Resources for wounded warriors with major traumatic limb loss

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Servicemembers and veterans who experience major limb loss are provided assistance in recovery and rehabilitation but are often frustrated when it comes to finding resources to help them along the way. More than 850 servicemembers and veterans from Operation Iraqi Freedom/ Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) [1] and more than 2,500 from the Vietnam war [2] have major limb loss. Many organizations are available to provide assistance and resources to these men and women. The needs of the servicemembers and veterans vary by level of limb loss, severity of other injuries and comorbidities, stage of rehabilitation, need for financial support, benefits, and many other factors. Fortunately, many agencies established services for servicemembers and veterans with major limb loss. This article identifies information sources for individuals with major limb loss as follows: (1) resources for military personnel, (2) resources from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), (3) other resources for veterans, (4) resources for family members, and (5) resources in the public domain. Five detailed tables identify the agencies, their contact information, and services available for each category. These resources were considered helpful by the participants of the Survey for Prosthetic Use (Appendix 1, available online only) and the Expert Panel members (Appendix 2, available online only); are known by us to support servicemembers, veterans, and others with limb loss; and are in the public domain. This list is not all-inclusive; resources and organizations change rapidly. RESOURCES FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL Numerous support systems are in place for servicemembers with traumatic limb loss while on Active Duty--notably, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC; Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas; and Naval Medical Center, San Diego, California. Military and civilian organizations and agencies provide a broad spectrum of services. Several programs are described next. Table 1 provides additional resources for military personnel. Army Career and Alumni Program The U.S. Army created the Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP) (http://www.acap.army.mil/) to provide transition assistance to soldiers and family members separating or retiring from Active Duty with ACAP Centers located on most major U.S. Army installations. The program is mandated by Congress and part of U.S. Army/ Department of Defense (DOD) policy. ACAP provides preseparation counseling, employment workshops, VA briefings, employment assistance, tools for writing resumes and cover letters, advice, and support. ACAP's Disabled Transition Assistance Program (DTAP) is offered for servicemembers who are leaving military service because of disability. This program encourages and assists servicemembers with their decisions about the VA's Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service. DTAP facilitates applications for vocational rehabilitation benefits and services. Group sessions explain eligibility, benefits, and availability of educational and vocational counseling. DTAP sessions for hospitalized or convalescing servicemembers are coordinated by the VA Regional Office. Hope For The Warriors Established in 2006, Hope For The Warriors[TM] (http:// www.hopeforthewarriors.org) is a civilian, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to enhance quality of life for wounded U.S. servicemembers and their families with short- and long-term care and to ensure that fallen warriors are not forgotten, nor their families left in need. Its programs include the award-winning Warrior's Wish, recreational outings, athletic events, transitional housing, financial support for immediate needs, support groups, professional development, and a rehabilitation center. Military OneSource Military OneSource (http://www.militaryonesource.com) has services and information for military personnel and their families who need help with child care, personal finances, emotional support, relocation information, education, elder care, legal advice, and other special circumstances. …