Braces Covered In Faberic (Metal/plastic Stays Covered In Fabric) Or Devices/appliances With Velco Stays/fasteners Do Not Cause Wear/tear To

[usvet]

Greetings,

I was denied for my clothing allowance after receiving it for the last three years same knee braces and same back brace. BRACES COVERED IN FABERIC (METAL/PLASTIC STAYS COVERED IN FABRIC) OR DEVICES/APPLIANCES WITH VELCO STAYS/FASTENERS DO NOT CAUSE WEAR/TEAR TO CLOTHING [This statement was attached to my denial letter under FAQ on Clothing Allowance].

In making this decision. We consider your application and your medical records at the prosthetic clinic.

I don’t believe they looked at my records I just got new braces in May 14 for the same reason wear and tear and worn out braces.

I could not find anything on this everyone is telling me that’s how VA is INTERPRETATION the letter of the law to include the prosthetic dept.…yet there is nothing I have seen in black and white. Is the brace statement in writing and a regulation or just someone’s point of view?

I did ask prosthetic to show me in writing but they could not provide me anything. In making this decision. We consider your application and your medical records at the prosthetic clinic…I don’t believe they looked at my records I just got new braces in May 14 for the same reason wear and tear and worn out braces.

I will file the NOD but wanted more information I feel that any Vet who receives clothing allowance should not have to go through this a just trying to get through the pain and the loss of quality of life is enough to deal with.

If you have any information on the above please provide it to me…I just don’t want to over look anything with this. Thanks.

[usvet]

navy4 I have to agree with JayBrown1 we all deserve better. Your life on the line for a blank check...yeah we all deserve better. Get a copy of your paperwork from the VA in file.

[JayBrown1]

What I said in my NOD was that no company can guarantee that their devices won't cause damage to your clothing and that we all know that when you have two fabrics rubbing together over time it will cause wear and tear faster than if you are not wearing a device especially if it's hard and bulky no matter what it's covered with. If you look at your devices the material that are covering it shows wear over time, if not then we wouldn't have to change them out every six months to a year.

Even when there is a hard plastic and your clothing is rubbing on it the material will began to thin. It's the same principle of people who wear out their pants between the legs when the material are rubbing together. In a nut she'll they have to offer proof to justify what they are saying.

I say appeal, appeal appeal! If you let them get away with this before you know it they began doing other things to your rightfully earned benefits.

[usvet]

So JayBrown1 did you give them any evidence of wear and tear besides stating your case? I didn't want to give/say too much until the appeal if it went that way. I also notice that I was denied in May and just received the letter in Aug...do they hold until Aug/Sep to give you the letter????

[usvet]

Can anyone tell me is it better to add all of your evidence to your NOD or just state why you disagree with the findings? Also since the VA did not want to see my worn cloths items and devices at the time I went in should I take photos...and what would be the best way to add that in your as evidence Exhibit/item number???? Just thinking if I give all evidence in my NOD maybe I can get approve or maybe I should save evidence for the appeal. Need some help first… NOD.

[JayBrown1]

I just stated my case, but at the time I didn't think about pictures but if you have pictures I would submit them with the statement of cause.

[justrluk]

State the specifics, quote the VA's reason for denial and add evidence. Make sure to put your VA ID (SSAN) at the top of each document. I do this regardless of whether the SSAN is located somewhere else in the document.