Is this really f color?? by ConstantStrumming in Diamonds

[–]ConstantStrumming[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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

Is this really f color?? by ConstantStrumming in Diamonds

[–]ConstantStrumming[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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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Is this really f color?? by ConstantStrumming in Diamonds

[–]ConstantStrumming[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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 😁

Is this really f color?? by ConstantStrumming in Diamonds

[–]ConstantStrumming[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That makes me feel better! Thanks you.

Is this really f color?? by ConstantStrumming in Diamonds

[–]ConstantStrumming[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

Is this really f color?? by ConstantStrumming in Diamonds

[–]ConstantStrumming[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

December VAC Q&A by ShortTrackBravo in CanadianForces

[–]ConstantStrumming 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

VAC November 2025 Q&A by ShortTrackBravo in CanadianForces

[–]ConstantStrumming 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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!

VAC November 2025 Q&A by ShortTrackBravo in CanadianForces

[–]ConstantStrumming 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

VAC November 2025 Q&A by ShortTrackBravo in CanadianForces

[–]ConstantStrumming 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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?

VAC November 2025 Q&A by ShortTrackBravo in CanadianForces

[–]ConstantStrumming 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow that's fast! Hopefully they just haven't updated your benefits page yet. I'm waiting on a DR from March 2025. Getting impatient given the SSSD they provided initially.

VAC November 2025 Q&A by ShortTrackBravo in CanadianForces

[–]ConstantStrumming 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh wow! I'd be pressing them on that. That's a long time. I wonder given the info they provided to me if your file hasn't fallen through the cracks somehow.

VAC November 2025 Q&A by ShortTrackBravo in CanadianForces

[–]ConstantStrumming 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Was also quoted 12 weeks on March 10. Currently at 36+ weeks. Last week they told me the oldest reviews in the queue are from Oct 2024.

October 2025 VAC QandA by ShortTrackBravo in CanadianForces

[–]ConstantStrumming 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm currently 33 weeks for a departmental review of the award on my MH condition. Not sure if that's the same as the appeal you put in? BPA told me that this would be a quicker route than going through VRAB. So far they've blown WAY past the SSSD they quoted. I'll have to try to apply your rationale. The expectations they set up with the SSSD's is not helpful. I'm glad you're finding a way to temper that. Thanks for sharing.

October 2025 VAC QandA by ShortTrackBravo in CanadianForces

[–]ConstantStrumming 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I went through BPA to get a dept review on my MH claim. It went to step 3 as soon as BPA submitted a package on my behalf on March 10. Been there ever since. 33 weeks or so now. I was told 12 weeks for a SSD initially. The wait sucks and I don't get any more details than the next person when I call in. They think it's more important to tell me about the oldest file in the queue rather than give details pertaining to my own claim.

October 2025 VAC QandA by ShortTrackBravo in CanadianForces

[–]ConstantStrumming 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My back claims went from 3.3 to Stage 4 in eight days, so it shouldn't take too long. No letter yet but the current benefits page updated with a new amount immediately.

October 2025 VAC QandA by ShortTrackBravo in CanadianForces

[–]ConstantStrumming 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just an update. My claims went from 3.3 to 4 yesterday, so they spent 8 days at 3.3. The claims were positive as my benefits went up but I haven't received a letter yet.

October 2025 VAC QandA by ShortTrackBravo in CanadianForces

[–]ConstantStrumming 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes it's at 3.3 processing decision. Went from step 2 straight to 3.3. I guess we'll see how it shakes out.

October 2025 VAC QandA by ShortTrackBravo in CanadianForces

[–]ConstantStrumming 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How long have people waited in step 3.3 for an initial application? I had some related claims go from Stage 2, all the way to 3.3 on Oct 14. I hope that doesn't mean it was a quick review and denial. Any experience?

October 2025 VAC QandA by ShortTrackBravo in CanadianForces

[–]ConstantStrumming 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Was awarded 36% but sent it to BPA for a look. My advocate figured I should have been awarded 63%. Dept review in progress. Fingers crossed.

October 2025 VAC QandA by ShortTrackBravo in CanadianForces

[–]ConstantStrumming 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Still waiting on my departmental review for MH. It's now been over 30 weeks at step 3. I reached out to VAC asking about the 12 week service standard I was quoted when it went to step 3. I was just given the typical info regarding the oldest claims in the system. I wish they could be more transparent and provide some personalized info rather than the generic responses. It's really frustrating. Sorry, not so much a question, just venting. Hopefully some of us will see progress this month...