Once you’ve completed your Veteran’s Medical Questionnaire at River Stone Nurse Practitioner Clinic, you might be wondering what happens next.
The good news is that we take care of submitting your assessment results for you, so you’re not left figuring things out on your own!
After VAC approves treatment, you’ll return to the same trusted clinic for care, right here at River Stone.
No need to juggle appointments all over town.
You’ll receive a personalized, holistic treatment plan designed by our team with your specific needs in mind.
When it comes to the next steps for VAC benefits, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Step 1 – Submission and Review by VAC
Once your medical questionnaire is completed at River Stone Nurse Practitioner Clinic, our team submits it directly to Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) on your behalf.
This step begins the formal review process where VAC evaluates your reported conditions and medical history to determine treatment eligibility.
What VAC Does With the Medical Questionnaire
VAC reviews your completed questionnaire alongside your existing service file and medical history.
They assess the nature and severity of your conditions to decide what kinds of treatment and support are warranted.
Their goal is to confirm that your medical needs are related to your service and to outline the appropriate care path.
Timelines
Most veterans can expect a response from VAC within 4 to 6 weeks, though this can vary based on the complexity of the file or volume of requests.
Some cases may take longer if additional documentation or clarification is needed.
What Veterans Should Expect During This Period
This stage is mostly a waiting game, but you’re not on your own.
River Stone is here to answer questions or help if you’re unsure what to expect next.
While you wait, no additional action is typically required on your part unless VAC contacts you directly.
Step 2 – VAC Decision on Your Claim
After reviewing your medical questionnaire, VAC will make a decision about your eligibility for treatment and support.
This decision determines what care is approved and how you can move forward with receiving it through River Stone.
Types of Outcomes
If your claim is approved, you’ll be able to begin your treatment right here at River Stone with a personalized care plan.
In some cases, VAC might request more information, which could involve additional documentation or follow-up from your nurse practitioner.
If the claim is denied, VAC will provide reasoning and options for review or appeal and our team can help you understand those next steps if needed.
Communication Methods From VAC
VAC typically communicates decisions by mail or through your My VAC Account.
Be sure to check both regularly during this time.
If you’re unsure about what a letter or message means, you can bring it to your appointment and we’ll walk through it with you.
Step 3 – Receiving Your Recommended Treatment Plan
Once your claim is approved, the next step is putting your care into action.
VAC will outline the types of treatment you’re eligible for, based on the conditions identified in your medical questionnaire.
From there, River Stone Nurse Practitioner Clinic will work with you to develop a plan that’s personalized, thorough, and focused on long-term wellness all in one location.
VAC Recommended Treatments
Depending on your specific diagnosis, VAC may authorize services such as physical therapy, mental health support, pain management, or chronic care follow-up.
These treatments are matched to the challenges you outlined in your initial assessment.
You won’t need to track down providers; everything can be arranged through our team.
Service-Related Conditions and Everyday Life
The medical questionnaire helps identify how your service-related conditions impact your daily life.
VAC uses that information to determine what types of treatment will help improve your health and functioning.
Your treatment plan will directly reflect what was documented during your assessment, with added input from our nurse practitioners to support your full recovery.
Step 4 – Finding a Provider for Your Recommended Care
After your treatment is approved, the next task is finding a provider who can deliver that care, and for many veterans, this step can bring new frustrations.
Waitlists, travel, and back-and-forth calls for approvals often create delays.
That’s why River Stone makes it easier by offering many VAC-approved treatments right on site at our Wellness Centre.
Challenges Veterans Face: Waitlists, Coordination, Approvals
It’s common to hit roadblocks when trying to access care through multiple providers.
Long waitlists, unclear communication between clinics, and delays in getting the right paperwork submitted can leave veterans stuck in limbo.
Coordinating all of this on your own can be time-consuming and stressful.
Why River Stone Wellness Centre Is Already Set Up to Help
At River Stone Wellness Centre, we’re already equipped to provide many of the treatments VAC recommends all under one roof.
That means no extra searching, no long waits, and no extra coordination on your part.
You’ll receive care from the same trusted team that completed your assessment, with a clear plan built around your needs.
How River Stone Wellness Centre Supports Post-MQ Treatment
Once your treatment is approved, River Stone offers a clear and convenient path forward.
You don’t need to start over or explain your story all over again because we’ve already done the groundwork with your initial assessment.
Our Wellness Centre was built to support veterans with follow-up care that’s timely, familiar, and rooted in compassion.
Seamless Transition From River Stone NP Clinic to River Stone Wellness Centre
Because the Nurse Practitioner Clinic and Wellness Centre are part of the same care team, your transition into treatment is smooth and straightforward.
There’s no need to transfer files or wait for new referrals.
We already know your history, your goals, and the care plan in place.
No Repeated Assessments
You won’t be asked to retell your story or go through another full intake just to start care.
The initial medical questionnaire already covers what VAC needs, and we use that information to guide your ongoing treatment.
It saves you time, energy, and frustration.
Trusted Providers Familiar With VAC Requirements
Our providers work closely with veterans and understand the specific standards and documentation VAC requires.
We know how to deliver care that not only supports your health but meets VAC’s guidelines for coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know the process can feel confusing, especially the first time around.
Here are answers to some of the most common questions veterans ask after completing their Medical Questionnaire:
How long until I hear back from VAC?
Most veterans receive a response from VAC within 4 to 6 weeks, though it can vary depending on your case and current processing times.
If VAC needs more information, they may reach out directly or contact our clinic for clarification.
We’ll let you know if we hear anything on your behalf.
Do I need to bring my VAC paperwork to the Wellness Centre?
Not usually.
Because we submit your Medical Questionnaire and coordinate care within the same team, we already have most of what we need.
If any additional paperwork is required, we’ll let you know in advance.
Can I start treatment while I wait?
Unfortunately, treatment can’t begin until VAC officially approves it.
That said, you’re welcome to book a check-in with our nurse practitioners or ask questions while you wait.
We’ll be ready to move forward as soon as approval comes through.
Your Care Doesn’t End With the Questionnaire – It Starts Here.
At River Stone, we’re committed to walking with you through every step of the VAC process.
Once your questionnaire is complete, our team takes care of the submission and stays ready to support you when care is approved.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward personalized, reliable treatment, we’re here to help.