Comments on: Finally, The Real Story About The VA And Service Dogs For Veterans

By: Joshua

Joshua — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 05:10:41 +0000

I went to the VA today with my service dog from TLCAD- Tender Loving Canine Assistance Dogs. Over the phone I was told all I need is a consult with my primary and a formal letter stating the stats on my service dog from the organization. My disability is degenerative disk disease in my lower back and Generalized Anxiety, both service connected. When I came in and the prosthetics supervisor saw I wasn’t in a wheel chair or missing any limbs he continued to refer to my service dog as an emotional companion. This is true but he also helps me with many mobility problems such as getting out of chairs and picking things off the floor and was trained to be a SERVICE dog. After I informed him about this he said that the VA would help me not by paying for his Vet bills like they say online but by replacing him with a “grabber”, cane, and seat assister. I was shocked. He said I needed to go back to my primary care and have him think of a better reason for me to have a service dog otherwise the bills are all on me. I told him this was terrible and all he had to say was “well its policy, you can check back in a year to see if its changed.” Thanks VA for all your help. Feel free to email me if anyone has an opinion on this.

By: Angelica Martinez

Angelica Martinez — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:43:24 +0000

I’m a Veteran who is getting the run around from the VA. On their web sight you have to get approved for a Service Dog. It says at no cost to you and they will pay for all cost for training. No you have to find a Service Dog trainer who will donate a dog etc. The VA will pay for Vet care and equipment. I’m waiting to find out if the President will sign the Service Dogs for Veterans Act, and when the Pilot Program to start.

By: Ames Peters

Ames Peters — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 03:08:06 +0000

Here is a organization that deserves recognition. And to add to your notes on service dogs and VA benefits. This has changed recently and they now cover costs of Veterinary services and immunizations. Good Luck on your blogging!

By: Laurie Schmidt

Laurie Schmidt — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:25:00 +0000

How absolutely stupid for anyone to discriminate between the veterans and the disabled as far as to whom should or should not receive a service dog. Having raised one that is now currently serving disabled veterans in a role of ambassador for CCI service dogs, I take offense with the idea that my CCI service dog is not serving her “duty” to the wounded and disabled servicemen as a CCI graduate.