I've had nerve damage to the right hand side of my body from an accident during my time in the forces. I'm worried about whether I will ever be able to get my function back to normal. In particular I don't know if the services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) will be comprehensive enough to help me. What does the rehabilitation consist of?
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Answer by Kelly Angus, Adelaide 5000 SA
- The DVA's rehabilitation program will seek to get you as close as possible to the position you were in before the nerve damage occurred. Rehabilitation aims to help you to adapt to and recover from injury or illness. The following kinds of assistance may be available to you:
- help to find suitable employment;
- participation in counselling to help you adjust to your new circumstances;
- the development of an individual rehabilitation program; and
- the provision of aids, appliances and any required home, vehicle and workplace modifications.
- The rehabilitation program can be quite comprehensive and will depend on your specific needs. It can include surgery and physiotherapy for example. There are also psychosocial elements and vocational elements to assist you with not only recovering physically but also readjusting to a new lifestyle. Rehabilitation may include retraining and job seeking assistance.
- If you are worried that the standard of care you have received is not sufficient then you should contact the DVA and your lawyer to assist you in getting the care that you need to make a full recovery.