Veterans Adviser a prosthetics question.

[synbat]

I thought you might know the answers to this question. I am 100% service-connected and would like to know if my VA doctor writes out an order/counsel for a Vitaglide is there the possibility of the VA purchasing this equipment. I know that I can get a stationary hand cycle and I have always had a standing frame. However, besides these two pieces of equipment does prosthetics furnish or provide other "physical therapy" equipment for the home.

Any information on this topic would be greatly appreciated.

James

[SCI-Nurse]

Exercise equipment, with sufficient medical justification, is covered by your Prosthetics & Sensory Aids benefits. We have provided Vitaglides, provide standing frames and gliders on a regular basis, as well as Saratoga arm ergometers and other exercise equipment. You probably would do best to get this prescribed through your SCI Center when you go for your annual, although you can certainly try to get it through your spoke SCI clinic as well.

You will probably do better to get your PT or OT to write the justification and get your physician to sign it though.

(KLD)

[Veteran Advisor]

James,

SCI-Nurse pretty must covered it in her post. But since my goal here is to empower you, I'm providing you with the language contained in VHA Directive 1173.06 upon which the answer to your question relies. You should have no trouble getting the VitaGlide with an adequately written doctor's prescription, but creeping standards command our constant vigilance.

Here ya go:

k. Rehabilitative and/or Recreational Equipment. VA may provide recreational equipment, which falls under the broad definition of a prosthetic appliance (all aids, appliances, parts, and accessories which are required to replace, support, or substitute for a deformed, weakened, or missing part of the body). NOTE: For guidance on recreational prostheses refer to VHA Handbook 1173.03.

(1) Rehabilitative sporting equipment that facilitates access for therapeutic and rehabilitative reasons may be provided to eligible veterans, when prescribed with a valid medical justification. Prescription(s) must include:

(a) Description of the veteran’s sports activity which requires specially designed sports equipment for attainment of maximum rehabilitation; or

(b) Proof of proper training on the prescribed equipment; and

(c) Approval by the Major Medical Equipment Committee, local Wheelchair Committee, or by a physician who specializes in rehabilitation medicine.

NOTE: All requests for equipment of this nature must be submitted to VHA Central Office on VA Form 10-2641, Authorization for Issuance of Special and/or Experimental Appliances, to include medical justification.

(2) Exercise equipment may be issued if it is medically indicated for home use, for example, a prescribed cardiac rehabilitation program, whereby the desired results cannot be achieved from walking, jogging, or any other type of recommended home exercise program.

[synbat]

Veteran Adviser,

Thank you for the information. That is exactly what I was looking for -- VHA directive 1173.06 -- to deal with the VA personnel here. It is always best when dealing with the VA to have the definitive code and precise language. You have made my day and weekend a much more pleasant experience. Once again, I appreciate the precise resource. If you are ever in Michigan (in the area), I owe you a beer, drink or whatever goes best with your stogie.

Keep up the great work,
James
synbat@comcast.net

[Veteran Advisor]

Veteran Adviser,

Thank you for the information. That is exactly what I was looking for -- VHA directive 1173.06 -- to deal with the VA personnel here. It is always best when dealing with the VA to have the definitive code and precise language. You have made my day and weekend a much more pleasant experience. Once again, I appreciate the precise resource. If you are ever in Michigan (in the area), I owe you a beer, drink or whatever goes best with your stogie.

Keep up the great work,
James
synbat@comcast.net

James,

You're most certainly welcome. Michigan is not an area of the country I tend to frequent (especially in the fall and winter...brrrr), but if I do I'll take you up on the offer.

For you and the rest of the vets here who might be interested in reading the entire VHA 1173.06 text for other wheelchair and prosthetics device issues here's a link.

http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1634

I'd advise anyone who deals with VA Prosthetics for his/her livelihood to get acquainted with the directive.

[quadvet]

Good question, Synbat, and great answer Veteran Adviser. I'd not seen that before, thanks.

[SCI_OTR]

James,

You're most certainly welcome. Michigan is not an area of the country I tend to frequent (especially in the fall and winter...brrrr), but if I do I'll take you up on the offer.

For you and the rest of the vets here who might be interested in reading the entire VHA 1173.06 text for other wheelchair and prosthetics device issues here's a link.

http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1634

I'd advise anyone who deals with VA Prosthetics for his/her livelihood to get acquainted with the directive.
Might I add the following Prosthetics Clinical Practice Recommendations (http://www.prosthetics.va.gov/cpr.asp)which supplement 1173.06...

Manual Wheelchairs (http://www.prosthetics.va.gov/Docs/Manual_Wheelchairs.pdf)

Powerchairs (http://www.prosthetics.va.gov/docs/Motorized_Wheeled_Mobility_Devices.doc)

Sports & Recreation Equipment (http://www.prosthetics.va.gov/docs/Recreational_and_Sports_Equipment.pdf)