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.

[carlie]

I was denied a few months back. I too wear the Braces for both Knees and Back. The VA's New Policy states that the Metal has to be exposed on the braces. I guess up until now those braces were previously generically approved. Sorry for the bad news bud, but you are wasting your time. I sent in Pics of my pants that were worn and ripped as I wear the same pants all the time to the VA, and clothing allowance was still denied. I have too much on my plate, then to fight the dang VA over the allowance. Good luck bud, and keep us posted.

navy,

I sure agree with you on the part in red.

There are more issues I could fight vba on and recoup a bit more cash,

but I just don't want more of it with them, it's not worth it to me.

[justrluk]

Amen, Carlie. I wish I could stop the remand order. If it wasn't for the potential retro, I'd beg them to stop.

[usvet]

So to be clear do I add all my evidence with the NOD or the statement of cause? I have not seen the VA's New Policy states that the Metal has to be exposed on the braces...does anyone have a copy/link to it. Never the less we are talking about moving parts metal expose or not with moving parts that's still equal friction.

navy04 not sure when you stated that “I wear the same pants all the time" was in your favor...if that's how you wrote it in your statement. Just saying that statement to someone that may not have your best interest could have used that to solely to deny you.

[JayBrown1]

Send everything you got

[usvet]

JayBrown1 thanks for all that you do.

[JayBrown1]

You're welcome! Good luck, we all going to need it as the prosthetic department will try anything not to pay us. The one thing we got going for us is that if they have been paying us for these devices they can't change up now!