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Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services

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April is Loss Limb Awareness Month

PT and Veteran AmputeeLimb Loss Awareness Month, established in April 2012 by the Amputee Coalition, provides an opportunity to raise awareness for limb loss prevention and to recognize those who are living with limb loss or limb difference. Here are some of the statistics:

  • 28 million Americans are at risk for amputation, including 1.8 million Veterans within the VA Healthcare Network.
    • 1.5 million Veterans are living with diabetes,
    • 400,000 are diagnosed with sensory neuropathy, and
    • 70,000 have non-healing foot ulcers.
  • The VA serves more than 45,000 Veterans with major limb loss.
The VA’s Amputation System of Care (ASoC) recognizes the importance of caring for those who have limb loss as well as providing clinical care in efforts of preventing amputation through collaboration with the Preventing Amputation in Veterans Everywhere (PAVE) Program. Interdisciplinary teams across the country provide care coordination, education, and direct clinical services integrating the latest practices in medical care, prosthetic technology, and rehabilitation management empowering individuals to achieve their highest level of functional independence.

In January 2022, the VA launched the OPRATM Implant System Program nationwide specializing in providing osseointegration, a unique and cutting-edge surgical procedure in conjunction with a comprehensive rehabilitation program for Veterans with limb loss above the knee. Although this procedure requires extensive screening and evaluation and may not be appropriate for everyone, the implant can improve quality of life after amputation and eliminate the need for a prosthetic socket. For more information about the OPRA Implant System Program and the Amputation System of Care in the VA: www.prosthetics.va.gov/asoc/.

Programs and initiatives will occur across the VA during the month of April to enhance public awareness of treatment for Veterans who have limb loss and prevention for those at risk.

To learn more about Limb Loss Awareness Month: www.amputee-coalition.org
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