The Waiting Game: What Veterans Should Realistically Expect
One of the biggest frustrations veterans experience with the DVA system is not knowing how long things will take. You are dealing with pain, you know you qualify for benefits, and yet the wheels of bureaucracy seem to turn slowly. At Fredericton Family Chiropractic, we work within the Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) system every day, and we want to give you honest, realistic expectations about approval timelines — along with strategies to avoid unnecessary delays.
Two Different Timelines: Treatment Authorization vs. Disability Recognition
The first thing to understand is that there are two separate approval processes, and they operate on very different timelines. Treatment Authorization is the approval for chiropractic visits once your condition is already recognized by VAC. This process is relatively fast — in many cases, a Treatment Authorization can be issued within one to four weeks of the request being submitted. Disability Recognition is the process of having VAC formally acknowledge that your condition is related to your service. This is the longer process and can take several months or, in some cases, over a year. If your condition is already on your VAC file, you are dealing with the faster timeline. If you are starting from scratch with a new disability application, the process will take longer.
Treatment Authorization Timelines
When we submit a Treatment Authorization request to VAC on your behalf, we are asking them to approve a specific number of chiropractic visits for a condition that is already recognized on your file. The speed of this process depends on several factors including how complete the clinical documentation is (this is where having a clinic experienced with VAC paperwork matters), whether your case manager is actively managing your file, and the current processing volume at VAC. In our experience, straightforward Treatment Authorization requests are typically processed within two to three weeks. Some are faster, particularly if you have an active and responsive case manager. Occasionally they take longer, especially during periods of high volume at VAC or if additional documentation is requested. We submit thorough initial requests specifically to minimize the chance of delays caused by incomplete paperwork.
What Happens While You Wait for Authorization
A common concern is whether you have to wait until authorization is fully confirmed before starting treatment. The practical answer is that many veterans begin treatment before the formal authorization letter arrives, particularly when the condition is already recognized by VAC and the authorization request is clearly in process. At Fredericton Family Chiropractic, we can often begin your care based on the information we have about your VAC status, with the understanding that the formal authorization will be confirmed shortly. We do not want veterans sitting in pain waiting for paperwork. That said, every situation is different, and we will be upfront with you about where things stand and what the financial implications might be if there is any uncertainty about your authorization.
Disability Application Timelines
If you are applying to have a condition recognized by VAC for the first time, the timeline is significantly longer. VAC’s published service standards indicate target processing times for disability benefit applications, but actual processing times can vary considerably. The application requires gathering medical evidence, service records, and supporting documentation. VAC then reviews the evidence and makes a decision about whether the condition is related to your service. This process can take anywhere from several months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the case and the completeness of the evidence submitted. If you are in this situation, our recommendation is to begin the application process as soon as possible and not to wait until your pain becomes unbearable. We can provide clinical documentation to support your application, including a detailed assessment that outlines the connection between your physical findings and the demands of your military service.
How to Avoid Common Delays
Based on our experience working with VAC, the most common causes of delays are incomplete or vague clinical documentation submitted with the authorization request, difficulty reaching or communicating with an assigned case manager, missing supporting medical records or diagnostic imaging, and applications that do not clearly articulate the connection between the condition and military service. You can help avoid these delays by ensuring your VAC file number and contact information are current, providing us with copies of any relevant medical records and imaging you already have, responding promptly to any requests from VAC for additional information, and working with a chiropractic clinic that understands how to write VAC-compatible clinical reports. At Fredericton Family Chiropractic, we take the documentation side seriously because we know it directly affects how quickly you get access to care.
Renewal Authorizations
Once your initial block of treatments is complete, we submit a progress report and request for continued treatment. Renewal authorizations tend to move faster than initial authorizations because the clinical relationship and treatment history are already established. In most cases, renewal authorizations are processed within one to three weeks. We track authorization expiry dates and submit renewals proactively so that there is no gap in your care.
Do Not Let the Timeline Discourage You
The VAC system is imperfect, and wait times can be frustrating. But the benefits are real and substantial — fully covered chiropractic care for service-related conditions, with no cost to you. If you are a veteran who has been putting off accessing your benefits because the process seems too complicated or too slow, contact Fredericton Family Chiropractic at (506) 472-7000. We will help you understand exactly where you stand, what steps need to happen, and how long things are likely to take. Getting started is the hardest part — and we are here to make it easier. Serving Fredericton, Oromocto, CFB Gagetown, New Maryland, and surrounding communities.
Continue Reading: DVA Chiropractic Resources
This article is part of our comprehensive DVA Chiropractic Care Guide for Veterans in Fredericton. Explore more topics below:
- How DVA Chiropractic Coverage Works in Canada
- Do Veterans Need a Referral for Chiropractic Care Through DVA?
- What Conditions Does DVA Cover for Chiropractic Treatment?
- What to Expect at Your First DVA Appointment at FFC
- Neck and Back Pain in Veterans: Why It Often Becomes Chronic
- Can You Combine Chiropractic With Other DVA-Covered Therapies?
- Why Veterans Choose FFC for Musculoskeletal Care
Were you also involved in a motor vehicle accident? Learn about our MVA injury treatment services.