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Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation (APSC)

VACDisability and compensationNon-taxable

Many veterans tell us they felt overwhelmed at first.

In one sentence

Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation () is a tax-free monthly benefit payable for life to eligible Veterans.

Who this is usually for

You may wish to explore this program if the following appear relevant: The applicant must generally be a Veteran, not a currently serving CAF member.

What it may help with

Monthly tax-free recognition of severe permanent impairment.
Three grade levels reflecting severity.
Lifetime payment while eligibility continues.

2 min read·Preparation time varies by situationScroll to explore, or reach out if you are unsure

What is this?

Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation () is a tax-free monthly benefit payable for life to eligible Veterans. It recognizes severe and permanent service-related impairment that creates a barrier to re-establishment in civilian life. is graded at three levels according to the extent and severity of impairment. It is different from : recognizes the disability itself, while focuses on permanent and severe impairment and the resulting barrier after service.

Focus on sustained function, not dramatic wording.

Why someone might look at this benefit

You already receive a VAC disability benefit for a service-related condition.

The condition is severe, permanent and creates major barriers in civilian life.

You previously received Career Impact Allowance and need to understand the current program.

Your impairment has worsened and the assigned APSC grade may no longer reflect it.

Who might qualify?

You may wish to explore this program if the following appear relevant: The applicant must generally be a Veteran, not a currently serving CAF member. A disability benefit must have been granted for the relevant condition. The impairment must be permanent and severe. It must create a barrier to re-establishment in civilian life. A person receiving Exceptional Incapacity Allowance is not eligible for . Only Veterans Affairs Canada or the legally responsible decision-maker can determine eligibility.

Only the responsible organization can determine eligibility.

What this benefit may help with

Monthly tax-free recognition of severe permanent impairment.

Three grade levels reflecting severity.

Lifetime payment while eligibility continues.

Possibility of reassessment when impairment changes.

Where this may fit in your transition

Stage 4 Stage 7

See the full Veterans Transition Roadmap

Typical process

Apply through VAC and screen serious permanent barriers.

Confirm that a VAC disability benefit exists for the relevant condition.

Apply through My VAC Account or the current APSC form.

Provide evidence of permanence, severity and barriers to civilian life.

VAC conducts an individualized assessment and assigns a grade if eligible.

VAC issues a written decision and monthly payment information.

Request reassessment or review when the facts or impairment change.

If you receive a decision

VAC assigns a grade; reassessment may be possible if the condition worsens.

• Entitlement — whether the condition is related to service
• Assessment — the severity or percentage rating
• Effective date — when the benefit starts
• Calculation — how the amount was determined
• Approved services — what is covered and for how long
• Frequency or dollar limit — caps on treatment or services
• Reasons for denial — the specific basis for the decision

Every situation is different. Timelines vary based on the organization, the complexity of the application, and the volume of requests being processed.

What usually happens next

Application received

The organization typically sends a confirmation that your application was received.

Information requests

They may ask for additional medical, service, or financial records to support your application.

Review

A decision maker reviews your application, the evidence provided, and the applicable program rules.

Decision

You receive a written decision explaining the outcome, the reasons, and any review rights.

If approved

Benefits begin according to the program rules and the effective date stated in the decision.

If not approved

The decision letter explains why and describes your review or appeal options, including any deadlines.

Reassessment

If your condition or circumstances change, you may request a reassessment of the decision.

Reviews and appeals

Depending on the issue, you may request a departmental review or a hearing before the Veterans Review and Appeal Board.

Every situation is different. Timelines vary and are not guaranteed.

Evidence that may help

Approved conditions

permanence

functional restrictions

rehabilitation evidence

assistance/supervision needs.

Not every document is required for every application. This list is for general awareness only.