A veteran's first application is always denied, whether it is related to a psychological injury or a physical one. You would think that turning down an application had become routine practice at the department. So veterans then have to appeal the department's decision. The veterans I am in contact with have all been told the same thing. I cannot tell you how many of them are happy that I am here today, to tell you what is going on! They asked me to tell you the real story. In reality, 90% of applications are almost always denied. I am the only one whose PTSD diagnosis was not contested. I do not know why. Perhaps it has to do with the severity of my case. For all my other claims, though—the files are all there—I had to appeal the decisions. I was denied disability for my missions, but I received it for my regular service in the forces. They are not the same thing.
On December 7th, 2010. See this statement in context.