RCMP officer denied disability benefits after abdominal injury

The Veterans Review and Appeal Board has upheld a decision to deny disability benefits to a 50-year-old RCMP officer. The officer, who has served with the force since 2008, suffered a severe abdominal injury in 2016 while working as a general duty officer in Quesnel.

The injury, diagnosed as Perforated Diverticulosis, required two emergency surgeries and the use of a colostomy bag for four months. While the officer reported that the condition made it impossible to wear a standard duty belt and caused significant pain during physical activity, Veterans Affairs Canada determined the condition was not directly related to his service.

In its July appeal decision, the board acknowledged that compressive gear and physical activity caused the officer discomfort but concluded there was insufficient evidence to prove the condition was caused or aggravated by his duties with the RCMP.