2013-2014 Feedback Sessions on Decision Improvements

The Board is committed to providing Veterans, Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and RCMP members, and their families with fair decisions that are clear, well-organized, and written in plain language.

In 2012-13, the Board conducted a review of decision content and language to identify opportunities for improvement. Following this review, we developed and implemented a checklist for quality, plain-language decision writing.

We received valuable feedback about these decision improvements at informal sessions with Veterans and still-serving members coordinated by the Royal Canadian Legion, whose service officers represent applicants before the Board. The feedback confirmed that our improved decisions are clearer and easier to understand. They more clearly identify the issue under review, present a logical analysis of the evidence and arguments, and plainly express the reasons for the conclusion.

We also heard how important it is for the Board to continue to focus on making and writing good decisions for applicants. We will continue to use feedback from stakeholders to guide and inform our efforts in this area.