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Departmental Review / VRAB Review and Appeal

VACDecisions and appealsNot applicable

It's common to feel unsure where to begin.

In one sentence
A departmental review is an internal redress option for certain disability-benefit decisions.
Who this is usually for
You may wish to explore this program if the following appear relevant: The decision must be one that can review under the applicable legislation.
What it may help with
  • A new VAC decision based on additional evidence or identified error.
  • Potentially faster resolution than a hearing in suitable cases.
  • Clarification of entitlement or assessment.
2 min read·Preparation time varies by situationScroll to explore, or reach out if you are unsure
1

What is this?

A departmental review is an internal redress option for certain disability-benefit decisions. It is often most useful when new, relevant evidence is available or when a clear factual or legal issue can be addressed efficiently by . It is not always the best route for every disagreement, and it should be distinguished from a reassessment for worsening and from a hearing before the Veterans Review and Appeal Board (). The decision letter and advice from the Bureau of Pensions Advocates are important. The Veterans Review and Appeal Board () is an independent federal administrative tribunal that reviews certain disability-benefit decisions. The first tribunal stage is generally a Review Hearing, where the applicant may give oral testimony. If dissatisfied with the Review decision, an Appeal Hearing may be available. BPA can provide free legal advice and representation in eligible cases. Further reconsideration or Federal Court judicial review may exist in limited circumstances, but they are not routine substitutes for the ordinary stages.

Read the complete decision before drafting.

2

Why someone might look at this benefit

You received an unfavourable disability entitlement or assessment decision.

New medical or service evidence is now available.

The decision appears to have missed or misunderstood evidence.

You need to choose between departmental review, reassessment and VRAB.

You want written reasons clarified before deciding the next step.

A VAC or departmental-review disability decision remains unfavourable.

Oral testimony could explain service events, symptoms or credibility issues.

You have new evidence or legal arguments.

You received a VRAB Review decision and are considering Appeal.

You need free legal representation through BPA.

3

Who might qualify?

You may wish to explore this program if the following appear relevant: The decision must be one that can review under the applicable legislation. A departmental review is generally evidence-based and may be appropriate when new evidence could change the result. The correct route depends on whether the issue is entitlement, assessment, worsening, calculation or administration. Time limits and procedural instructions in the decision letter must be checked. Only Veterans Affairs Canada or the legally responsible decision-maker can determine eligibility. You may wish to explore this program if the following appear relevant: jurisdiction is defined by legislation and primarily covers disability pension/ matters and certain related decisions. A Review Hearing normally follows an eligible departmental decision. An Appeal Hearing normally follows an unfavourable Review decision. BPA assesses representation and case preparation under its mandate. Only Veterans Review and Appeal Board / Bureau of Pensions Advocates or the legally responsible decision-maker can determine eligibility.

Only the responsible organization can determine eligibility.

4

What this benefit may help with

A new VAC decision based on additional evidence or identified error.
Potentially faster resolution than a hearing in suitable cases.
Clarification of entitlement or assessment.
Independent review of eligible VAC decisions.
Opportunity for oral testimony at Review.
Legal representation through BPA for eligible applicants.
A further Appeal stage before a different panel.
Limited reconsideration where statutory requirements are met.

Where this may fit in your transition

Stage 7 Stage 8
See the full Veterans Transition Roadmap
7

Typical process

Seek free advice from BPA or an accredited Legion Service Officer.

Read the full decision and identify disputed findings.
Obtain the evidence list or reasons where available.
Consult BPA or another qualified representative.
Gather focused new evidence or identify the error.
Submit the request in the required form and time.
Review the new decision and consider further redress if needed.

If you receive a decision

Departmental review and VRAB are different routes; BPA disability legal services are free.

  • • 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

1

Application received

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

2

Information requests

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

3

Review

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

4

Decision

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

5

If approved

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

6

If not approved

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

7

Reassessment

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

8

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

Full decision

reasons

missing/misread evidence

new medical opinion

service and functional evidence.

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

9

You may also want to explore

Pain and Suffering Compensation

A related program that may be worth exploring.

Disability Pension

The Disability Pension is a tax-free monthly disability benefit under the Pension Act.

Critical Injury Benefit

The Critical Injury Benefit (CIB) is a tax-free lump-sum payment for an eligible CAF member or Veteran who, after March 31, 2006, sustained a severe and traumatic service-related injury or developed an acute service-related disease from a sudden and single incident, with immediate severe impairment and severe interference in quality of life.

VRAB Review and Appeal

A related program that may be worth exploring.

Reassessment

A related program that may be worth exploring.

Departmental Review

A related program that may be worth exploring.

Pain and Suffering Compensation

A related program that may be worth exploring.

Disability Pension

The Disability Pension is a tax-free monthly disability benefit under the Pension Act.

Critical Injury Benefit

The Critical Injury Benefit (CIB) is a tax-free lump-sum payment for an eligible CAF member or Veteran who, after March 31, 2006, sustained a severe and traumatic service-related injury or developed an acute service-related disease from a sudden and single incident, with immediate severe impairment and severe interference in quality of life.

Bureau of Pensions Advocates

A related program that may be worth exploring.

10

Helpful VANCA tools

Claim Readiness ReportPossible Benefits ExplorerEvidence TrackerDescribe the ImpactSupport MapRequest Support
11

Official sources

VAC

Veterans Affairs Canada is the primary decision-maker for this program. Check their official page for the most current eligibility rules, application forms, and processing times.

View the official source

Program rules may change. The official department, tribunal, insurer, or benefit provider makes eligibility and payment decisions. VANCA provides information only — not decisions.

Before you apply

  • I understand what this benefit is.
  • I know what evidence I already have.
  • I understand who makes the decision.
  • I know my next step.
  • I know where to ask questions if I become stuck.

Not sure if this applies to you?

We don't determine eligibility, but we can help you understand your options, explain how programs may work together, and identify possible next steps.

Request Support

Last reviewed

2026-07-18

Next scheduled review

2026-10-15

Official source verified

2026-07-18

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