Veterans Affairs — departmental review request
Asking Veterans Affairs to review a disability benefit decision.
What is included
- Reviewing the Veterans Affairs Canada decision and your service and medical records
- Preparing a departmental review request where that is the right first step
- Gathering medical opinions and service evidence linking the condition to service
- Preparing the written submissions for a Board review or appeal
- Representing you at the Board hearing the service covers
What is not included
- Filing fees, translations, transcripts, professional reports and other disbursements
- A judicial review or appeal in the Federal Court or Federal Court of Appeal, which needs a lawyer
- Later stages, such as a further appeal or extra hearing days, unless agreed in writing
- Attending a hearing when the service covers documents or advice only
Who this service is for
- Veterans and RCMP members refused a disability benefit or given a lower assessment
- Survivors and family members of veterans
- Veterans whose review hearing did not resolve the issue
Information to have ready
- 1The Veterans Affairs Canada decision letter
- 2Service records and medical records
- 3Medical opinions about the condition and its link to service
- 4Any earlier review decisions
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost?
The fee is $650 plus 13% HST ($734.50 in all) for the work described on this page. Court, tribunal or government fees and other disbursements are extra. We confirm the scope and the fee in a written retainer agreement before any work starts.
What happens when I check out?
You book a time for your intake call, then save a card on Stripe's secure page. Nothing is charged today: the card is only charged later, for an invoice for work already done, as your retainer agreement sets out. A licensed paralegal confirms the details, checks for conflicts of interest and, if we can act for you, sends the retainer agreement. Fees paid before the work is done are held in our trust account.
Is there representation for veterans without charge?
Yes. The Bureau of Pensions Advocates represents veterans at Board reviews and appeals without charge. You can use that service or choose another representative.
What is the difference between a review and an appeal at the Board?
A review is the first hearing at the Board, where you can give evidence in person. An appeal is a further step, decided mainly on the record and your representative's arguments.
General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Important limitations
- No outcome can be guaranteed; the tribunal or agency decides
- Federal deadlines are strict, and late filings may not be accepted
- Some steps, such as a Federal Court judicial review, are outside a licensed paralegal's scope
- Some federal work may be outside what a licensed paralegal is permitted to do, such as a Federal Court judicial review or a government application that is not part of a tribunal case; before any work starts we confirm that your matter is within that scope, and we can refer anything that is not to an Ontario lawyer.
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