Clothing Allowance Time Again

[JayBrown1]

I went to the Prosthetic Department at my local VA Medical Center as directed by letter I received. I took my damage clothes and was wearing my devices as I do daily. I was ask if I was wear my devices and I told them yes. He wrote on letter that I was wearing devices and said I will make you a copy to keep. I ask him don't you want to see my damage clothing, he said that's not necessary, I said yes it is and I pulled out every thing I brought with me and showed him. He then said ok, I make that copy now. I said first you need to annotate on the letter that you observed my damaged clothing, he said okay and wrote on it and said would you like a copy now and I said yes I would. Veterans, please make sure that they make note of all damage clothing otherwise they could deny you allowance just like they did last year with me. My appeal is still waiting a decision. I was receiving a clothing allowance for over ten years and when they changed to dual allowances I was denied one of them because they stated that it was not noted that I showed damaged clothing even though I did but because it was not noted it was denied so I only received one allowance.

[JayBrown1]

Thanks for sharing your letter. If I were you, I would not only appeal their denial but I would also ask for a copy of the company's letter stating that their product does not cause clothing wear under the freedom of information act. Then I would file a lawsuit against that company for their false product claim because your worn clothing is proof that it is not true. I would also ask fellow veterans who receive similar letters to do the same and join you in a class action suit against this company. So far, since reading your letter I have been online looking for any brace that would not cause or claim that it would not cause clothing wear and I have not found one yet. You have to remember companies will say anything to get government contracts because most are not held accountable to show proof of what they claim, we are the only ones that are forced to show proof in our claims.

[JayBrown1]

I left of something from previous post:the company states in there letter that the devices are design to not interfere or wear out outer clothing. They did not say that it wouldn't, which means there is a possibility that it could, which means we as veterans should get the benefit of the doubt. If we show our clothing has been damaged then they should pay.

[elcamino_77us]

The brace that I wore in 2012 was discontinued for use either by the company or by the VA, I'm not sure which. However, I'm sure that the reason was that it did not meet the new policy for clothing wear. Yet, the VA decided to implement the new policy prematurely one year ahead of time. I think that will be the deciding factor. Yes, you're right about getting a copy of the letter, but my NOD was filed back in January.

I left of something from previous post:the company states in there letter that the devices are design to not interfere or wear out outer clothing. They did not say that it wouldn't, which means there is a possibility that it could, which means we as veterans should get the benefit of the doubt. If we show our clothing has been damaged then they should pay.

Another Good Point, not sure what it will take for the VA as a whole, to do whats right, I'm thinking a total revamping of their system. Maybe even being able to hold some of them personal responsible for their actions and the result of those actions.

Bill

[MRRRR5]

Bill,

thanks for sharing your CA letter. I find it interesting that you received this version with great detail of the "new CA" criteria, however, mine did not have all the details; it did state about multiple CAs may be considered, but giving examples of what is and is not approved based on the previous year versus 2013 criteria was not in my letter.

[elcamino_77us]

MRRRR5

You're very welcome

Bill

[iceturkee]

just got my clothing allowance. i've been reading your comments and wasn't aware of the need to bring in the torn clothes to your prothestics department. currently, i have a va issued electric wheelchair; a va issued custon knee brace; a va issued back brace and a va issued home hospital bed.

in any event, just a heads up that 2013 allowances are now being released.