VAC.claims - Help for Veterans Filing Claims | VAC.claims
VAC.claims - Guidance, resources and support for veterans filing claims with Veterans Affairs Canada. A project of Veterans with Cancer Inc.
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Information Preparation Next steps

A clearer path through the VAC claims process.

Filing a disability claim can be complicated. This guide helps Canadian veterans understand the stages, organize evidence, find support and learn what options may be available if a claim is denied.

Start with what you need Understand the process
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Veterans Helping Veterans

Have You Already Been Through the VAC Claims Process?

You probably learned things along the way that you wish someone had told you when you started.

Perhaps it was a document you should have obtained, a question you should have asked, a mistake you learned to avoid, or simply some advice that made the process easier.

Share what you've learned. Your experience could make a real difference to another veteran.

Share Your Experience Read Helpful Hints from Other Veterans

Helping veterans navigate VAC claims

Plain-language information to help you ask better questions, prepare a stronger record and make informed decisions about your next step.

The Process

Understand the difference between proving service connection and assessing the degree of disability.

Explore the process →

Build My Claim

Answer a few questions to create a tailored checklist for your claim stage and next steps.

Start your guide →

Cancer & Toxic Exposure Claims

A focused pathway for documenting military exposures, cancer diagnosis, medical timeline and supporting evidence.

Explore the pathway →

Available Resources

Find veteran support organizations, decision resources and research documents.

Find support →

If You're Denied

Understand the questions to ask about departmental review, BPA, VRAB Review and VRAB Appeal.

Explore your options →

About Red Zone

Recognize when a claim needs attention and organize a focused request for an update or next step.

Get unstuck →

Research and Evidence

Read policy papers and learn how to use decisions and research responsibly.

Browse documents →
Important: This website is an independent educational resource, not an official VAC service. It cannot determine eligibility, submit a claim for you or provide legal advice. Verify current forms, procedures and deadlines with official sources or a qualified representative.

Build a clear, evidence-based claim

Evidence checklist

Track what you have, what you have requested and what remains outstanding.

Open the checklist →

Personal statement guide

Use a chronological structure to explain service events, symptoms and impact without guessing or exaggerating.

Build your statement →

Responding to a decision

Break down the reasons in a VAC letter and identify questions to discuss with a representative.

Understand the letter →

Three principles to keep in mind

Be specific

Explain what happened, when it happened, what condition resulted and how it affects you.

Keep a record

Save copies of forms, supporting evidence, correspondence, delivery confirmations and decisions.

Ask early

If a decision is unclear or a deadline may apply, seek advice promptly rather than waiting.