Voc Rehab ILP Experiences

[Tbird]

I applied for ILP and had the contractor out to my home, unfortunately a lot of stuff they can do for me I have to wait till I get to my permanent living situation, I should only be here for about 2 years. However, they said if I can get my doctor to sign off on new reclining desk and chair than we can move forward. I've only seen this new doc once so I don't know how she will be with that. I want the reclining desk so I can keep my legs elevated due to the lymphedema, I'm on the computer for long hours and need to find a long term solution for my legs. I have to alternate between keeping my legs elevated and standing up which is a bit more challenging.

I don't feel very hopeful about getting the doc to sign off on a desk and chair, but maybe i'll be wrong.

[seminoles]

4 hours ago, Tbird said:

i meant with the Voc Rehab counselor and picked up the paperwork I had to drop it off at my doctors office, if she approves the items then they will provide them.

I have zero confidence in the big things a zero gravity workstation and a scooter. I could be wrong but I'm not feeling it, looks like I'll get a sock donner, some grabbers and other items like that.

So it will probably be another few months before I know anything, regardless wish me luck.

I will say they were super nice and helfpul with all my questions, i could call and talk with my counselor.

You shouldn't have any issues getting a scooter, your primary care doctor can order one for you or any other specialists, it doesn't need to go through your ILP, my old primary care doctor tried to order me one found out and had it stopped, I wanted to maintain my mobility as long as possible and have a service dog for my mobility needs, and for bad days I have a custom wheelchair that the VA paid for,  my VA primary care doctor didn't want to sign ANYTHING for my ILP, thankfully voc rehab didn't seem to care who the provider was so I had an outside provider sign for most things, except dental, and mental health, and maybe my neuro signed off for some things.  They just put a note in my records and your voc. rehab. counselor can see them.  You should absolutely get the desk/computer set up you need as well as the scooter if your disabilities justify them, cost doesn't come into play until it is fairly high honestly, then it just has to go outside your region for approval.  You are doubtful to hit that amount at this point.  ILP is honestly incredibly frustrating and I hope you have a much better counselor than I do. 

[Buck52]

Ms T I remember Member Gastone mention he was in the ILP

 and his legs would swell  he was s.c. for heart problems..he got one of those reclining chairs that would left him up high  tilt to get out of the chair  and it came with things to put under his legs when chair was recline to help reduce the swelling in his legs  he also got a 1.2.00.00 lap top

So anything you need for your health and well being they should approve you for it   all a Dr needs to say is that you would benefit from what that particular device. 

[Buck52]

While their in a ''given mood'' ask for all the things you need at home .

[seminoles]

31 minutes ago, Buck52 said:

Ms T I remember Member Gastone mention he was in the ILP

 and his legs would swell  he was s.c. for heart problems..he got one of those reclining chairs that would left him up high  tilt to get out of the chair  and it came with things to put under his legs when chair was recline to help reduce the swelling in his legs  he also got a 1.2.00.00 lap top

So anything you need for your health and well being they should approve you for it   all a Dr needs to say is that you would benefit from what that particular device. 

Yes!!  I have received things from being in the ILP that most people would think, seriously??? They are directly related to my service connected disabilities and the impact they have on my daily living so yes they were approved with tons of hassle but approved, some examples are a roomba, stationary recumbent bike, vitamix blender,  noise canceling headphones, I chose a samsung tablet/keyboard instead of a computer because I don't need a computer and the tablet is something that I can use for my audibooks (that I use for when I am often bedridden but cannot do much that involves using my eyes),  a weighted blanket, and other items.  I am STILL fighting for my hobby items, which is absolutely ridiculous but that is a story for another day.  You would think I was asking for a helicopter

[Buck52]

Yes Seminoles  I totally agree...this is why I mention to Ms T  when their in the given mood  best ask then for all she needs at this time.

I refuse to beg the VA for anything   but I will ask them for things I need...this is what the ILP is suppose to be for  to help make our life a little better.  cost should have no effect on the decison.

However asknod was asking for a Large Green House something like a 40x 40? with running water and electric and tables  ect,,,ect,,

NOT SURE ON THE SIZE BUT ITS A BIG GREEN HOUSE.

I don't think they approve that yet? and its been a few years now..so if he gets a Green house built that size  & all the bells and whistles  We should get the things we need too.

[seminoles]

40 minutes ago, Buck52 said:

Yes Seminoles  I totally agree...this is why I mention to Ms T  when their in the given mood  best ask then for all she needs at this time.

I refuse to beg the VA for anything   but I will ask them for things I need...this is what the ILP is suppose to be for  to help make our life a little better.  cost should have no effect on the decison.

However asknod was asking for a Large Green House something like a 40x 40? with running water and electric and tables  ect,,,ect,,

NOT SURE ON THE SIZE BUT ITS A BIG GREEN HOUSE.

I don't think they approve that yet? and its been a few years now..so if he gets a Green house built that size  & all the bells and whistles  We should get the things we need too.

Yes, I agree ask for every single item that you can think of that will make your life better that has been impacted by your disabilities.  ILP only has less than 3000 veterans a year allowed into the program, compare that to traditional college bound voc rehab route where students are paid a monthly stipend which can be as much as 3500 a month  if they still have post 9/11 gi bill, or  they could receive the voc. rehab. stipend which is much less and around 900 if you have a dependent or two per month  plus all their tuition, books, computer, and anything else they may need to attend their classes.  ILP veterans are veterans who are costing the VA far less and honestly the ILP is a much shorter program (unless extended) and serves the most disabled of our veterans.  Think about every single thing you do each week, day, month and how hard those tasks are for you to do, what would make them easier?