The federal government in Canada is reportedly in talks to rectify a $165 million mistake at Veterans Affairs, affecting the benefits of over 250,000 former service members – many of them elderly.
Veterans Affairs in Canada was smacked with five separate lawsuits in 2019, all claiming that the agency miscalculated disability awards and pensions. The lawsuits were consolidated and Class Members certified by a federal judge on Dec. 23, 2020.
Veterans Affairs Makes Multi-Million Dollar Error, Fails to Notify
The bureaucratic error came to light in 2018, after a former veteran’s ombudsman blew the whistle. The agency had allegedly miscalculated benefits starting in 2002. While the error was identified and fixed, Veterans Affairs failed to contact those affected by the resulting reduction in benefits and failed to reimburse them.
In 2019, a CBC News investigation discovered federal documents that explained how the error occurred – and how the bureaucracy hid it from veterans. This revelation led to the class action lawsuits and, now, exploratory talks with the federal government to reimburse short-changed veterans.
Veterans Affairs Minister Says Compensation Process Well Underway
A spokesperson for the department told CBC News that, while not complete, the process of compensating veterans affected by the error is well underway. Over 100,000 veterans and their survivors have received more than $77.3 million, according to CBC News.
Most of those who have received compensation are surviving veterans, the spokesperson told CBC News.
In addition, the spokesperson touted an advertising campaign being developed by Veterans Affairs to help notify those who may be able to take part in this compensation program.
Veterans File Class Action Lawsuits For Correct Pensions And Benefits
Former members of the Armed Forces have filed a number of legal actions over irregularities in their pensions and other retirement benefits.
In one class action lawsuit that was certified by a federal court, a veteran who attempted to take a lump sum pension payout claimed that his benefits were reduced on two occasions without any explanation. Another veteran, who served in special operations, alleged that he was shorted disability benefits.
In addition to compensation, plaintiffs in the Veterans Affairs class action lawsuit believe there should be some accountability and further investigation into how the error was hidden from the public for nearly a decade.
Did you serve in the Armed Forces? Are you concerned about how your pension or retirement benefits were calculated by Veterans Affairs? Tell us about your experience in the comment section below!
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