Veterans Affairs CanadaNews Release FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION January 28, 2009
Minister of Veterans Affairs Announces Appointment to the VeteransReview and Appeal Board
Ottawa - The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs,today announced the appointment of a new member to the Veterans Review and Appeal Board.
Thomas W. Jarmyn, of Ottawa, Ontario, has been appointed to the Boardfor a three-year term, effective February 1, 2009.
“Mr. Jarmyn’s appointment is part of our on-going efforts to createa strong, responsive and diverse Board,” said Minister Thompson. “With his background in law and the military, Mr. Jarmyn will bring valuable insights to his new position. I am confident he will do verywell serving our Veterans and other Canadians who rely on the Board for fair and just decisions.”
The Veterans Review and Appeal Board handles the reviews and appeals ofdisability pension and award decisions for Veterans, Canadian Forces personnel, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and certain civilians and/or their dependants. It also deals with the final appeal on War VeteransAllowance decisions made by Veterans Affairs Canada.
Created in 1995, the Veterans Review and Appeal Board is anindependent, quasi-judicial tribunal that reports directly to Parliament through the Minister of Veterans Affairs. There are now 24 full-time members on the Board.
Mr. Jarmyn is a lawyer and consultant with training in mediation andarbitration. He has also been lecturing at Carleton University and served in the Canadian Forces, including deployments on three naval ships.
For more information, including a backgrounder on the appointmentprocess for new members, visit the Board’s Web site at www.vrab-tacra.gc.ca.
Media Enquiries:Richard Roik Danielle Gauthier Director of Communications SeniorCommunications OfficerOffice of the Minister of Veterans Affairs Veterans Review and Appeal Board613-996-4649 (902) 566-8575