Why was I denied mental health services by the VA due to my having a power wheelchair for my service-connected disability?

SN Debbie Blackburn — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 22:06:33 -0400

I was denied mental health services by the VA due to my having a power wheelchair for my service connected disability. I felt like that was discrimination based on disability. Why was that allowed?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2022 7:52 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 07:52:10 -0400

Can you elaborate some more on this. I believe this may not be enough for discussion.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jun 13 at 2022 8:38 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 08:38:13 -0400

SN Debbie Blackburn Ma'am we need more info to help. From your brief statement, it is not clear what actually happened or was said., From this end, "Why was I denied mental health services by the VA due to my having a power wheelchair for my service-connected disability?"
makes as much sense as "Why was I denied mental health services by the VA due to my having a banana for breakfast last week?"
How did the VA phrase the denial of services? What does the wheelchair have to do with it? What is the connection between the wheelchair and your request for services the VA office is making?

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jun 13 at 2022 11:23 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 11:23:34 -0400

We need a lot more information to provide helpful responses. My wife uses a powerchair to get around. We have not had an access problem at civilian or military medical facilities. Your RP profile needs to be completed for us to help. For example it makes a big difference if you retired or not. Also are you covered by Medicare or Medicaid? Help us help you.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Jun 13 at 2022 11:40 AM

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 11:40:02 -0400

This seems strange since anytime I've gone by or been at a VA hospital, I've seen people there with electric wheelchairs/scooters. What do you mean they denied you mental health services for having an electric wheelchair? I'd be asking for that person's supervisor or going to patient advocacy (if they have that or whatever the equivalent is) and reporting that person honestly. I would keep going until I got a hold of someone who would look into that issue.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jun 13 at 2022 12:27 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 12:27:26 -0400

There seems to be some gaps in the information provided. You were denied mental health services for the sole reason of having a powered wheelchair? Was there an issue with accessibility for the chair? Is there a larger issue with paperwork or eligibility to VA services?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2022 2:30 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 14:30:00 -0400

Confused here. What specifically does your being in a power chair have to do with being denied mental health services? Until such time as more specifics are shared, there is no way anyone can properly answer this.

Response by SN Debbie Blackburn made Jun 13 at 2022 6:28 PM

SN Debbie Blackburn — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 18:28:47 -0400

I was denied inpatient services by the VA in Sioux Falls, South Dakota because I am in a power wheelchair after almost successfully attempting suicide.

Response by PV2 Ellen Wentzel made Jun 17 at 2022 12:36 PM

PV2 Ellen Wentzel — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 12:36:12 -0400

This is typical to my experiences with the VA. I have even had a meeting with the director at my VA and every department head about their lack of competence there. It is so frustrating to explain to so many people before anyone understands what you are trying to say even if you put it in the most simplest of terms. It seems the buck get passed quite lot. Most every time, one has to get many involved before you can get an answer, simple or not. I could tell you story after story and some of my stories are 20+ years old. As my husband says, "Some are just there keeping a seat warm and collecting a paycheck." You just have to persevere as I have done to avoid having a total mental breakdown.

Response by PV2 Farley Dickey made Jul 1 at 2022 12:17 AM

PV2 Farley Dickey — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 00:17:56 -0400

Perhaps your wheelchair could be used as a weapon. Women can't have bras with underwires, so... ..

Response by SPC Arthur Lowder made Jul 2 at 2022 11:15 PM

SPC Arthur Lowder — Sat, 02 Jul 2022 23:15:33 -0400

VA MENTAL HEALTH PEOPPLES SHOULD NOT HAVE A POWER WHEELCHAIR
THE CHAIR MAKE YOU SANE.