How can disabled veterans get prosthetic devices with the assistance of the VA?
Veterans from around the world need a variety of medical services. Many of them, regardless of the type of military service they’ve completed, have been patients who require prosthetic and orthotic devices. But it seems that veterans don’t always know where they can seek help when they’re in need of a prosthesis or to simply ask a question.
Grace Prosthetic Fabrication believes that every prosthetic and orthotic recipient should be treated with the utmost respect, but we do have a special place in our hearts for our country’s veterans. Today, we’re going to discuss how the Department of Veteran Affairs, also known as the VA, can help veterans get prosthetics and why veterans love working with our team. But, first, let’s look at how things got started between the VA and prosthetics…
A Brief History of Prosthetics and the VA
The VA has been involved with providing prosthetics to veterans since 1921, when it was originally known as the Veterans Bureau. Their primary responsibility back then was to provide artificial limbs and related assistive devices to veterans of World War I. Since those early days, the VA’s Prosthetics and Sensory Aid Service has become the most comprehensive supplier in the entire world. In addition to prostheses that act as artificial limbs, they also provide any device that supports or replaces a body part or function.
VA Connection to Prosthetics Research
As you can imagine, millions of people appreciate the VA’s ongoing efforts to assist veterans in obtaining their prosthetics, orthotics, and other assistive devices. What many people don’t realize is that the VA is also heavily involved in research and development. In fact, many of the latest innovations and discoveries in the field of prosthetics have occurred at the United States’ VA centers. This means that the VA has been instrumental in transforming the lives of not only veterans but of non-veteran prosthetic patients all over the globe for the past 30 years and counting.
How the VA Helps Veterans Get Prosthetics
The VA has set up a division called Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services to handle all of the national policies and programs for prosthetics and sensory aids. They’re dedicated to providing care and improving the lives of veterans who need prosthetics, orthotics, and related assistive devices and/or services. You can visit their website by clicking here and reaching out to them directly. You can also find multiple other sources, including fact sheets for very specific services, on that same page.
Why Veterans and Their Doctors Love Grace
Grace Prosthetic Fabrication has been developing prosthetic sockets for use with veteran patients since we first opened our doors more than 30 years ago. Since then, we have built an impressive following of veterans and their doctors, both of whom have appreciated everything we’ve brought to the industry. Here are just some of the reasons why they love us so much:
They Love That We’re Dedicated to Our Work
Veterans are dedicated to our country, so it probably comes as no surprise that they appreciate the dedication that Grace has shown to our work. In fact, our designers and manufacturers have spent many years learning everything there is to know about the industry and our trade. Every day, we try to find new and innovative ways to make a prosthetic patient’s daily activities go more smoothly.
They Love That We’ve Worked with Vets Before
Technically, Grace works with doctors, not veterans themselves, but close enough. The point is that veterans appreciate institutions that have a history of working with other veterans, either directly or indirectly. They can see on our website that we’ve been heavily involved with the use of prosthetic sockets, spray skins, and other related assistive needs for veterans.
They Love How Quickly We Get Things Done
Veterans are very patient, but they appreciate when a company can move quickly. Grace has created a streamlined production process that gets prosthetic devices designed, built, and delivered in a short period of time. Doctors appreciate this as well because they can provide their patients with a delivery date and count on us to make it on time.
They Love That We Use High-Quality Materials
Veterans and their doctors only want to deal with prosthetics and orthotics that are made of high-quality materials. Grace doesn’t believe in using materials that are of inferior quality. We only use the best metals, plastics, synthetics, and other materials when building prosthetic sockets and other devices. This ensures that everything we produce will last as long as possible.
They Love the Advanced Tech We Employ
When it comes to using the most advanced technology for producing our prosthetic and orthotic devices, we don’t play around. Our designers use state-of-the-art CAD/CAM software that allows them to create detailed 3D models. This is followed by 3D printing using advanced carvers. The use of advanced technology also ensures that our devices are durable and last for a very long time.
They Love the Many Ways We Can Customize
Many veterans are looking for ways to customize their prosthetics. Some want to take part in specific activities such as running or swimming, while others want their prosthetic to be painted in a particular design to show off their patriotism or personality. Grace has many different options available to help veterans who require customization of their prosthetic or orthotic device.
They Love That We Make Our Own Products
Veterans love “take charge” kind of people, and Grace falls into that category. That’s because we’ve developed proprietary devices in the form of our Grace Plates and Grace Gauntlets. With this extra involvement in the prosthetic and orthotic industries, veterans and their doctors have placed even more trust in us than ever before.
Contact Grace Prosthetic Fabrication Inc. for VA Prosthetics
Grace Prosthetic Fabrication assists veterans’ doctors with prosthetic and orthotic sockets and other devices. If you have questions about getting VA prosthetics or any of our products, give us a call at (800) 940-5347 today.