Canada’s veterans, active duty armed forces and members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police give their lives to serve our country. In our minds, they’re heroes who deserve our support, especially in relation to hearing health issues like hearing loss and tinnitus.
One way we practically demonstrate our support is through providing veterans with a better understanding of the benefits available from Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) for hearing loss and tinnitus.
The objective of this blog is to give you an overview of the disability benefits available for those experiencing hearing challenges that are related to their time in service to our country.
The Tax-Free VAC Disability Benefit
The VAC disability benefit is a tax-free financial payment made available for veterans in order to help them manage their health and improve their quality of life.
Two key factors determine what level of financial award you will receive: the extent to which the condition is related to your active service and the severity of the condition, as well as how it impacts your daily life.
How the VAC Disability Benefit Impacts Canada’s Veterans
The primary purpose of the disability benefit is to provide financial support. However, its impact reaches beyond the monetary compensation received. For many veterans, the VAC disability benefit is an acknowledgment of the sacrifices they have made and a recognition of the challenges they face as a result of their service.
Through both forms of support (financial and moral), the VAC disability benefit communicates our appreciation and the gratefulness of our country to veterans like you.
Am I Eligible to Receive the VAC Disability Benefit?
The first question that needs to be answered in regard to receiving the VAC disability benefit is in regards to eligibility.
The criteria that must be met to be eligible for the benefit include active or former membership in one of the following classifications of service:
- The Canadian Armed Forces
- The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
- Veterans of World War II or the Korean War, including the Merchant Navy
- Certain civilians who were involved in World War II
How the VAC Disability Benefit Impacts Canada’s Veterans
The primary purpose of the disability benefit is to provide financial support. However, its impact reaches beyond the monetary compensation received. For many veterans, the VAC disability benefit is an acknowledgment of the sacrifices they have made and a recognition of the challenges they face as a result of their service.
Through both forms of support (financial and moral), the VAC disability benefit communicates our appreciation and the gratefulness of our country to veterans like you.
Applying for the VAC Disability Benefit
When to Apply
If you have received a diagnosis of hearing loss or tinnitus from a doctor of audiology, doctor of otology, or ENT doctor…
And…
You are able to establish a connection between your diagnosed condition and your service, which is a critical part of what entitles you to receive the benefit.
The Two-Part Application Process
The first part of the application process involves the thorough documentation of your medical condition, which includes a proper diagnosis as well as undergoing various assessments to establish the degree of hearing loss or the severity of tinnitus.
The second part of the process is the most critical. You must be able to provide evidence of the connection between your hearing condition and your service. This will involve providing medical records, service records or other documentation that supports your claim.
Be Thorough: The application process will go more smoothly in accordance with the amount of detail and supporting evidence you are able to provide.
VAC Allows Us to Help You Better Manage Your Hearing Health
Veterans Affairs Canada has made a commitment to support individuals who have served our country in various capacities.
Your bravery and sacrifice to our country should never go unnoticed, and your health and well-being are a priority.
Port Credit Audiology and Hearing Aid Clinic sees our participation in the VAC disability benefit as one of the ways we can give back to those who have given so much.
If you or someone you know is a veteran or active member of the Armed Forces, or the RCMP, who is struggling with a hearing loss or tinnitus, consider reaching out to VAC. The disability benefit you receive is a significant step toward managing health conditions and improving overall quality of life.
For more information or assistance with the application process, contact us by using this link or give us a call at (905) 990-3755.
