“Veterans Affairs ignores doctors reports to deny Disability Benefits”

I was on duty with the Canadian Forces in 2009 when I received the H1N1 shot (AREPANRIX by GSK GlaxoSmithKline) and had a severe adverse reaction resulting in PERMANENT neurological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and respiratory symptoms: dizziness, vertigo, irregular heart rhythms, shortness of breath, muscle weakness and pain, and numbness in hands and feet. My physical fitness changed from special forces fit to that of a 70 year old in a matter of days. I advised the military doctors that my change in health occurred following the H1N1 vaccination and although they noted my concerns on 8 different occasions, they did not investigate the link. Due to the severity of my symptoms I was unable to continue performing my duties and was released from the military. Following my release, the military determined I was disabled and altered my release record due to the severity of my symptoms. Two years later Alberta's health officer in charge of the Immunization program for Alberta reviewed my medical history and verified I had an adverse reaction to the H1N1 vaccine. I applied to Veterans Affairs for disability benefits and was denied on 3 separate occasions. Even though I was on duty training personnel when I received the vaccination, Veterans Affairs stated “There is no evidence that your barriers to reestablishment are related to your service time”. Regarding another application, a Veterans Affairs doctor reviewed my file and stated my condition was not related to service, ignored medical information from several of my doctors, altered the conclusion of one of my neurologists reports, and speculated that had the military determined my diagnosis was related to service there was no medical treatment that would relieve my symptoms. I forwarded this report to my neurologist who indicated the doctors conclusions were false and that he should have consulted a specialist who was familiar with my condition and symptoms. Veterans Affairs admitted the doctor had made errors, but refused to review the original application advising me to appeal the decision through an Administrative review which would take another 6 – 8 months. Since I left the Canadian Forces 19 months ago I have been hospitalized on numerous occasions totalling 30 days. Spent more than $10,000 paying for medication and therapy to manage my symptoms. I am now unable to afford the specialized physiotherapy which costs thousands of dollars each year and am unable to work due to my disability.

I'd like to know what the hellt hat has to do with a rememberance day service? Absolutely nothing thats what. This is the most disgusting and disrespectful thing I've ever heard of. Anyone who is protesting at a rememberance Day service should be arrested for disturbing the Peace, slander, hate crimes. Anything like that. These people gave their lives in the Wars for YOUR freedoms and YOUR rights and you repay the favour by protesting a service set to remember them? Lest we forget has lost all meaning. If something like this is happening...We've obviously already forgotten.

The First Nations people have lost all my respect and yet I would bet some of them fought for our country. Do they forget they would not be free in this country without our veterans. Regardless of political feelings this was not the time and place and I could care less what happens to them now. My grandfather died defending their rights. Let them drown in their bottles then we don't have to deal with them anymore. Can we say pissed????

Unbelievable. You should be absolutely ashamed of yourself. Please, understand what you have done and apologise for your disrespect.
j. descheemaeker

They started out in the middle of Queen street holding a black banner and were at first not saying anything. They started arguing with a woman who was walking by and then a cop came over and tried to grab their banner off them and tell them to move to the sidewalk. The did after a few more cops showed up. Then they waited till the 2 minutes of silence and decided to start yelling and chanting. That brought out the two guys from the crowd who confronted them.. From what I could see, one of the guys who confronted them knocked a protestor to the ground, and then the police moved pretty fast when they saw the crowd was taking matters into their own hands. From the looks on the protestors face afterward, I don't think they were quite prepared for the crowd turning on them, and they hightailed it out of there. Cops probably told them that they had their one chance to go and to use it, or they would let the crowd have their way if they didnt. Kudos to the two guys who stepped up.

These idiots should be rounded up,given basic training and shipped off to Afghanistan post haste.

those protestors either born outside Canada or first generation should ask themselves why their families chose Canada. Is there the remotest chance it's because of the freedom and safety and opportunities they have in Canada vs their country of origin?

Do they think that grows on trees? We enjoy the wonderful freedom, safety and opportunities in part because our veterans fought for that freedom from various oppressors and/or would-be oppressors.