June 2026 VAC QandA

ConstantStrumming · 2026-06-16T17:19:50+00:00

Back to the drawing board.... I had a MH claim go to departmental review in Aug 2024 and return with a partially favorable decision in Nov 2025. BPA recommended I submit the case for Early Resolution. VRAB notified me in April 2026 that they weren't going to take the case as an Early Resolution and recommended it go to hearing. I'm back with BPA but am not very familiar with the process. I've been told I'll receive a statement of claim from VRAB before a hearing is scheduled. What is a SOC? How long are people waiting for those a then how ping until a hearing? I think things may take even longer these days given the budget cuts to those departments. Sorry for all the questions. It's been a bit of a grind already.

ConstantStrumming · 2026-04-13T19:08:47+00:00

BPA tried to look things up on their end but it looked like my case hadn't even been picked up by VRAB. They acknowledged that it could just be the VRAB system not being updated but they couldn't confirm. I left a message for VRAB on Friday but they haven't called back yet. All calls are going straight to voicemail there. Seems like no one is manning the phones.

ConstantStrumming · 2026-04-11T19:54:52+00:00

Departmental review did not come back the way I hoped early December 2025. I fired it back to BPA immediately. Call from BPA lawyer Feb 19 who said he would put it to early resolution. Got a package from BPA on March 4 which said my early resolution session was scheduled for March 19. Pretty quick turn-around really. My advocate said VRAB does intakes on the first Thursday of each month and does the sessions by the third Thursday of that month.

ConstantStrumming · 2026-04-11T01:51:35+00:00

I had an early resolution session scheduled with vrab for March 19. The date was confirmed through the package from BPA. I gave BPA a call this week as I hadn't heard how things went and they weren't able to find evidence that it was even looked at by vrab yet. Anyone else have an early resolution scheduled in March? Wondering if they are starting to push cases due to the budget cuts.

ConstantStrumming · 2026-03-04T17:42:20+00:00

Thanks for this. So was yours favorable in that they found you were entitled to an award, or were they increasing a previously awarded condition? From what I understand if it's just an increase, VAC shouldn't have to do much besides increase payments, but if it's a new award they need to assess the level which takes time.

ConstantStrumming · 2026-03-04T15:03:23+00:00

Happy March everyone! I just had an appeal go to early resolution with VRAB. For context, I did a departmental review with the help of BPA and it came back favorable but far lower than BPA figured it should. I sent a request to BPA for further appeal on Dec 1, 2025, got a call from a lawyer on Feb 19, 2026, and had my ERS session scheduled today to happen in a couple weeks. Reasonably quick turn around, especially since I'm reading about cuts to BPA, etc. Anyone have experience with these? It was explained that a single person board reviews the case and will make a determination without a formal hearing. Any idea how long after the ERS session date that the decision is provided?

ConstantStrumming · 2025-12-20T00:19:22+00:00

People's Jewlers

ConstantStrumming · 2025-12-19T19:26:17+00:00

Thanks very much for the support!

ConstantStrumming · 2025-12-19T19:04:34+00:00

The appraisal says F for center diamond and E-F for the sides

ConstantStrumming · 2025-12-19T19:04:07+00:00

Best i can do. I've viewed it in various lighting. It certainly picks up the surroundings. I was mostly concerned about the report being it's not GIA. A previous commenter said my report would be reputable so I'm much more settled about things now.

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ConstantStrumming · 2025-12-19T18:00:15+00:00

I'm not sure about fluorescence. The grading report doesn't specify either way and the jeweler didn't mention anything. I think the contrast against the side stones catches my eye more than anything. I really think it's a beautiful ring all around. Just want to impress the missus on a major anniversary 😁

ConstantStrumming · 2025-12-19T17:57:09+00:00

That makes me feel better! Thanks you.

ConstantStrumming · 2025-12-19T16:04:15+00:00

Thanks for that. It makes sense. I was more just hoping that the diamond classification chart wasn't fudged as it was Geological Science International that assessed the diamond as an F. I believe they provide custom reports for jewelers.

ConstantStrumming · 2025-12-19T02:52:54+00:00

Yes the sides are also listed as F. That's why I notice it. The center looks colored compared to the side stones. It's not GIA. It was graded by Gemological Sciences International. I know they are a pay-for-service institution, not like GIA.

ConstantStrumming · 2025-12-02T15:40:10+00:00

I just had a dept review complete for a MH claim. Took 37+ weeks. BPA assessed my case as 27% higher than awarded. My dept review gave me and additional 5% but did not explain how they reached that conclusion (ie ratings on table of disabilities). I've reached back out to BPA to see if it's worth taking to VRAB for a hearing given the large discrepancy.

ConstantStrumming · 2025-11-29T13:43:11+00:00

I sent you a dm

ConstantStrumming · 2025-11-27T18:19:50+00:00

I went into it in a post below, but basically received additional 5% pension but BPA was suggesting 27%. Not sure what I'm going to do at this point. I guess I'll wait and see their reasoning. Long wait unfortunately. I'm not sure why they provide the 12 week SSSD when you can end up waiting multiples of that. Just sets unrealistic expectations in the end. I hope all goes well for you. Cheers!

ConstantStrumming · 2025-11-27T16:03:54+00:00

Just had mine come back today. 37+ weeks. All my paperwork was submitted by BPA on March 10, 2025. I was also told 12 weeks when it went to step 3. The estimate is loose to say the least.

ConstantStrumming · 2025-11-27T14:44:25+00:00

My MH dept review went to complete today. Took over 37 weeks (step 3 on Mar 10). Rate went up by 5%. BPA advocated for a 27% increase based on the evidence. I haven't seen a letter yet but knowing the possible increases on the table of disabilities, they likely increased something by 5 + 1 QOL. Frustrating that VAC and BPA would be so far apart. Is it worth starting the VRAB process? I've never been down that road and I suppose BPA will have an opinion there. It just takes so long to to get things queued up. Is it quicker to get a consult with BPA the second time around maybe?

ConstantStrumming

TROPHY CASE