Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) disability benefits are provided to those who have a service-related disability. To receive a disability benefit you must have a diagnosed medical condition or disability and show that the condition or disability is related to your service.
VAC will obtain your health records
When your application for disability benefits is received, we will obtain a copy of your service health records. Your records will be reviewed as part of your application. Under the Pension Act and the Veterans Well-being Act, VAC has the authority to obtain these records directly from the Department of National Defence or Library and Archives Canada.
Service relationship
To be eligible for a disability benefit, your service health records should contain sufficient evidence to show that your disability is related to your service.
You may request your service health records
The Privacy Act provides you the right to request a copy of your personal information held by a government institution and the right to request corrections or have a notation added to any recorded personal information. VAC has no authority to change or update your service health records. You may contact the appropriate department to request your records:
- Department of National Defence (if you are currently serving or released after 2007)
- Library and Archives Canada (if you released prior to 2007)
- RCMP Health Services (if you are currently serving or have served with the RCMP)