It is my pleasure to share with you the Strategic Plan for the Veterans Review and Appeal Board for 2010 to 2015. As we look to the future, we remain focussed on fulfilling our mandate on behalf of traditional Veterans, Canadian Forces members and Veterans, Royal Canadian Mounted Police applicants and their families.
During the next five years, the Board will focus on effective operations and fair decision-making. We will manage fluctuating volumes of claims from applicants who have the right to appeal at any time if they are dissatisfied with a decision made by the Department of Veterans Affairs about their disability pension, disability award or War Veterans Allowance claim. We will also make the process as efficient as possible by managing time lines within our control and working with representative organizations.
At the Board, we will support our Members and staff by providing them with training and tools to deal with an increasing volume of complex claims. We will strengthen our management practices and fulfill requirements for reporting and accountability. Finally, we will communicate regularly with applicants and Canadians about our program, our activities and our performance.
These priorities form the basis of the Board's strategic plan for the next five years. They are founded in our commitment to continually work to improve the program we offer to applicants.
John D. Larlee,
Chair
Mandate
The Veterans Review and Appeal Board has full and exclusive jurisdiction to hear, determine and deal with all applications for review and appeal that may be made to the Board under the Pension Act, the Canadian Forces Members and Veterans Re-establishment and Compensation Act - Part 3, the War Veterans Allowance Act and other Acts of Parliament. All matters related to appeals under this legislation are authorized under the Veterans Review and Appeal Board Act.
This Board also adjudicates duty-related disability pension applications under the authority of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Pension Continuation Act and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Superannuation Act.
Vision
To demonstrate fairness, competence and excellence in service to Canadians by providing independent, consistent and reasonable decisions that are grounded in law.
Mission
To ensure fairness in Canada's programs for disability pensions and awards and War Veterans Allowances by providing fair and timely appeals for traditional Veterans, Canadian Forces members and Veterans, Royal Canadian Mounted Police applicants, qualified civilians and their families.
Values
Impartiality: We value the contribution of all Canadians and provide accountable government services. We administer the law and our processes in an unbiased, fair and effective manner.
Excellence: We strive to provide excellence in service through continuous improvement of quality and ability.
Integrity: All individuals have the right to fair, transparent, and well-reasoned actions and decisions.
Respect: We work together in a spirit of collegiality and treat people with courtesy, diplomacy and respect.
Balance: We foster a workplace where individuals can sustain a healthy balance between their personal and professional lives.