Chapter 2: Paths to Treatment for OSIs

Introduction

Who do you turn to and where do you go?

When you decide the time has come to ask for help, you’re going to have to find the energy to do it. Getting help also requires knowledge of who to ask and where to go. Veteran Affairs Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces have a dedicated mental health system with a banquet of services but, par­adoxically, this can actually be a barrier. There are so many choices. Where do you start? What do you ask for?

Path 1: Applying for and being granted disability status with Veterans Affairs Canada

1. Get a Diagnosis

The very first task is getting a medical diagnosis. Although people know they are suffering, they may believe it will pass with time. In order to proceed with the next steps, you must feel confident that you can adequately demonstrate that your distress and thus your diagnosis, is related to your military service.

Preparing for your appointment

There is a lot your doctor is going to want to know in order to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. You may need to describe your good vs bad days. How you feel then. How you function then. How you manage your household then. It will be helpful if you write down in advance a brief description of:

• • the symptoms you are experiencing,
  • whether or not you have other illnesses,
  • a past or a present substance use disorder, and
  • what medications you are on, including over-the-counter supple­ments.

Symptoms

The following are the areas of your life and current experience that are rele­vant:

• • mood
  • thinking
  • behaviour
  • relationships
  • day-to day functioning and stresses
  • sleeping and eating patterns
  • energy levels

It may help to write down in advance what you would like to discuss in your appointment so that you can be prepared and remember key details. If you can, take someone with you to your first appointment. When you are struggling with the symptoms of mental illness, along with the anxiety of this important first step, it is invaluable to have a second set of eyes and ears with you – to listen, to ask questions, and to take notes. They will remember the details that you missed. With your permission, they may also provide observations because, in all likelihood, they have noticed things about your symptoms and behaviours that you may not have noticed yourself.

As a courtesy and in the interest of clear communication, it is important to ask your doctor if you can bring your support person into the interview with you. Some doctors may prefer to see you, for at least part of the visit, on your own.

Right now, you can see that this is likely to be a lengthy discussion and your doctor won’t have the time to go through everything in one appointment. It is perfectly reasonable to ask for another appointment (as soon as possible) to finish this discussion. The goal is for your doctor to understand thoroughly what’s been going on.

2. Download an Application Form

Forms are available online from the Veterans Affairs Canada website, or you can visit your local VAC Regional office. Alternatively, you can call 1 866 522 2122 and an application will be mailed to you.

Veterans Affairs offices not only provide you with the application but will offer advice on completing it and collecting documentation needed to go with it.

Once your application package is complete, it is assigned to an adjudicator. Every application for a disability benefit is reviewed by an adjudicator – who are specially-trained to review and make decisions on claims for a disability benefit. The adjudicator must base their decision on the evidence they receive.

Benefits, once awarded, are tax-free.

While you are waiting for approval, you can:

• Obtain mental health and addiction services (if you haven’t already) through the various mental health clinics, some of which have spe­cialized Operational Trauma and Stress Support Centres.
• Veteran Affairs Canada also has a VAC Assistance Service line available at 1 800 268 7708 or TDD/TTY 1 800 567 5803. This help line is available whenever needed but might be especially helpful during the disability application process.
• Investigate Operational Support Clinics. There are 10 outpatient clinics (some with additional satellites) around the country: Van­couver, BC; Calgary, AB; Edmonton, AB; Winnipeg, MB; Ottawa, ON; London, ON; Montreal, QC; Quebec City, QC (French only); Fredericton, NB; and Dartmouth, NS. As well as one inpatient clinic at St Anne de Bellevue, QC. Many have additional satellites. After approval, you may qualify for a referral.
• If you are in the process of transitioning to civilian life, a Canadian Forces Transition Centre may help smooth your move to civilian life.

Path 2: Applying for and being granted rehabilitation services with Veterans Affairs Canada

If the disability route is not for you but you are having trouble adjusting to life outside the active duty forces such that your working life is compromised, you may be encouraged to apply for rehabilitation services. They are avail­able to people who have a barrier to adjustment which is a health issue (temporary or permanent) at work, at home, or in the community.

Applications can be submitted online or in person at your regional VAC of­fice. As with the disability process, help is available at 1 888 522 2122.

Eligibility for rehabilitation services can be determined within a few weeks. If approved, you are assigned a case manager who will work with you to create your individual rehabilitation plan. The plan will include your personal goals including what services and benefits you will need to reach your goals.

In addition to VAC services, you may be referred to local community services (which are covered by VAC). You can also ask your case manager about whether you are eligible for certain home care services, through the Veterans Independence Program.

Your plan will also include a timeframe.

Resources

VAC regional offices – find an office near you:

See: veterans.gc.ca/eng/contact

Veterans Affairs Canada website’s disability application page:

See: veterans.gc.ca/eng/health-support/physical-health-and-wellness/ compensation-illness-injury/disability-benefits

OSI Clinic Location Finder:

See: veterans.gc.ca/eng/health-support/mental-health-and-wellness/assessment-treatment/osi-clinics

VAC Transition Centers:

See: veterans.gc.ca/eng/resources/transition-centre

Canadian Armed Forces Transition Centres (for families too):

See: can­ada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/benefits-military/transition/understanding-transition/transition-centres

Bureau of Pension Advocates:

See: veterans.gc.ca/eng/veterans-rights/how-to-appeal/bureau-pensions-advocates

Veterans Independence Program:

See: veterans.gc.ca/eng/housing-and-home-life/help-at-home/veterans-independence-program

VAC Assistance Service Line: When you call, you are talking to a men­tal health professional. Your information is completely confidential.

Call: 1 800 268 7708 or TDD-TTY 1 800 567 5803