There are basically two different ways that Veterans Affairs is informed. One is through a member application for VAC benefits. As soon as a member decides to apply for these benefits, then the VAC is informed and will do their review process.
That's separate from the medical administration of the specific case.
In a complex case where we know that VAC involvement will be required after release, we are trying to have them involved as early as six months before the release. Our case manager and the VAC case manager will get together with the member and try to support them and transfer the support from one organization to another during that transition period, six months before the release. This process is separate from the other process by which a member can apply for VAC benefits.
We have some issues now because some members are applying late for their VAC benefits and are not considered eligible for these benefits within the six months before release. We are trying to work on that and reduce that timeline by having our case managers be more proactive in inviting the members to apply. We cannot do it for them, as they have to do it themselves, but we are encouraging them to apply for benefits when it's a service-rated condition and they can opt in for some support from VAC.