Va Automobile Allowance Question (Foot Drop)

[Smanginator]

Hello,

I have a question regarding the VA automobile allowance pertaining to foot drop. I have been reading the forums for a few weeks and noticed some of them had info on this. I was wondering if anyone had any insight into my particular case.

I have not been through the VA system yet as I am still active duty at the WWBn an I have bi-lateral foot drop, much worse in the left though. I have an AFO on the left and don't have much strength coming back to it and it has been 9 months already. (Spent 7 with nothing). It is service-connected I guess as I was in a motorcycle accident last year.

I have seen that you have to be "rated" loss of use. How would I go about filing for this claim as I haven't even been rated yet. I know it's possible because I have seen one guy here that did it with a different situation that enabled him to get it.

I recently had an EMG done and the doc said I should be happy if I get 75%-85% back in both feet. The only reason I am asking is because I noticed a part of something that said " trophic changes" and other stuff that constitutes foot drop, and also someone else said as long as you have extreme weakness one would rate it?

Sorry for the novel but the docs at the hospital here know nothing about it. Thanks in advance.

[jbasser]

The Good Old VA will get you in and examine you from head to toe and help you to determine the loss of use or not.

The Docs should help you if you qualify.

They are really not that bad.

J

[Smanginator]

Thank you. I wasn't sure if I would be able to do it without them evaluating me themselves or not. I am at a MTF and thought they would maybe go with the Ortho doc here. Guess not, looks like I am going to be waiting for awhile. I was hoping they do it now before I get most of my movements back...I'm openly greedy..lol

[Teac]

If the VA determines you have total drop foot, and must wear an AFO you will be rated Loss of use . If you are rated loss of use you will be entitled to the one time automobile grant and lifetime automobile adaptive equipment. If you are rated loss of use on both feet you will receive a bilateral rating which amounts to more compensation.

[Smanginator]

Teac, thank you. I was ordered to wear a foot brace 8 months ago and have had two different types since. Like I said I have it bi-laterally but it's not bad enough in the right to need one. I am at the point now to where I can lift up my foot a little on the left and would like to get this ball rolling before I get any better lol...but from what I was told its not going to get much better ever. I think for my own safety I should wear an AFO for quite a few years. They told me today that I will probably be fitted one on my right too.

Sorry for the novel but 18,900 is a big chunk of change and could help in the purchase of a better vehicle. E5 is good pay these days but ain't too good.

[indyman]

This is interesting to me, since I have bilateral foot drop diagnosed in 2012 in Neurogy. Is it in Title 38? If so, can you advise. I read about the loss of use, but I must have missed the rating schedule on it. I have been afo's for quite a while now, and I believe it is secondary to my worsening PN. Doc made me walk up and down the hallway, and she then noticed it. It has not helped that much so far. As for your question, I have two sets of afo's. One set is hinged and allows the foot a little more freedom. Makes it easier to drive. The second set I wear around the house or out in the yard. Some people ask if I have polio. Anyway. good luck Smanginator.

[Teac]

Teac, thank you. I was ordered to wear a foot brace 8 months ago and have had two different types since. Like I said I have it bi-laterally but it's not bad enough in the right to need one. I am at the point now to where I can lift up my foot a little on the left and would like to get this ball rolling before I get any better lol...but from what I was told its not going to get much better ever. I think for my own safety I should wear an AFO for quite a few years. They told me today that I will probably be fitted one on my right too.

Sorry for the novel but 18,900 is a big chunk of change and could help in the purchase of a better vehicle. E5 is good pay these days but ain't too good.

Once the condition is diagnosed and an AFO is prescribed.. its a done deal, surgery does not correct drop foot, and it could get worse over time but never gets better... My only regret is that when I got the grant is was only $9000 not even enough for a compact vehicle....