ptsd Independant Living And Lawn Tractor Denial

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I am currently in the Independent Living services program for he second time. First time was in 2002 and at that time I had a rating of 70% PTSD with unemployablility and unrated peripheral neuropathy. Part of my program then provided me with a small lawn tractor so I could continue taking care of my home property.

Since then I have been through stage IV Mantle-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hyper C-Vad Chemo treatments. The physical effects of both have greatly reduced my physical condition.

I can no longer do the activities I used to cope with the PTSD and life in general so I reapplied for the Independent Living Service program for a second time and was approved.

One thing that has been frustrating is that the VA no longer has VR&E counselors through the state. They only have one for the whole state.

As part of my new plan was the purchase of a new lawn tractor with hydraulics assists so I could continue taking care of my home property. Even though this was approved at the state level it was refused because legal counsel stated under VR&E letter 28-13-08 the following “ In no circumstance, should a tractor, mower, or similar equipment be authorized as part of an independent living plan for a Veteran.”

Has anyone run across this ? The side comment was made that legal counsel determined that congress didn’t mean for mowers to be part of independent living assistance..????????..

[Teac]

VR&E letter 28-13-08

SUBJ Purchase of Vehicles for VR&E Partticpants under 38 USA Chapter 31 is prohibited.

When I got a copy of this new policy directive I just couldn't believe VR&E Service included "In no circumstance should a tractor, mower, or similiar equipment be authorized as part of an independent living plan for a Veteran".

1st the legislative citations they use to justify this policy change are all dealing with the 'self-employment track" ONLY the ILP track. They also cited the M28R... (the M28 Warms Manual under revision which to date has no reference at all to ILP). stating in the polciy change "the purchase or rental of trucks, cars, or other means of transportation" are supplies and related assistance that may not be furnished as part of a self employment plan ...".

All-in-all this is a smoke and mirror attempt to deny veterans benefit to reach the "maximum independence" goal of the Independent Living Progra.

If I can figure out how to attach the letter to this forum, I will do so.

If I fail I will send anyone who requests a copy of the Policy Letter. Reply to PM member for Email Address

After speaking with VVA attorney Christopher Clemmons it's fairly certain an appeal to BVA would favor the veteran and be remanded.

WGBTA

This letter hasn't made it to the internet yet. Regardless, i