Veterans Affairs committee  Thank you. The increase in funds addresses specific needs in the areas of transportation and training. Over the years the board has not had any substantial increase in its budgets, and over the years we've been utilizing most of the salaries that were available, because we were running with a low complement of board members.

Veterans Affairs committee  The favourability rate at the department is rising.

Veterans Affairs committee  Yes, definitely, and we are going to pursue a working group with BPA to get those files moving.

Veterans Affairs committee  That's correct. Partial awards can be based on either aggravation--in other words, there was a pre-existing condition, so you can have a partial aggravation of a condition--or you can have a partial cause of a condition, and they're awarded in fifths. Full pension is five-fifths.

Veterans Affairs committee  In fact it is rigorous and transparent. I think both the applicants and the board are satisfied with the outcome. In other words, the quality or qualified nature of the applicants ending up in the pool is true. Those applicants who don't succeed initially can come back; they can reapply and provide better or more information.

Veterans Affairs committee  Thank you, sir.

Veterans Affairs committee  No, it's a question of reorganizing our work. From the veteran's perspective, the veteran, rightfully so, sees the department as one entity, and when he files for an application he doesn't really think of BPA as the next step if he wants a review, as being something entirely different from the department, nor does he see VRAB as being something other than part of the portfolio.

Veterans Affairs committee  We have heard new cases under the new system. The board members have, with ease, ruled on those cases. I have not heard of any board member having any difficulty making those rulings. Our experience is still relatively limited in this area. I could possibly provide you with a number of cases heard under this new system, but no complaints have been filed with us, as far as I know, in the handling of those matters.

Veterans Affairs committee  None whatsoever.

Veterans Affairs committee  If I may, I would defer to Ms. Sharkey on this.

Veterans Affairs committee  I agree fully, sir.

Veterans Affairs committee  We dwell in the world of recourse, evidence, rights, and regulation, and how we can humanely and compassionately apply them. What the ombudsman will be able to do is handle the needs of people. If we can communicate regularly about problems and claims he may receive based on needs, our job will be that much more enriched.

Veterans Affairs committee  This is a very good question, because most board members are confronted with four languages when they take on this job: there is French, English, military, and medical. So they have to develop an acute understanding of communication tools. From a very practical point of view, board members must rely on steady and constant quality information to do their job.

Veterans Affairs committee  I hope that he ultimately won his case.

Veterans Affairs committee  I think you should pass on those concerns to the Department. We are only responsible for reviews and appeals. Your question would probably be better put to the Department, which provides all those basic services.