAC requires each condition to be addressed separately in the application. We help keep the description, medical information and service connection for each condition clear.
Talk with us about your next step
If you want help preparing a VAC claim, whether you are starting from scratch or already have a claim in progress, tell us what you are working on. We will explain where 270 West may be able to help.