my left ankle and lower leg are held in place, as best they can, by an orthosis (VA supplied, service-connected, etc.). But, due to the way my foot sticks out (at a 45 degree angle to the left) and the pain that is associated with the bone-on-bone situation of my ankle and leg and foot, I have trouble getting around in this car , besides the fact that it's plumb dangerous with me trying to shift and keep my foot aligned upon the clutch pedal, what with it slipping off every once in a while......wooooohoooooo, ooooops, sorry, didn't hit ya TOO hard, did I.

My question is, is it possible to get this benefit that helps you to purchase a vehicle, so I can get something with an automatic transmission?

If this is a service connected condition this makes you elgible for an adaptable automobile. Go for it.

Larry,

Your basic question :
Can I get financial help to have a vehicle or vehicle conversion
so I can drive - my driving is limited by an appliance I wear for a SC'd condition.

My basic opinion:
Yes, yes and yes -- it will just have to be applied for and medically supported,
in language that goes hand in hand with the regulation.

jmho,
carlie

Carlie,
that's what I was thinking. The regs state that you have to have "Loss, or Loss of Use Of........the equavalent to "if you could do as well with the surgical removal of the (in this case, foot/ankle) and the replacement by a prothesis". I even had one of the orthopedic surgeons at the VA suggest that I actually HAVE the lower leg and foot replaced by a prothesis.
I guess I could get him to put that in writing, huh?

I need to be able to get around with a vehicle, safely. I have enough trouble what with the codiene, etc., that my driving is problematic as it is, without any more "handicaps" being thrown in for good measure, thereby making it IMPOSSIBLE, even to get to the VA for my scheduled treatments and therapy (twice a week, sometimes three times a week). It's 50 miles, one way, and takes all day, anytime I go.

I'm whining, huh?



Oy Vey!

Larry,
Quit whining and get the required paperwork in order :)
carlie

I just had an idea:

I'll buy me a BMW.......thereby allowing me to Bitch, Moan and Whine officially, with good reason.


Ya know, I'm having me a heck of a time trying to convince myself that I really DO need to "get the required paperwork in order".
I let meself get all "relaxed" after having "won" the last time.
Now, I find myself DREADING to become involved with the VA, again.
Kinda like "I WON, I WON.............now can I just let the cuts and bruises HEAL, finally.......".

Oh well, lessee where I put that flak vest........?

Larry:

Walk up to the prosthetic department where they hand out equipment or take the elevator and ask to see a Councilor who will help you fill out the paperwork.

Good Luck

Hey Pete!

Did I ever tell you how KEWL you are?
That is EXACTLY what I'll do.
HEck, they are the ones that my PCP and the ortho dude sent me to, to get this amalgamation of hardware that I have to use to walk with.
GREAT!
SOMEBODY else can figger out how to word all this paperwork.

I'm off to see the lizard, first thing in A.M.