Some Manulife LTD and CPPD food for thought:

You may find yourself on Manulife LTD “totally disabled” and VAC DEC near the end of your VocRehab journey. The question of either stay like that or leave Manulife had been discussed. As the final amount you get does stay the same regardless.

Staying on Manulife -

Pro: Multiple parties paying you, potentially Manulife/VAC/Pension/CPPD (gives more certainty with potential VAC changes).

Con: More requirements to continue to report medical status, more complicated taxes, if you die LTD stops (where as with VAC under 65 death results in lump sum of 24months paid to survivor). Earning income under 20k is more complicated and potentially lead to revocation of LTD.

Canadian Pension Plan disabled-

You will be required to apply if you get “totally disabled” from Manulife. You may or may not want to if you’re on DEC alone.

Consider: With CPPD there will be an initial period with back pay. Manulife and CF pension will eat most if not all of it. This is due to income offset from Manulife being clawed back from it and your bridge benefit being clawed back by pension. Often it will be 18 months backdated from the date of application.

If you have no dependents under 25, I see no benefit to applying. In fact you lose the option for CPP splitting after 65 when in CPPD. So you can’t give your spouse half your CPP to shield it from income offset by Manulife/VAC. It will make your first tax return after a real dog. Also you have to report any income over 7k and cannot earn more than 20k. After 7k you may lose the benefit and that could lead to problems with VAC/LTD.

With dependents you get a child benefit for each child to 18 (25 if in school). That benefit is taxed under the child’s SIN and will not be touched by VAC/Manulife offsets. Paid to the parent with the CCB. It’s also eligible for up to 12 months backpay.

Thought I’d share what I’ve learned.

Cheers

I’m so scared with the new liberal budget cuts 🥲 scared I’m going to fall through the cracks once I’m medically released. Especially since I look okay and I’ve had people tell me oh you look better (I dropped 30 pounds) from dieting. But my chronic pain hasn’t changed 😅 just venting. I’m sure there’s others who feel the same.

Great Simpsons reference in the description, well played sir. Lol

Hey everyone, I found this on a Facebook VAC support page and it might be pertinent for a few of you. Apparently there have recently been a ton of huge clawbacks of overpayment to people on IRB - we're talking as much as 5 to 6 figures here! - and someone went to the press over it. The reporter wants to speak to anyone who's had this happen lately because it's become a bit of an epidemic. No one seems to know why most of these cases are happening; a few people suggested it might be VAC's newly adopted use of AI, but no one seems to know for sure.

having tens or even hundreds of thousands clawed back after years of payments is devastating and life-changing, so if anyone is being effected, I would reach out and add your voice. Anyone on IRB is no longer serving in the CAF, so there is no issue in speaking to the press. There's usually an option to be an anonymous source, too. Here's the FB post. It's too big to fit into one picture, so I'll add the second half in the first comment below

https://preview.redd.it/fxnxn1t0g05g1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=07d88979b2806ac21733e55ecb06da172cad9e2a

I've called VAC to get an update as my application has been sitting at 3.0 decision making (for a few weeks now) I know it takes a lot of time until everything is processed. However here is what VAC said ; my application has been assigned to an adjudicator and should be getting a letter by end of this week. Finally things are moving. Hopefully I didnt get lied to lol (GAD, Social Anxiety, PTSD claim)

May as well add:
myVAC functioning : once in blue moon

I reached out tge BPA, for an update on one of my claims.

I was told that it was at adjudication and that they have no timeline on returns from them.

This has been with the since April of this year. Is there any way to determine how long this will take.

Thank you.

Ok my Reassessment peeps just spoke to someone in Resolutions due to my paperwork issue from back in April until Oct. VAC is working on March Reassessments right now. My rough Math for the Reassessments is it takes them 3 months to clear 1 month of Backlog. Im going off the timelines since July

Does anyone else think about the homeless vets that could be missing out on loads of money because they don't have the support to look after this? Like, imagine a guy with PTSD and is missing out on 100k.

Do we have access to the 2026 psc rates table?

I am wondering about the breakdown for Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation, when to apply, what are the requirements, etc. i am currently at 75% disability between MH & Physical Conditions with more claims still in processing stages. i have been diagnosed with worsening spinal conditions and eventually will need surgery, its only been a year since i received my favourable awards for physical conditions however i received my favourable award for MH almost 2 years ago which i believe is is the minimum time before you can apply for APSC please correct me if i am wrong, however i am wondering the process if when you apply is it just based off overall disability and there for eligible when i hit 2 years after my first favourable claim or is it condition based where if i where i have to say its my spinal conditions that im applying for and wait until ive hit 2 years since being approved for that. Thanks in advance.

I am finishing with pcvrs at the end of January 2026 after a year of treatments, based off of all reports made my case manager says we will be submitting for a DEC decision, will I still receive my IRB between the time I finish with pcvrs and the time it takes for them to make a decision for DEC?

I have a question regarding lump sum form. I had a favourable decision regarding TBI/MH. If I opt-to select lump sum pay and submit it online this week will the payment reflect the year 2025 or 2026 rates?

I'm at the stage where I don't have the energy to read through this anymore. In fact this is the first time I've opened the sub in a little while. I used to follow this sub obsessively.

I've been denied the reason I was medically released as related to my service. Support meanwhile is non existent I'm not covered for anything really. I feel like I just do everything on my own all the time. I haven't heard from BPA since early June. VAC sucks, not the people, just this system.

Edit: And as far as IRB is concerned, obviously I don't have that so the helpful lady at VAC thought it would be best for everyone if I withdrew my application.

Def worth going to VRAB IMO…

Received a "favorable" decision today but way less than anticipated and seemed to completely ignore sciatic nerve damage associated. Is my best bet to accept (intend on taking the lump sum) and immediately ask for a review, or go straight to the appeal process?

Question regarding IRB.

I know we don't pay the pension payments anymore, do we still pay CPP and EI?

I know everyone says even though it's 90% of your release pay. You actually end up with more.

I just want to try to confirm that

Thanks

Audit of The Veterans Affairs Canada Internal Review Process:

https://ombudsman-veterans.gc.ca/en/publications/systemic-reviews/the-veterans-affairs-canada-internal-review-process?fbclid=IwdGRjcAOhPN1jbGNrA6E8TGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHquPHkJ3NmGlUkhpkDrzuRs47Lsl5XgRHY7GoFN4q921nGweiia7zTBb2CkP_aem_nbIMnLYsGxfTNf4ROEKWRg

For anyone that's had an an unfavorable internal review...

Has anyone received the COVID vaccine and developed pericarditis, then filed a claim? If so, did you receive a positive decision?

I completed reassessments on both legs and my lower back on August 11 and 25, 2025. I’ve been in Stage 3 for quite some time now, so I’m assuming it may be another five months or so before it’s considered completed?

Just had a favourable decision on my knee which will help me however, I note in the medical questionnaire my Dr checked it as being clinically unstable, which is correct (based on table it falls in at 13%) but my decision gave me 9% (the questionnaire documents effusions). I called the BPA to ask why it wasn’t at 13% as the Dr made the checkbox correctly. They suggested a departmental review and said it seemed like a clear oversight in the assessor missing the check box. Is this something I can expect a good 24+ weeks to change or confirm? It’s fine either way, purely curious. Just seems like something that could’ve such a quick fix based on a checkmark. TIA!!

Are there any good, fee-only financial planners that know VAC/IRB/PCVRS? Im looking to utilize the $500 benefit that you can use after a successful PSC claim.

u/ShortTrackBravo & u/Shoggoths420

I understand that if I am receiving DEC I can additionally make up to $20K, from another source, without VAC imposing any reductions. I own a small business so I’m wondering if VAC assesses that $20K from Revenue, Gross Income, Net Income, or Taxable Income?

Thanks!

Hey, I recently signed up for VOC, now currently I work a physically demanding skilled trades job. I have numerous musco-skeletal injuries and although I can work, it is not sustainable long term and it already is moderately to severely difficult.

So to my understanding, I would likely get approved for VOC, and it lasts about 2 years, while on it youre entitled to IRB. At the end, if VAC deems it successful file closed and move on, if not you flip to long term IRB which turns to DEC at 65?

My thing is i don't see needing to walk away from my job in the next 2 years, but next decade or so, for sure. Can you get approved for DEC/long term IRB and still be working? Essentially "veteran is able to work, but long term employment is not possible" or at the end of rehab do you need to be leaving your job/switching careers?

Good day everyone, I was recently diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety, and depression, and I am currently undergoing therapy and taking prescribed medication. I was advised to apply to Veterans Affairs Canada, which I have done. As this is my first VAC submission, I am wondering how long it typically takes to receive a response and what I can expect during the process. Any information or insight would be greatly appreciated.

Last week I received a positive outcome for my CPP-Disability application.

Currently, I’m on IRB/rehab for a laundry list of things, both mental and physical. I’ve had my PCVRS assessments (good times) and I’ve been told to expect the many rehab appointments to start in the new year.

My question is, does the approval of CPP-D have any bearing on my IRB or future DEC decision, etc? Additionally besides my CM does anyone else need to be made aware of the CPP-D?

Is it normal for VAC to withdraw the claim for Alcohol Use Disorder and Depressive disorder if your claiming PTSD. I'm on step 3.3

Bit of a weird question.... I submit my form last week for lump sum payment. I still haven't received anything back yet and my benefits tab still shows the monthly payment (now updated to the 2026 amounts). Will I receive the 2025 lump sum since I submit the form last week or will it be the 2026 amount since it hasn't been "processed" yet and my monthly shows 2026?

Anyone recently have their MH claim approved or moved… and any departmental review in the 8-10week mark..?

[deleted]

Would anyone know the present wait time for a DEC decision? Pcvrs is preparing the last report for vac to send to DEC department and my vac CM said possibly 4 to 5 months for a DEC decision, that seems quite a bit longer than what I'm reading online. Thanks

BPA sent me a 10 page form a doc needs to fill out to affirm my disabilities for regrade APSC. Any GPs known in ON that help with reassessment for APSC? I retired and have no family doctor.

For an Error of chapter used by the adjucators,  is BPA faster to correct it than an initial claim or is it the same period of time ? ( I dont need another medical file as I understand ) 

Question on timelines. PTSD - Submitted 25 Mar 25 Stage 3.2 - 17 Nov 25

Should I expected anything moving forward this year?

This may be a silly question but spiraling and wondering the following:

If someone is approved for say, 50k claim for back, and then receives an approved claim for MH for 75k some time later, does this mean:

A- they will receive 125k total (50+75)
B - the 75 includes the 50k so all they receive is 75k total - meaning 50k for back and 25k for MH

Is the payout cumulative as the % is, or seperate?

3b next week. In a few appointments the option for getting EI was mentioned hut when brought up to clerk I got told everyone's different so she can't tell me I should or shouldn't...should I be applying there?

How long does it take to get your lump sum once you submit the election for lump sum payment?

Good day, I have a Obstructive Sleep Apnea diagnosis but no related MH diagnosis. The diagnosis was done in 2022 while in the Reg force, after a MH practitioner referred me for a sleep study in 2021. In my benefits decision, the denial is due to no service-related activities or injuries are identified as causing or contributing to your symptoms. I am wondering if there are any specific things I should be trying to document to appeal this or if there OSA is only approved with a concurrent diagnosis. Any shared experience or advice would be appreciated.

What are we currently looking at for step 3.3 "processing decision" time wise?

Hello my fellow gangsters. Quick question to see if someone has experienced similar to what I’m in and what to expect.

PTSD & PDD was unfavourable. VRAB overturned it. Was in VACs system 02 October. Still haven’t received my percentage.

Whats weird to me is I was approved for CRB within maybe 2 weeks. Deemed “daily supervision and is not considered to be safe when left alone” Approved for Voc Rehab & IRB instantly by my case manager. He approved it off the hop so that it wouldn’t have to sit waiting for approval.

So now im coming up on week 9 waiting for my PSC still. Keep getting the run around. Is this normal? Figured it’d be faster considering all my other claims were flash to bang.

Also, how likely is DEC if I have my initial interview, then psych interview with Voc Rehab. My symptoms are quite spicy. Includes hallucinating here and there. So I’m curious if it’s basically gonna go straight to DEC or

Thanks 🤟

for BPA they will assess your case and then discuss options with you and you tell them what you wanna do… what they can/cant do”win” doesn’t matter bc they don’t know what the board will do… they’ve always taken my cases regardless. In my experience they may ask you to get updated evidence.

Anyone ever got diagnosed with Tendenopathy and covered for it by VAC? Ty

Whats the supposed month VAC is currently working on for non - MH , claims ? Has anyone called and asked recently? Are non - MH claims still looking at 12 months from ready to be assigned to complete ? ( and thanks again as always for everyone's helpful input ).

IRB, DEC and VOC.

I've been out since 2013, 14years in, Cpl 4. Not medically released.

With VAC, I have approved degenerative disc disease and osteo arthritis in cervical and lumbar spine and one ankle, hearing loss and tinitus. Also have approved VIP. Still pending at time of this post is the same for hips, knees and shoulders.

My current employ (IT desk job with some field work) is getting harder to do. Sitting and standing getting tougher...short description.

I've been advised to apply/do VOC and IRB. Also been told DEC is rarely given for physical, most often just 'mental'.

Some questions if anyone can chime in...

What may be entailed in VOC? What does Cpl 4 make now with IRB? How long did it (IRB) take to start after application/VOC start? Heard of physical cases being classed DEC? How long typically on IRB?

Trying to decide if this is the way to go or 'walk it off' ... Am 52 currently.

Would love your input/experience here.

Cheers

Saw that my cervical spine went to completed even though I never got an email… current payments didn’t change so I suppose it got denied.

Kind of bewildered considering the fact I have recorded events in my military career of smashing my head multiple times forcefully, multiple trips to physio due to chronic pain, neck strain, headaches etc.

Finally got a MRI which showed my severe herniated disc, spinal stenosis etc… had the medical questionnaire filled out accordingly…

I thought it was a slam dunk, everything was done correctly and the imaging showed my injury. I’m sure BPA will think the same.

Frustrating to get denied and need to fight years to get approved now.

I suppose this is mainly a rant. BPA is the only way to go eh?

Adjustment disorder with Anxiety led to a fairly small payout a couple of years ago.

Upon reassessment, the diagnosis of major depressive disorder lasting over two years so maybe that's dysthymia, and agoraphobia were added.

Are these added diagnoses more significant than Adjustment disorder, or would they fall underneath them and not result in more compensation?

The IBS and OSA claims were both denied, saying they weren't related to service but they both started after the MH issues.

Has anyone had any luck with those types of claims?

I’ve received my vac decision for one of my injury’s, but I’m not satisfied with the rate they gave me, I plan on contesting. Am I able to request the lump sum they offered me now and still contest?

I had a heart attack on 18 sep 25 at 0545 doing PT in a civvie gym (since my unit does decentralized PT, they signed off on my CF98) was hospitalized for 6 days, had 2 stints put in, and was labeled as heart failure since the ejection fraction of my heart was 35%.

I was denied by VAC for the Critical Injury Benefit, even though they acknowledged it happened during caf authorized pt, was a 1 time event.

They denied it based on the fact that it was not due to an external impact, they used car accident, explosion or external damage as the reason.

I call BS on this, and feel extremely upset that it was denied.

Hey ya'll.

I have an appeal with the BPA that has been submitted to VRAB for review and decision. Its written arguments with no in person hearing required. What are we looking at for wait times on decisions from VRAB? I remember reading recently veterans waiting 2 weeks for a yes or no, and then a significantly longer wait time for VAC adjudication on award.

I've been fighting this claim for 8 years, going on 9 and my lawyer did a bang up job on collecting evidence and arguments for this, so it should go well. Itll allow me to close a painful chapter of my life to get it settled. What should I expect for waiting?

Sort of VAC related, more medically related until I submit a claim. Long story short, somethings wrong with my lower back. Saw CDU, got X Ray, they caught something that was wrong. Sent to MRI, said they'd get back to me in 5 days. Been over a month now. How come CDU can't tell me what's wrong over the phone? I have to travel 2 hours to sit in CDU for what could suffice as a phone call. Is there a way to get this resolved over the phone?

Hey brothers and sisters anyone ever claimed a functional neurological disorder? Thanks and happy holidays!

Looking For Information on the Exceptional Incapacity Allowance Benefit. Who would be eligible for this, What are the requirements, are you able to receive this if you are already receiving DEC & APSC, and any other relevant information about this is greatly appricated.

I have a claim in for Sexual dysfunction, it's been sitting at stage 3.1 since January 2025.. is this normal to be waiting this long? Ive tried asking VAC and they just say they are back logged

How do I apply for a consequential condition? I Have multiple conditions that been caused by medication that the air force put me on for MH issues. I'm 3b released for the MH condition if that makes a diff.

Basically asking if it's a new claim or because it is consequential to the MH condition from my 3b release 8 years ago, is it a reassessment? Because it's drug induced, and the drug is from an entitled condition, do i have to re-link it to service, or is the link implied?

Thanks team!

Is it possible to get a mortgage while being a veteran ? As anyone been able to?

How far before release can you submit your application for APSC? I understand they will put it on hold until you are released?

So my mortgage is up for renewal real soon. The renewal date is just after my release date from the CAF. I'm on a 3B release for a lot of issues but this question is regarding proof of "income"

My mortgage dude requests a document that states what income I will be receiving once I release. So I'll be receiving LTD from Manulife and VAC top op.

I am approved For rehab and IRB.

Apparently my approval letters are not good enough, they need numbers, go figure that banking institutions want numbers.

Is there someone at veterans affairs and Manulife that could possibly provide numbers?

Thanks in advance

Just for tracking purposes I submitted MH/PTSD February 26th 2025, my application went to step 3.2 today. What's the timeline for a decision?

Hi all, to make a long story sort of short, I was declined my claims originally in 2005, reapplied in 2006, waiting on medical info but life took over and my dr didn’t submit what they were supposed to and I ended up putting it on hold vs cancelling. Fast forward to 2024 after years of back and forth to dr’s / specialist and a series of various treatments, I started receiving support and encouragement from other members, including this monthly post, to go for it and finally resubmitted again one of the claims with PBA who after receiving the medical report, turned it back to vac for a re-review. File went to stage 3 in Feb 2025, which brings us to today. I received a call from PBA advising they received a message from vac about my claim, they want me to withdrawal the re-review claim and submit a new claim that’s more related to my current condition. This was an impact injury that occurred during training. Originally this particular claim was for lumbar muscular strain, however it’s since turned into advanced degeneration ie bone on bone with nerve impingement, sciatica and numbness down one leg daily both legs on a bad day and some other stuff. Everyday is a roulette game on how functional I will be. Super fun. (Humour helps me stay positive). I asked PBA how long would it take to review if we did that? -didn’t know How does that impact the pension or benefit I receive as a new claim would fall under the new act vs the 2006 re-review under the old pension act. - Didn’t know. And How would submitting a new claim now as degeneration / osteoarthritis be better than them approving the re-review for what it originally was and me submitting for a reassessment. - He said from the message he got, if I kept it as it is it would be declined as what was submitted doesn’t contain any new evidence for that issue - which imo is BS. I also asked by submitting a new claim for what they said, would they look at everything going on with my lumbar area or just the degeneration. - Said with the assessment it should encompass all the issues and limitations for that area. PBA said he would go back to vac and ask these questions and get back to me. He also said, I didn’t have to fill out any new forms or anything. Essentially no action on my part was required which I found really weird as a new claim usually involves new forms - new reports and more time. This claim is just the tip of the iceberg of what I still have to submit for. I am beyond stressed. My QOL is not great and so yes, I have started a mental health claim as well. Any advice / insight you can give on what they are asking and why you think they are asking me to do this and probable outcome /timeline is greatly appreciated. Any advice at all really - thank you.

Hi,

First, I want to thank you for the support you provide to CAF members regarding VAC matters. I have a question about my recent decision. I was granted 10% for tinnitus and 1% for Quality of Life.

However, based on the report, it appears that only my tinnitus was evaluated. My hearing loss does not seem to have been assessed, as the VAC decision only mentions tinnitus. This is concerning, especially since my audiologist recommended two tinnitus maskers as well as an amplifier for my hearing loss, which shows that both conditions affect me on a daily basis.

Also, receiving only 1% for Quality of Life feels low considering the constant symptoms I experience from tinnitus.

I would like your opinion: Should I contest the decision, or is this outcome typical given my permanent tinnitus symptoms and hearing loss from the audiologist?

Thank you for your help !

Long time lurker. Few time poster, had a few things happen this week and questions on others. Trade was Veh Tech So currently at 66% for MH, hearing loss and tinnitus First level of APSC and a small clothing award Currently have a few more claims in for a few consequential to MH and Osteoarthritis of hips and knees. So question 1. OA claims (submitted July of this year) went to stage 2 in Oct, stage 3.2 this past Tuesday to 3.3 this afternoon. Never seen a claim move so quick, I assume it’s a fluke and will be there for 6 months now.

1. At 66% I only have 34% remaining but if other claims are approved, I’m aware I won’t get Payment but entitled to treatment? (Sleep apnea claim would get me a cpap etc)

2. APSC second level obtainable at 100%? Pending disability I assume?

Thanks in advance for any and all info. All is greatly appreciated. Arte et Marte

Mental Health (Dementia)

My Husband just had his appeal hearing on Dec 2nd and we got the decision yesterday. Wasn't expecting it quite that quickly but I guess his advanced age/diagnosis pushed it along. Anyway, it was successful (not to brag or anything but I do believe it was partially due to all exhibits that were produced from our side were provided by me - a former paralegal. It was a lot of work but well worth it).

Now, I guess the question is, how will they determine what the percentage/compensation will be as there appears to be some information online that it could potentially lean towards it including such things as Caregivers Benefit, Attendance Assistance, and/or Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation

Anyone?

Has anyone had Lisa Riddle represent them from BPA? If so, how did it go? I have concerns.

I haven't heard from my BPA rep in over six months. I have what I think is some declining mental health, headed back to where I was before, and don't have access to much right now because my claim was denied for now (med release). Should I just apply for something else so I can be covered until they deny me again?

Any suggestions?

Anymore updates on DEC applications? Anyone submitted in September hear back on if they received DEC?

Do VAC or VocRehab people look at your Military MELs to determine if you are able to be employed in civi side? or you will be re evaluated after you are out?
Because I feel like my MELs didn't capture everything.

Quick question. Is there a better time to reach BPA or do they actual reach out or do I need to keep trying to call ?

I left a voicemail last month (only 1... dont want to leave more one), and tried to call here and there since but never made initial contact yet. Not in a rush.

Decision was from a few months ago, just never take time to deal with my own admin.

Any input appreciated.

Thank you!

Hello everyone, Long story short, I have applied for VOC Rehab on the 30 oct 25, while my claim for MH is not yet approved (still in process since 30 oct 25), thoracic spine claim in process since Aug 2024. During all this time I was on ETB until last Thursday (I had to cancel my program due to Rehab). The CM verbally confirmed on the phone that I am now on Rehab as of today, but my IRB will only be calculated as of today because the ETB was cancelled officially today. Is that normal, or it should be calculated since my application on the 30 oct 25? Do you think they will be able to make the first payment by the end of the month, or it will go to Jan 26? Thank you for everything you do.

I know this has been asked many times in the past, but I am still very confused about the way ahead. I have received a positive for a physical injury, for this type of injury they only look at the range of motion. The ROM in the paperwork fill out does not match the % they give me. They give be 1/4 and I should be at 1/2. What is the next step, do I ask for a department review or BPA ? What is the difference. And how to do this ?

So I finally got my rehab plan from Manulife. It's pretty intensive and time consuming. The want me to add 8-10 hours a week between 830-4 Mon-Fri. The problem is I'm already 4 months into my VOC rehab, which primarily happens 830-4 Mon-Fri. From my understanding, my VOC Rehab is contingent on participation in the Manulife rehab through PCVRS. The problem is that my Voc rehab has a time limit or 2 years post release, and my plan was approved as a full-time plan. If I cut back my time at school, I won't be able to complete it in the 2 year window but if I can't follow their rehab plan, do I risk losing my VOC rehab?

I might be able to figure it out but between school, the therapy I'm all ready doing (which is in addition to the PCVRS plan) and caring for a special needs child I am concerned I'm just going to either run out of available time or burn out. The 24 month window with Manulife really complicates things. I don't want to barely scrap through school because I've run out of time or mental capacity to study or do school work properly.

I'm just hoping for a little info before I go back to talk to PCVRS again.

Just want to confirm that by taking the lump sum payment instead of monthly, it doesn't stop benefits right? Like in 10+ years from now, I'll still be entitled to have treatment paid for by VAC for my pensioned conditions, even though I took the lump sum and not receiving monthly payments??

Wondering if anyone can give me insight into what kind of timeline I might have ahead of me.

Was denied for MH benefits (PTSD) in the summer (August 23) Contacted BPA, was contacted 8 weeks later and was told we would be doing a departmental review for this as they were surprised it wasn’t accepted. I was given another assessment form to bring back to psychologist to have filled out. I did that today, and it will be submitted to BPA by end of week.

Now that, that is done. What kind of timeline will I be looking going forward. How long does it take BPA to start the departmental review after they’ve recieved the required documents and then subsequently typical time line for a decision after that?

Thanks!