Are you a Canadian veteran denied disability benefits? We can help you figure out what comes next.
Veterans Affairs Canada’s disability benefits system can be difficult to navigate. Tell us where you are in the process. We’ll help you understand your next step—and if you’ve reached the point where you need legal representation, we may be able to help with that too.
Where do I fit in?
I need help with my disability benefits
Whether you’re just starting, dealing with a denial, or have reached the end of the VRAB appeal process, contact us. We’ll review where you are and help you understand what may come next.
I’m helping a veteran
You can contact VLAF on behalf of a veteran. We regularly hear from spouses, family members, friends and others who are helping a veteran navigate the process. In plain language, we’ll tell you how we may help.
I want to support veterans
Veterans should not be prevented from pursuing disability benefits because they cannot afford experienced legal representation. Your support helps make access to justice possible.
A simple promise
This is a lot. We get it. Let’s review what you’ve done so far and figure out what comes next. We’re developing practical checklists and tools to help. If VLAF can’t help directly, we’ll try to point you toward someone who can.
Where are you in the process?
If you’re still navigating the process
You don’t have to wait until every option is exhausted before contacting us. We can help you understand where you are in the disability claims process and identify a practical next step. Depending on your situation, that may include connecting you with a Royal Canadian Legion Service Officer or another appropriate resource.
If VRAB has denied your appeal
Contact us as soon as possible. You may have reached the stage where legal advice and representation are appropriate. VLAF can help connect you with experienced veterans-law counsel for an assessment. If counsel believes there is a strong basis to proceed, they may submit a funding request to VLAF.
There are strict deadlines for Federal Court applications. If you think a deadline may have passed, contact us anyway. A lawyer can determine what options may still be available.
Legal funding
VLAF funds eligible legal costs for CAF and RCMP veterans pursuing disability claims. Funding is not guaranteed. Each request is reviewed by our Board, with particular consideration given to cases that may help other veterans facing the same or a similar issue.
When funding is approved, VLAF pays the veteran’s legal bill directly to the lawyer, up to the approved amount.
Why VLAF exists
Veterans should not have to abandon a potentially valid disability claim because they cannot afford a lawyer. When the administrative appeal process is exhausted and a matter must go to Federal Court, experienced legal representation can be costly. VLAF helps close that access to justice gap.
“A benefit delayed is a benefit denied.”
– Peter Stoffer, Chair, VLAF
in veterans’ legal bills funded since 2024
veterans and families assisted
through advice and navigation
committed to matters currently underway
Be assured
You don’t need to have everything figured out before you contact us. You do not need to send your full history or all your documents up front. Give us an email address so we can respond, and tell us as much or as little as you are comfortable sharing. We’ll start there.