As you may know, the VA granted my ILP request for a computer and the peripherals. As rarely as this may happen, and from what I can gather, it’s becoming increasingly so. Oddly, the VA did not put any strictures on the amount of funds or machinery I can purchase. This may have been an oversight on their part.

I read up on this during the course of the claim and saw many cases from a decade or more ago when it was more lenient. Almost all demanded specific parameters to the request and concrete ideas on what was needed. For instance, if you wanted a John Deere Tractor, so be it. If you didn’t ask for the snow plow and rototiller at the same time,  you were out of luck. In other words, if the request was granted, you got what you asked for and no more. As we know now in 2012, if you ask for a Deere, you get grab bars, ADA approved toilet tissue dispensers and a tub/shower make over by Bathroom Crashers. You don’t need a snow plow. If you run out of food in winter and starve, dial 911. The medics will find a way to get in. They have plenty of snow plows so there’s no need to buy more.

This is why I was a little nonplussed when I put this request in. Being a computer novitiate, and when asked what I wanted, I was at a loss for words. I made no specific choices and even asked if I should provide specifics and the approximate costs. VA told me nothing and never answered my queries. They apparently had made a decision to deny and didn’t need any more information.  As the king of the NODs, I took my case worker by surprise by being polite and asking him to hurry up with the denial so I could begin my appeals process.

The ILP as a benefits grab bag is falling into disuse. I’m sure if vA could find a way to rescind Congress’ statute on this, they would. In the interim, they are doing what they always do which is to pay lip service to the theory and deny or ameliorate the requests. Hence grab bars in lieu of a photography studio with all the bells and whistles. Another bait and switch was a cordless phone in lieu of ham radio gear. How’s that for “independence in every-day living”? It gives more resonance to the jingle “Reach out and touch someone”.

In sum, fifteen months from request to fruition. Result: a complete computer with all in one printer/scanner/ fax. Software includes all the usuals including Dragon Naturally Speaking 11.5, Adobe Acrobat and Photoshop. web camera, vertical mouse and a headset for the Dragon.

I was never actually required to divulge the name of this site and the ILP IT technician who came out to ascertain my needs never wrote it up in the supporting paperwork or final report. I inadvertently included it in my NOD, though. It may be that I’ll continue in splendid isolation and be able to harass and harangue as before with no worries of vA’s gestapo trying to find something in my past to disqualify me. The government rarely needs provocation to silence its citizens.  If they wanted to make my life miserable, they know where to find me.

I hope this emboldens each and every one of you with extensive disabilities to file for ILP. The program is falling into disuse because they keep moving the goalposts. Their recent history of denials is not news to Vets. I have had many a query about this and the consensus is “Why bother?”  Vets need to file and then pursue the denial until they relent as they did with me. A new wave of these claims will eventually draw attention to them and the underlying program. Face it. vA hates to spend good money on things that might help you while away the sunset hours of your life. This money is desperately needed for bonuses for deserving VA examiners who toil tirelessly trying to approve vA claims. They are the real workhorse here and deserve the lion’s share. Given a proper financial incentive, they might even start doing it correctly!

One thing that concerns me is the plethora of Afghan/Iraqi Vets with PTSD returning to the community. Many are inclined to keep to themselves as virtual recluses. Large numbers will not survive this self-imposed isolation if the Vets from Vietnam are any indicator. More severe mental disorders, suicide and homelessness will be the fallout. vA needs to become VA soon and head off this impending storm. How they handle this will show either their resolve to become a valuable resource or just the desire to be another alphabet organization consumed with increasing their already bloated budget. The ILP is a valuable tool for Vets of this stripe. The independence it can engender is untapped because vA is so dead set on burying it.

As with any entitlement,  the operable term is use it or lose it.  Employ the Chicago style of ILP-file early and often. If you cannot impress them with your needs, baffle them with your bullshit. They never cease to remind us that we are full of it.

Accordingly, attached below is a sample guideline of what to use when denied. It worked for me. Remember, they live by regulations. They are at somewhat of a loss for words when you actually read them back what they wrote.

How’s this for a finale. vA still hasn’t  mailed me a letter confirming my grant. It’s all verbal to date. This just doesn’t sound like the vA we’ve all come to know and love.