Assistive Technology Public Funding
Assistive Technology Public Funding
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
VA BENEFITS
What agency runs the program?
The federal Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) (formerly the Veterans Administration) runs most of the programs which provide benefits to veterans. The VA offers many services to disabled veterans and to their dependents. To apply for VA benefits in Rhode Island, you should contact:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Regional Office
380 Westminster Mall
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
Voice (401) 273-4910 or (800) 827-0389
TDD (800) 829-4833
Who can get services from the program?
The VA offers a variety of income, medical, educational and rehabilitation services to veterans. To qualify for veterans benefits generally, you must:
- have served in active military service, and - have been discharged or released for reasons which were not dishonorable.
If you qualify for veterans benefits and you are disabled, the kind and amount of services available to you will vary, depending upon whether your disability was "service-connected." If your disability occurred (or was aggravated) while you were on active duty, then it will be considered "service-connected." More services are available to veterans with service-connected disabilities.
What kinds of AT help can the program provide?
The VA can provide rehabilitation services to help you train or prepare for a job. These services are available to all veterans with service-connected disabilities, and currently to some veterans whose disabilities are not service-connected.
Veterans with some specific mobility impairments or blindness
can receive funds to help pay for specially adapted housing.
You must have a "service-connected" disability to
receive these funds.
The VA can help you purchase a van or automobile. If you have
one of several service-connected disabilities affecting your
mobility or vision, the VA can also help you adapt your vehicle.
The VA can also repair or replace adaptive equipment for the
van or car, if it breaks down.
All kinds of AT devices may be purchased by the VA, as prosthetics,
sensory aids or rehabilitative aids. For example, the VA can
purchase hearing aids, wheelchairs, artificial limbs or orthopedic
shoes for disabled veterans. If you have a service-connected
disability, you can get these services if they are recommended
as part of your outpatient care. If you do not have a service-connected
disability, the VA may fund these devices if you need them
for inpatient or follow-up outpatient care, or in other limited
circumstances.
Adaptive equipment including equipment for guide dogs may also be provided for blind veterans entitled to disability income benefits. The VA can help pay for the cost of maintenance and medical care for a guide dog.
What is the cost for AT services?
The amount of funding available for each of the services mentioned
above varies. Many services will be provide free of charge
if you have a service-connected disability.
Services provided in a VA hospital or nursing facility are generally provided free of charge to veterans with service-connected disabilities and certain disabled veterans with low-incomes. Other veterans must make some payment towards their VA hospital or nursing facility care.
How can I make a request for AT?
To request rehabilitation training services, you should contact the Regional Office of the VA (see above).
To request other AT services, such as adaptive equipment or prosthetics, you should contact the VA Hospital in Providence:
Veterans Administration Medical Center
830 Chalkstone Ave.
Providence, Rhode Island 02908
(800) 745-5555 (toll-free in Rhode Island)
Voice (401) 457-3047 (prosthetics)
Website: http://www.providence.va.gov/
How can I appeal a denial of AT?
Some decisions of the VA can be appealed through the agency's
administrative procedures. Decisions on eligibility for medical
care, or reimbursement for medical services are appealable.
Decisions about the appropriateness of medical care, for example
medical decisions about whether you need a specific type of
AT service or device, are not appealable through the VA administrative
procedures. These kinds of medical decisions are appealable
through the administrative channels of the Veterans Health
Administration.
If you are denied a service by the VA, you should get legal help to figure out what your appeal rights are.
Where can I get help?
Advocacy help:
If you need help with issues involving your general eligibility for veterans benefits, you may contact one of several Veterans Service Organizations in Rhode Island. These organizations usually provide free advocacy help to veterans. They include the following organizations, which have representatives located at the VA Regional Office in Providence (address above):
The American Legion: (401) 528-4409
American Veterans of WWII: (401) 528-4406
Disabled American Veterans: (401) 528-4415
Veterans of Foreign Wars: (401) 528-4407
More information about VA services to disabled veterans can be
found in a government publication called Federal Benefits for
Veterans and Dependents, 1995 edition, available for $3.25
from the federal government printing office in Pueblo, Colorado,
(719) 544-3142.
Legal help:
The Rhode Island Disability Law Center, Inc., (formerly RIPAS) can provide free legal advice and/or representation if you need help getting an AT service or device from the VA. For more information or help contact:
349 Eddy Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
Voice (401) 831-3150 TDD (401) 831-5335
(800) 733-5332
E-mail: info@ridlc.org
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