I know that things have changed in the last couple of years. I'm actually seeing improvement, which is great. It looks like we're leaving that old mentality of “Guilty first: prove that you are truly injured afterwards.” I'm very thankful, because that's not the direction anyone should ever take—ever.
I think there has to be some form of communication, better communication, with VAC and DND in the perspective of trusting the fact that our doctors and nurses know what they're doing; that when they make a diagnosis, and it's significant enough that someone is being released from the military for it, trust that there is good reason for it. They've had them as a patient far longer than VAC has ever had them as a client. I think there has to be a better belief system in the medical field within the military. I was a medic for 23 years, so I can attest to part of that as well. I think we have to trust DND, trust the diagnosis, and trust that the paperwork has been filled in, and any additional specialist information.
You know, we were having a conversation earlier that there should be a checklist. The checklist should not just be from VAC. It should be from the member as well so that they know what information VAC is looking for on the other end. Without that knowledge, we send in the paperwork thinking that we're now one step closer to being covered for whatever our disability might be, only to find out months and months later—you know how long it takes to get any information back now—that it might be denied, or that maybe there's insufficient information.
Well, you've taken a person who's just transitioned from the military and been completely cut off who is not being treated medically, and it might be for a very significant disability. I think we have to somehow transition our medical documents. Maybe there needs to be a conversation between medical personnel on the DND side and VAC personnel to say, “Hey, I have this guy coming to you.”
I don't understand why there isn't more communication between the two. I do think that would be very helpful
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