Veteran amputees criticize VA prosthetic care as bureaucratic delays hinder timely support

The Subcommittee on Health Oversight Hearing by the U.S. House Committee on Veterans' Affairs convened on November 21, 2024, to address critical issues surrounding the care and services provided to veteran amputees. The meeting highlighted significant disparities between the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in the management and delivery of prosthetic care.

The session began with a comparison of the experiences of veterans receiving prosthetic care through the DOD versus the VA. A veteran shared that at DOD facilities, prosthetists are co-located with primary care providers, allowing for immediate communication and quick adjustments to prosthetic devices. In contrast, the VA's process involves multiple appointments across different locations, leading to delays and complications in receiving necessary care. This veteran emphasized the frustration of navigating a system that requires several steps, including obtaining prescriptions and coordinating with community providers, which can result in prolonged waiting periods for prosthetic fittings and repairs.

The discussion then shifted to the need for a specialized amputee prosthetic office within the VA. The veteran argued that prosthetic limbs should be treated distinctly from other sensory devices, such as glasses and hearing aids, to streamline care and improve outcomes for amputees. Furthermore, the veteran suggested that the VA should consider the varying needs of different populations, acknowledging that the requirements of working-age veterans differ significantly from those of retirees.

Another veteran, Mr. Brown, recounted his experience with the VA's amputation care team, noting a lack of proactive engagement prior to his surgery. He expressed disappointment in the limited communication and support he received post-amputation, describing the process as feeling impersonal and bureaucratic. He criticized the VA's reliance on high satisfaction scores, arguing that these metrics do not accurately reflect the quality of care or the range of options available to veterans.

The hearing concluded with a call for improved communication and a more responsive approach to veteran care. The testimonies underscored the need for systemic changes within the VA to enhance the delivery of prosthetic services and ensure that veterans receive timely and appropriate care tailored to their individual needs. The Subcommittee plans to follow up on these discussions to explore potential reforms aimed at improving the overall experience for veteran amputees.