Va Outpatient Physical Therapy Terminated

[maine1963]

I do my best to help fellow Veterans. A veteran's wife contacted me and stated "My husband went to have his Lymphedema treatment today and was given a letter that all "VA Outpatient physical therapy at civilian sources have been terminated by the VA nationwide for the rest of the year. He needs this treatment 3 times a week to remove the waste from his system. Without it, his legs swell significantly and he could die from the waste circulating in his body".

The veteran is 100% rated, receives in home care, travels 3 times a week to an "outside Physical Therapist" because it is too difficult to travel to Tampa Florida VAMC. Up until now the VA has approved this.

Now they would like him to make the trip to Tampa Florida VAMC *33 miles away, just short of the 40 mile ruling for VA Choice Card utilization.

Any suggestions? Are there waivers to the 40 mile ruling?

Thanks all for any and all input. *I did search for any related issues, but to no avail.

Greg