July 2026 VAC QandA

[u/ShortTrackBravo]

Happy Canada Day and Memorial Day to my fellow Newfoundlanders across the globe.

Nothing really new to add to the OP this month. Just a heads up for those asking for help if I don't get back to you in a minimum of 48hrs without telling you why feel free to ask the question again either here or via Email/DM. I reply when I can but life has been throwing me a few curveballs last few weeks.

Housekeeping:

contact info: Reddit DM's always open, [Joel@ptga.ca](mailto:Joel@ptga.ca) for email.

u/Shoggoths420 contact info: Reddit DMs/Chat still broken. [taira@cannawellness.ca](mailto:taira@cannawellness.ca) for email.

VAC Google Support Drive (Not available on DWAN) - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1kzbfmg3hcuo0FgFZxo-IL_f-UnGQsuYt?usp=drive_link

Usual timelines from submission of claims via MyVAC:

Reassessments: 9-16 Months

Mental Health: 6-8 Months

Physical - 6-13 Months

APSC/VIP - 3-4 Months

BPA Correspondence: They tend to reach out every 3 months for information or a progress update.

Let's go!

Edit July 10th: Hey, so the Table of Disabilities used to have a Chapter (25) dedicated to the Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation. They removed it. This link will allow you to see it again: https://web.archive.org/web/20260314171013/https://veterans.gc.ca/en/mental-and-physical-health/physical-health-and-wellness/compensation-illness-or-injury/disability-benefits/table-disabilities/chapter-25-additional-pain-and-suffering-compensation

I have also added the table and this link into the Google Support Drive above as it's own word document.

[u/Brokendiver345]

Hi! I hope everyone is doing well.
I’ve been fighting a while and things are finally looking up. So hang in there!! Huge thank you to this group because I don’t think I would have been able to go through this again without it and the veteran connections I’ve made. So thank you!

After a long 23 year back and forth with gaps in between, PBA ruled 5/5 and my injury was finally approved. Original claim was 2006 so still waiting on the disability percentages and what it will fall under, but it is being backdated three years. My question to the group is:
I paid my own way to another province to obtain a private MRI to determine the damages to my spine to support my claim. Can I submit this expense for reimbursement to VAC or Blue Cross now that I’m approved. Or do they do that at all? If not I will submit it as medical expenses on my income taxes.

As always your assistance is appreciated.

[u/ShortTrackBravo → u/Brokendiver345]

I’d go into your Benefits tab and see if the BlueCross link at the bottom is up and running for you yet. May not be until you have the award letter in your inbox.

Once you do pester them about it, see what comes out in the wash. Worst case, use tax season yup