Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services
Amputation System of Care (ASoC)
Limb Loss and Limb Difference
Awareness Month
Limb 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. The PAVE program expands the care and treatment of Veterans at risk for amputation or who have a prior amputation. 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. 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*
*By clicking on these links, you will leave the Department of Veterans Affairs Web site. For other than authorized VA activities, the VA does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these links.
