Your First Visit: What Veterans Should Know
Walking into a new healthcare provider’s office can feel uncertain, especially if you have been dealing with a condition for a long time without finding real answers. If you are a veteran accessing chiropractic care through Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) for the first time, knowing what to expect can help you feel prepared and make the most of your appointment. Here is a step-by-step look at what your first DVA chiropractic visit at Fredericton Family Chiropractic involves.
Before You Arrive: What We Handle for You
Before your first appointment, our team will have already gathered key information. If you contacted us about DVA coverage, we will have confirmed your VAC authorization status or begun the authorization process on your behalf. We may ask you to bring any relevant medical records, diagnostic imaging reports (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans), your VAC file number, and a list of current medications. If you do not have all of these, that is perfectly fine — we can work with what you have and request additional records as needed. The important thing is that you show up. We handle the rest.
A Thorough Assessment, Not a Quick Adjustment
Your first visit is dedicated to understanding your condition thoroughly. This is not a 10-minute appointment where you get adjusted and sent on your way. Dr. Brayall will conduct a comprehensive assessment that includes a detailed history of your condition, including when it started, how it has progressed, what aggravates and relieves your symptoms, and what treatments you have already tried. We will also discuss your military service history in detail because understanding the specific physical demands of your trade is critical to understanding your condition. An infantry soldier’s spinal load history is very different from an armoured vehicle crewman’s vibration exposure, and these differences matter clinically.
The physical examination includes orthopaedic and neurological testing, range of motion assessment, postural analysis, palpation of the spine and affected areas, and functional movement screening where appropriate. If we need additional diagnostic imaging, we will discuss that with you and can arrange referrals.
We Listen to Your Full Story
One thing that sets our approach apart for veterans is that we take the time to listen. Many veterans we see have been dealing with pain for years — sometimes decades. They have often been through multiple providers, received conflicting advice, and may feel frustrated with the healthcare system. We understand that. Your service put unique demands on your body, and those demands deserve to be acknowledged and addressed with clinical seriousness. We do not rush through your history, and we do not dismiss symptoms that have been building over years of service.
Developing Your Treatment Plan
After the assessment, Dr. Brayall will explain what we found, what we believe is driving your symptoms, and what we recommend for treatment. Your plan will be individualized based on your specific findings — not a generic protocol. For most veteran patients, the initial treatment plan includes a combination of chiropractic adjustments to restore joint mobility and reduce nerve irritation, soft tissue therapy to address chronic muscle tension and adhesions, rehabilitative exercises that you can perform at home to support your in-clinic care, and ergonomic and lifestyle recommendations tailored to your daily activities. We will discuss the expected number of visits, how often you should come in, and what kind of improvement is realistic based on your condition. We believe in setting honest expectations rather than making promises we cannot keep.
Treatment May Begin on the Same Day
In many cases, we can begin treatment at your first visit after the assessment is complete. This depends on the complexity of your condition and whether additional imaging or information is needed before treatment starts. If we do treat on day one, we will start conservatively and monitor your response before progressing.
The VAC Side: Reporting and Authorizations
After your initial assessment, we submit a detailed report to VAC that outlines our findings, diagnosis, and proposed treatment plan. This report is essential for securing and maintaining your treatment authorization. We write these reports regularly and understand what VAC requires in terms of clinical documentation. As your treatment progresses, we submit follow-up reports at appropriate intervals to update VAC on your progress and request continued authorization when needed. You do not need to manage any of this yourself.
What Our Veteran Patients Often Tell Us
The most common feedback we hear from veterans after their first visit is that they wish they had come in sooner. Many have put off seeking care because they were unsure about their eligibility, frustrated with previous healthcare experiences, or simply accustomed to pushing through pain. Military culture values toughness, and we respect that — but toughness does not mean ignoring a condition that is affecting your quality of life. Your benefits exist so that you can get the care you need.
Book Your First Appointment
If you are a veteran or RCMP member ready to access your DVA chiropractic benefits, contact Fredericton Family Chiropractic at (506) 472-7000 to schedule your first visit. We will walk you through the process, handle the paperwork, and focus on getting you the treatment you have earned. Serving veterans in Fredericton, Oromocto, CFB Gagetown, New Maryland, and the surrounding area.
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?
- Neck and Back Pain in Veterans: Why It Often Becomes Chronic
- How Long Does DVA Treatment Approval Usually Take?
- 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.