Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) Physical Assessment
The physical assessment for a Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) claim is
conducted by a licensed medical professional, such as a nurse practitioner or physician.
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The assessment's goal is to evaluate your physical capacity, limitations, and how your service-related condition affects your daily life.
Key Components of the Assessment
The assessment focuses on documenting the extent of your disability to determine the appropriate compensation based on the Table of Disabilities. The specific areas evaluated will depend on the nature of your claimed condition but generally include:
Clinical Interview:
A comprehensive discussion of your medical history, symptoms, previous treatments, and how the condition affects your daily living activities (ADLs), work, and relationships.
Review of Medical Evidence:
The healthcare provider will review existing medical evidence and may recommend additional specialist examinations or laboratory findings if needed to support the diagnosis and assessment.
Physical Assessment:
A medical professional will perform a physical exam relevant to the claimed condition, which may involve:​​
​Inspection:
Visually examining the affected body part or overall physical presentation.
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Palpation:
Feeling the body with fingers or hands to assess physical findings.
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Auscultation:
Listening to body sounds, often with a stethoscope.
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Functional Assessment:
Evaluating your current physical capacity and any limitations, such as walking distance, need for assistive devices, or ability to perform basic tasks.
Specific Medical Questionnaires
VAC uses specific medical questionnaires to guide the assessment for different conditions. These forms are a core part of the process and ensure all relevant information is captured:
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Activities of Daily Living
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Amputation of Upper and Lower Limbs
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Ankle, Hip, Knee, and other Joint Conditions
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Cardiorespiratory Conditions
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Endocrine and Metabolic Conditions
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Gastrointestinal Conditions
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Hearing Loss/Tinnitus
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Neurological Conditions
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Psychiatric/Psychological Conditions
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Quality of Life
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Spinal Conditions (Cervical, Lumbar, etc.)
How to Prepare
Document everything:
Write down your symptoms and how they affect your mobility, sleep, mood, concentration, and relationships.
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Detail limitations:
Reflect on what you can no longer do, what takes extra time, or what requires extra effort compared to a person of the same age without the impairment.
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Gather documents:
Bring relevant medical documents, medication lists, or any assistive devices you use to the appointment.