Adaptive vehicle controls and the VA

[USN Veteran]

New to the site and am currently experiencing an issue obtaining adaptive controls for my vehicle. The VA is my primary resource for assistance and they have had my request since January of 2011! The VA paid for my driving evaluation and training, passed my test in December 2010. I have heard from different sources that it may take 18 months to get a response, even a denial.
I think I just wanted to vent, I feel helpless in the face of so much bureacracy...my life is on hold and my family is burdened with having to drive me everywhere.

[Scooter24]

handling this yourself or do you have an agency such as PVA or Amvets handling it for you. Are you service connected? if you are send me an email (it is on my profile)and I will give you some info you may not be aware of.

[USN Veteran]

Yes, I am 100% service connected and yes, I am using an NGO (the DAV). The DAV supposedly has good connections with the VA here in Pittsburgh, but I am disappointed in their apparant lack of advocacy. When I contact them, they can only repeat to me what was last entered in the computer under my file number and then encourage me to continue to wait. My family is encouraging me to contact my local congressman, but am unsure of what I can ask for from his office. Have you experienced something like this? My MS is very stable att, so I am anxious to get back to being a productive member of society....

[Scooter24]

Did you put in for just hand controls or for a vehicle grant. My grant request has been in for only 2 months now, I was SC after 8 months with the PVA handling it. My SO told me when I asked if he could get me a copy of my C&P exam results for me to reveiw prior to the final dtermination he told me that all that would do is cause delay. I have further claims in at this time for things that were not taken into consideration along with unemployability as I am on SS also.

Is your request pending locally or is it at another location. I know I just read a report somewhere and it showed your area of the country along with 2 or 3 others have a larger backlog of requests, NC had some of the lowest #'s so that might be why my stuff seems to be moving quickly.

Have you set yourself up for ebenefits to check on you claim? Also you know about the veterans section further down on the threads list. Good luck with your request

[USN Veteran]

Scooter24,

I am just looking to adapt my existing vehicle and I have used ebenefits...tells me nothing I don't know from my SO at the DAV. And my claim is with the Pittsburgh office, so I do expect them to be very busy. Just frustrated that any veteran should be expected to wait a year or more for any adaptation that ensures their ability to remain productive and independent....I know the SocSec Admin is investigating ways to improve their disability claims process with an eye toward reducing wait times...Wish the VA would adapt a more proactive attitude toward process improvement! Tks for your comments and suggestions, Scooter24, and good luck with your progress as well.

[Bob698]

Originally Posted by USN Veteran

My family is encouraging me to contact my local congressman, but am unsure of what I can ask for from his office.

Some congressmen and senators can have an SO on their staff, it really comes down to how they positioned themselves with the military and how much they like being a "do gooder".
Having a senator (like where I live) on the armed svcs cmtee doesn't mean that every throw will be a touchdown, but it does seem to help if it looks like a Vet is going to fall through the cracks.

[1042xx]

Originally Posted by USN Veteran

Yes, I am 100% service connected and yes, I am using an NGO (the DAV). The DAV supposedly has good connections with the VA here in Pittsburgh, but I am disappointed in their apparant lack of advocacy. When I contact them, they can only repeat to me what was last entered in the computer under my file number and then encourage me to continue to wait. My family is encouraging me to contact my local congressman, but am unsure of what I can ask for from his office. Have you experienced something like this? My MS is very stable att, so I am anxious to get back to being a productive member of society....

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I use the VA as well for some resources and whenever I have difficulty I discovered the best way to get a response is to be your own advocate. By this I mean you may have to visit your local VA office and speak with the Patient Advocate. Once, I had problems with the pharmacy "not receiving my refill" for a medicine I could not do without. When I asked if the medicine was available because I could not skip a dosage, I was told no they did not have any in stock. I found this a bit difficult to believe, so I skipped all levels and went to the Executive Suite. A Patient Advocate met me at the Suite, escorted me to the pharmacy where SURPRISE! The pharmacy magically produced the medicine that was heretofore was not in stock. It was that day that I wondered about the many veterans who were too sick, not able, or simply did not know who to turn to in case of problems. If you are using the DAV and their advocacy is not adequate, find another one. Pittsburgh should have a fairly good size VA with services to address grievances. If it were me, I would go to the very office that handles this type of grant to ascertain the status of my application. Sometimes putting a face to the paper makes a difference. Lastly, our VA medical center has a MS social worker and a MS case worker. Do you have these in your area? If so, they may be able to help, but in my experience, one must be an ardent advocate to get the attention they deserve. Good luck to you.