Minister of Veterans Affairs Welcomes Report on Permanent Impairment Allowance and Supplement

Veterans Affairs Canada working with Veterans Ombudsman on improving benefits

OTTAWA, Aug. 19, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today welcomed the report on the New Veterans Charter Permanent Impairment Allowance (PIA) and PIA Supplement from the Office of the Veterans Ombudsman (OVO).

Minister Fantino thanked Veterans Ombudsman Guy Parent for his work and for his commitment to helping Veterans.

This follows on a recently released report by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (ACVA). As requested by Minister Fantino, the Committee reviewed the New Veterans Charter late last year to identify any gaps that exist and to recommend improvements that could be made, focusing on the most seriously injured Veterans, the available support for families and the delivery of programs. The Government is currently examining the ACVA report that was received earlier this spring.

Quick Facts

• The Permanent Impairment Allowance (PIA) is a taxable, monthly benefit—payable for life.
• A Veteran may qualify if he or she has a severe and permanent impairment for which he or she has received a disability benefit and a VAC-approved application for rehabilitation services.
• The PIA benefit is for service-related injuries. PIA grade levels are based on the extent of the impairment. Generally, the greater the level of impairment, the greater the impact on employment potential and career advancement opportunities.
• As of March 31, 2014, out of the 1,647 Veterans who were in receipt of the Permanent Impairment Allowance, 1,320 Veterans (80%) were also deemed totally and permanently incapacitated and receive the Permanent Impairment Allowance Supplement in addition to the Permanent Impairment Allowance.

Quotes

"I have asked officials at Veterans Affairs to ensure that they consider the recommendations found in the Veterans Ombudsman's PIA report as well as consult his office in the development of solutions to improve the New Veterans Charter. This is consistent with our government's efforts to build on our positive record, which saw unprecedented investments of $5 billion since 2006, to enhance support, benefits and services to our Veterans and their families."
The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs

Associated Links

• Veterans Affairs Canada Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance
• Veterans Affairs Canada Permanent Impairment Allowance
• Office of the Veterans Ombudsman

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada

For further information:

Ashlee Smith
Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649

Media Relations
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468