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.

[elcamino_77us]

They are also denying clothing allowances for off the shelve braces. That was started last year (2012) even thought the letter I got stated that would go into effect 2013.

Bill

[JayBrown1]

Which ones are off the shelf braces? When reading the regs I only saw where the stocking type braces would not be approved.

[elcamino_77us]

My understanding is that anything stocked on the shelves in the regular supply system will not be granted a clothing allowance. I was denied last year for the hinged knee braces as the VA stated the manufacture claims the braces will not harm clothing.

Bill

[JayBrown1]

Well not only did the brace I received cause damage to my clothing, the brace themselves are showing wear and tear and I only had it six months. I see this as another tactic to deny our entitlements. Wear can I get a copy of this new reg they are using.

[JayBrown1]

Adding to previous comment: in reading the regulations on clothing allowance it states " soft and flexible devices, such as elastic stockings are not included." It doesn't say anything about off the shelf devices. Where can I get reg that states off the shelf devices are not included in the annual clothing allowance. The only change that they list in the regs is that you now have to apply every year now.

[elcamino_77us]

Ok, sorry for the delay. Attached is a copy of the VA letter that I was sent. VA Letter 13 Feb 2013 Redacted.pdf

Its strange how the VA can take a decision and do want they want.

• The new policy was put into place one year early
• Apparently, not all of the braces met the new guidelines so those were promptly dropped and new ones were designed and ordered to take there place.
• Those of us with the older design were denied our clothing allowance.

Bill