Submitted Photo John LaChance, left, is administrative director of Prosthetic and Sensory Air Services (PSAS) at the Fargo VA Clinic, and Abigail Lewis is assistant chief of PSAS.

Military members are expected to perform their missions, and most of the time the task of the day goes smoothly.

However, sometimes catastrophe can strike, whether combat related, chemical exposure or other hazard – either physical or mental. Once processed out of the military, individuals find themselves facing a new set of challenges. For many of them, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can help.

Abigail Lewis, assistant chief of prosthetic and sensory air services (PSAS), Fargo, said not everything is covered but the VA offers a surprising array of assistance. What the VA can’t directly help with, it can refer to specialty care clinics, which can, hopefully, fill the need.

Lewis said one unique program the VA offers is the Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) program. According to a VA fact sheet, the program allows for “medically necessary improvements and structural alterations to Veterans/Service members’ primary residence.” This includes handrails, raised toilets, walk-in shower conversions and widened doorways that can be installed in a member’s home if prescribed by a VA provider.

Walk-in shower conversions are 80% of the home modifications the Fargo VA does, according to Lewis. The program is one way the VA can help members live in their homes as long as possible without needing to move into an assisted care facility.

Lewis said the HISA program requires a prescription written by a VA physician. The VA then will provide a list of approved contractors. The contractors will give a quote within a certain timeframe, and the VA will direct deposit money into the veteran’s bank account to pay the contractor. This can all be done in a surprisingly short time, she said.

There are many other assistive devices available to veterans through the VA. Some are day-to-day items such as glasses, but other accessories make big impacts on veterans’ lives in a multitude of ways. Lewis said voice prosthesis is available for those who may have lost the ability to speak. Software is available that allows a person to record their voice, so if the person loses their voice, the software can relay information in the person’s original speech.

Lewis said amputee care for veterans is offered all the way through the process, something unique to the VA.

Another program unique to the VA is the Automotive Adaptive Equipment program. This program allows for vehicle modifications for veterans who meet certain criteria. It addresses the needs of the driver or passenger and provides a full range of services, including education and training, adaptive equipment and access equipment, according to a VA fact sheet.

The VA does not offer support for emotional support animals, but Lewis said it does offer veterinary health insurance for service animals. She also said service dogs can be prescribed by the VA for mobility assistance, such as seeing-eye dogs. If there is a need, Lewis said, individuals should talk with a VA medical provider.