Canada's veterans fighting a new battle: Government bureaucracy
CBC
Wounded veterans who have served this country say they're facing a new battle: Government bureaucracy.
Their doctors say they no longer have time to fill out the pages of paperwork necessary for them to receive disability benefits.
But without a doctor's visit, the veterans say they can't get the help they so desperately need.
Chris Cobham of St. Louis, P.E.I., is proud of his military service.
His grandfather, father and sister also served in the military. Cobham retired after 25 years, having fought in places like Croatia, Sarajevo and Bosnia.
What he experienced took its toll.
"I have PTSD, anxiety and depression, and medical issues with my body," said Cobham, who is 60.
"I've had an ankle joint complete replacement. I've had a hip replacement, and I'm waiting for the fall to have another hip replacement."
Earlier this year, he made a doctor's appointment to get the paperwork he needed for his Disability Tax Credit done.
Cobham had filled out the pages and pages of documents for the Canada Revenue Agency before, so he knew the routine.
But the doctor wouldn't see him.
Cobham said he was left confused and hurt.
"To be excluded for being a veteran, and a wounded veteran, a disabled veteran, I think that's the worst," he said.
"You give so much for your country and put so much on the line, that when you're done — if you're not healthy and you're broke — well, you're pretty well used up."