New Brace, Next Steps

The Department of Veterans Affairs plays a vital role in honoring the nation's commitment to those who have served in the military. For seven long years, a veteran with a below-the-knee amputation waited on the VA to provide a replacement brace, an essential device for his mobility and daily function. 

Daniel is a Post-911 Air Force combat veteran (3 combat tours, 1 noncombat) with 12 years of service with a 100% disability rating due to his below-the-knee amputation. He recently lost 50lbs as a result of his brace no longer fitting him correctly, which causes him a lot of pain when he walks. Daniel is very physically active and without a new brace he could end up wheelchair bound. 

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Daniel had been waiting for an update from the VA for seven years and began researching other ways to get the equipment he needed. He contacted the EOD Warrior Foundation (EODWF), who is committed to helping EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Technicians disarm challenges in their lives after service, who then reached out to The AWP Network for assistance securing the funding for a new brace. When our partner, the TD Foundation, heard of this veteran’s need, they jumped in and contributed the remaining funds that the veteran needed to get a new brace.

While The AWP Network was finalizing the coordination of resources and connections, the VA answered Daniel’s request and successfully got him a replacement brace! Daniel was able to donate his funds from TD Foundation back to the organization to continue their mission of supporting veterans in need.

Daniel says that with this new brace he has been able to live a very active and normal life.

"Without this brace I would have to be wheelchair bound or have my remaining leg amputated which would most likely be an above knee amputation. That would limit a lot of what I have been able to do and would just get harder with age - especially with already missing my left leg below the knee."

While challenges exist within the system, the VA remains a cornerstone of the national promise to care for those who have borne the battle.