VA regulations for new wheelchair?

[NHsciGuy]

So ive had my wheelchair for 12 years. I take good care of it. I've had a peer assist and another manual chair. I haven't been happy with either one. The last one was really expensive. Really nice. And really heavy! I keep reverting back to my old one. I've finally done research. Im done with trying to get fancy. I just want us TiLite. What are the typical guidelines? The last one I had bought was 3 years ago

[itsnotmeitsyou]

I use a topend terminator titanium. It's very light (16lbs). The VA has no specific regulations regarding the number of wheelchairs a veteran may get in a certain number of years. It all depends on if something is working or it isn't. If your sci is service connected and you go to sci clinic then just tell them your having problems with your chair and you get another.

But, if your going with a Trilite the Trilite TR is nice.

If you are in the sci clinic ask to talk to the occupational therapist. Tell your OT what you need. My OT just had a new wheelchair ramp put in for me, and she argued with me for twenty minutes about needing a new chair.

[SCI-Nurse]

This varies at each SCI Center. At ours, PTs orders wheelchairs, OTs take care of bathroom equipment (commodes, shower chairs, grab bars, etc.), ADL adaptive equipment, bed frames (but not mattresses) and ramps. Recreation therapy orders sports equipment.

There can also be some restrictions on wheelchairs. For example, at our facility, only one specialty sports chair is allowed (tennis, rugby, road racing, etc.). This does not include hand cycles though.

(KLD)

[itsnotmeitsyou]

Yes, I know about the one sports chair. I didn't mean the OT could order the wheelchair. My OT didn't order my chair, but she arranged for me to talk with the right person. The person was in the PT department, but not a PT.

I know my OT poked and prodded and cajoled and inveigled me into getting another chair, but I don't want one. I am thinking of getting a handcycle, but I've felt like crap for so long. That I don't know if I will.

All I know is VA medical centers are a crap shoot for service some are very great some are not so great and some are horrible. I have been to all three since I was injured, and the one I go to now gets hammered in the news but I like it.

[arealgijoe]

I have sure been thru that, a few times.

It not only varies from one facility to another but from various doctors / clinics. I have MS and use a power chair part-time that was Rx'd by my non-va fam doc (his idea, after P/T evaluation). Took me a while to adjust to just the idea I needed a w/c or p/c even part time. (I had hoped for help with my limited walking, not adding training wheels.)

I have a good MS doc at the VA, I get my Copaxone monthly & was given a cooling vest for hot weather. Took me a few decades to get the VA to even find out what was wrong.

The PVA rep at the VA is worthless. She was more interested in helping a guy (change his discharge status) KICKED OUT of the Navy, than helping me, a vet that had problems getting proper medical care while on active duty (and at the VA) and refused to ship over for that very reason.

I contacted the PVA headquarters, who put me in touch with the boss at the state level, so far nothing but stalling and lip service. Not quite what I expected from PVA, based on their reputation.

Gomer (a real human gomer)

[SCI_OTR]

Here are the official documents concerning VA Policy...

VHA Handbook 1173.06...http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1634

PSAS Clinical Practice Recommendations for Manual Mobility...http://www.prosthetics.va.gov/Docs/Manual_Wheelchairs.pdf

PSAS Clinical Practice Recommendations for Power Mobility...http://www.prosthetics.va.gov/Docs/Motorized_Wheeled_Mobility_Devices.pdf

[SCI_OTR]

PSAS Clinical Practice Recommendations for Sports and Recreation Equipment...http://www.prosthetics.va.gov/docs/Recreational_and_Sports_Equipment.pdf