Veterans Affairs committee  I think that that is probably a weakness, at least in France. Clearly, as you have said, today's veterans are different from those of the First and Second World Wars. There are many veterans who must face very different situations. When they leave the army or want to benefit from professional retraining, their program is likely to be very personalized.

Veterans Affairs committee  Thank you.

Veterans Affairs committee  Yes, absolutely. I spoke mostly about disability pensions, but also about military rank. When the disability rate exceeds 85%, the pension is topped up with benefits which are paid out mainly to veterans who have suffered a high degree of mutilation or who have been rendered severely disabled.

Veterans Affairs committee  We share the same problems that Canada has. Those illnesses are very insidious and not always easy to diagnose. In fact, very few countries have a lot of experience in this area. Perhaps this is mainly due to the military itself, which is still reluctant to recognize this type of pathology because it is not always easy to explain in a military context.

Veterans Affairs committee  Yes, sir, we can discuss the case of an individual soldier coming back from a mission abroad with a disability. There is a process to have the disability recognized. First, there is a form to fill out, of course. Then, the level of disability of the veteran is assessed by physicians who have been certified by the department.

Veterans Affairs committee  That's a very good question. Are you just referring to the Department of Foreign Affairs or to all of the provincial institutions and directorates?

Veterans Affairs committee  I don't have the numbers for that.

Veterans Affairs committee  Thank you, sir. There are 7,300 veterans' associations in France, including 500 national associations. This represents a huge network of associations. As far as I know, the Minister for Veterans Affairs consults with these associations, but they also help with the day-to-day management of the national organization for veterans' affairs.

Veterans Affairs committee  Thank you, Madam. It is not just limited to the pension. It basically depends on compensation or other rights which were acquired by the person who has died. If you are referring to access to specific medical treatments, that is a right which is directly connected to the deceased spouse.

Veterans Affairs committee  I know that veterans mostly use the veterans' mutual insurance company. The French government contributes to the plan, and premiums paid are tax deductible. The vast majority of veterans appreciate this plan, which allows them to pay premiums without being penalized for it. As well, when a veteran turns 65, the pension is paid out and it is tax-free, which represents a double advantage.

Veterans Affairs committee  There may be some confusion about the words “pension“ and “retirement”.

Veterans Affairs committee  Was he already receiving a pension?

Veterans Affairs committee  Yes. The wounds do not have to be physical in nature.

Veterans Affairs committee  We include psychological and pathological problems that are related to the operation that the person has come back from. That is clear.

Veterans Affairs committee  Yes. In terms of pension rights, a distinction is made between physical wounds and mental or psychological illness following traumatic events in the theatre of operation. There are indeed two categories covered by these pension rights.