"hidden" Va Benefits?

[broncovet]

There is a rumor that there are "hidden" VA benefits? Is it true? YES!! Try finding this one on the VA website

Please, post YOUR hidden benefit you found out about!

1. Free phone for (some) Hard of Hearing Veterans. Your doctor or audiologist may have to approve it, and you will definitely have to ask for it. The audiologist will have to think it will help you.

Edited March 22, 2011 by broncovet

[hawkfire27]

Hey Captain,

I am in the process of getting the HISA Grant for a bathroom remodel for my husband. I was interested to find out about what you said about a Hottub.....

This is the info i got straight from the VA website: http://www.prosthetics.va.gov/hisa2.asp

Examples of what HISA will pay for include:

• Allowing entrance or exit from Veteran's home
• Improving access for use of essential lavatory and sanitary facilities
• Improving access to kitchen and bathroom counters
• Handrails
• Lowered Electrical outlets and switches
• Improving paths or driveways
• Improving plumbing/electrical work for dialysis patients
  
  
  • Walkways to exterior buildings
  • Widening of driveways (in excess of a 7ft x 6ft area)
  • Spa, hot tub or Jacuzzi
  • Exterior decking (in excess of 8ft x 8ft)

Is the Hot tub you heard about people getting, part of the HISA Grant? or the Special Home Adaptation grant? or the Specially Adapted Housing Grant?

My husband has also found that this is great for his PN and DDD (DJD). So if there is anyway I could get this under the HISA grant I am very interested to know.

Thanks,

Hawkfire

Hello everyone. I would like to thank you all for posting this as I was not aware of some of these hidden benefits. I also wanted to let some of you know that the VA also provides the supportive stockings for your feet for those who either have Peripheral Neuropathy or if you have DMII. I used the VA to get 2 pair of the custom fitted stockings and they do help with my neuropathy. There is also the eyeglasses program which is available that I have used. There is a HISA program for not only ramps to access your entrance if you are wheelchair bound but also a Hot tub allotment. Let me warn you that the hot tub allotment is for about 5500 to 6000 dollars or thereabouts, but you have to go thru the contractor to submit plans for approval and it must fitted into your bathroom, which shot me down. The HISA program can work for other Vets but it just could not work in my case. Also the type of hot tub makes a big difference. If you don't have enough jets in the tub or its not powerful enough on the cirulating features, the results will not be substantial enough. I physically went to the companies and tried the floor models out. I also researched with others who had them and after I finally tried several models , I made my decision. IF I HAD NOT TRIED THEM OUT , I would have made a mistake and bought one that would not have done the job. I cannot stress the point that the only relief I have had from the Peripheral Neuropathy is Hydrotheraphy from the hot tub. I use it every day, sometimes 2 -3 times. The VA makes the HISA program a tough one to get thru but it can be done but you may end up with only limited results due to lessor performance from smaller models. I ended up spending the 10000 dollars and put it on my back porch. It is the only thing that has given me some relief from the Pain from Peripheral Neuropathy. You can also deduct this from your Federal Income tax on medical deductions.

For those Vets who are suffering from muscle or nerve damage , the hydrotherapy from the hot tub is the ONLY relief I have gotten from these chemical exposure diseases. My VA podiatrist and my private Neurologist both wrote prescriptions for me and when I signed my contract for the hot tub, I was eligible for the state tax exemption. The company I did business with, got me the state tax form and filled it out with the prescriptions attached and it saved me about 810.00 in state sales tax. So there are many extras not just in the VA but also outside the VA that help to financially make it better.

Thank you all again for posting this as it helped me to see some other programs offered. Isn't this site unbelievable? GOD BLESS< NEVER GIVE UP. C.C.

[Capt.]

Hello Hawk,

It has been about 3 yrs since I tried the HISA approach and the benefits counselor tried to help me with it. There was just so much red tape with the contract reports and plans rendered and approvals that it really discouraged me and I just did it on my own out of pocket. There may be a way to do the walkin type tub to get it approved. I am not sure if they changed the wording since I did it. Unfortunately I do not have my paperwork on it as I discarded the paperwork when I made my decision to get it on my own. However there are some benefits with HISA if you will follow their guidelines and be patient on the approvals.

I would try and talk to the benefits counselor at the VAMC you are near or your clinic as they usually will be able to get you some particulars on it. I am glad your husband is getting relief from the PN with the Hottub as I suffered for several years until I finally found out about how to get some at least temporary relief. I wish I could be more sure about the HISA but some of it has probably changed so your benefits counselor will be your best bet. Above all though please remember to NEVER GIVE UP. God Bless, C.C.

[WAC-Vet75]

Hey caubulldog,

Lodging is available at any VA if you travel more than 50miles each way or more than two hours total.

If you qualify for lodging then you also qualify for a meal ticket and your usual travel pay.

This is found in:

38 C.F.R. § 60.5 Travel.

Title 38 - Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief

§ 60.5 Travel. As a condition for receiving temporary lodging under this part, a veteran must be required to travel either 50 or more miles, or at least two hours from his or her home to the VA health care facility, except that the facility Director at the VA health care facility of jurisdiction may make an exception to distance or time provisions based on exceptional circumstances, such as condition of the veteran, inclement weather, road conditions, or the mode of transportation used by the veteran.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501, 1708)

I saw this "advertised" at the VAMC, and really should have looked into it more. I travel 2 hours, ONE way, to my VAMC, and the trip kills me. I spend the next day , sometimes 2 days, totally exhausted. I do believe, for now on, I am going to request this benefit!

[Wings]

I saw this "advertised" at the VAMC, and really should have looked into it more. I travel 2 hours, ONE way, to my VAMC, and the trip kills me. I spend the next day , sometimes 2 days, totally exhausted. I do believe, for now on, I am going to request this benefit!

BUMP!!

This is a good thread. Thanks to all! ~Wings

[broncovet]

I would like to thank all for posting your "hidden benefit" and would add one more: Kayaking in Colorado!!!

http://sportainability.ning.com/profiles/blogs/stop-18-18-soldiers-taking

[COOL BREEZE]

I received my new phone today-cordless Clarity! Haven't had a chance to check it out-still charging. It came by UPS-1 week after being approved!