Veterans Affairs committee  We see a lot of CF 98s, but you have to remember that the CF 98 is often prepared from the extent of the military. It is not determinative of whether or not an injury has arisen, from the perspective of the board that made the decision, although the CF 98 adds some perspective to what happened.

Veterans Affairs committee  Veterans and particularly members currently serving are not in a position to get doctors to give them those assessments without that, so if they are being served by CAF, they should be getting their diagnosis from CAF.

Veterans Affairs committee  I think historically there would have been a problem, not so much with the diagnosis but historically CF doctors were reluctant to give any opinions or diagnoses, particularly as they related to VAC applications. Now I have experienced, in the last year and a half, that changing.

Veterans Affairs committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair and committee members, for the opportunity to appear here today. As the chair noted, I'll share my remarks today with my colleague, the deputy chair, Jack Bouchard. For the record, I should also note that Jack is a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces. I know that this committee understands the important role that the board plays in ensuring that veterans and their families receive the benefits to which they're entitled.