Noteboom The Law Firm

Disabled Veteran Amputees Could Have New Transplant Options

Current treatment and recovery options for disabled veterans, who are amputees, are limited to cosmetic surgery and prosthetics, but a new rule is seeking to change that. The federal government is proposing a new rule that will improve matching donors and recipients and developing a national waiting list similar to other traditional organ transplants.

With advances in medical technology for transplants of human tissue the option of receiving a donor hand or face could become reality for many wounded veterans. There have already been successful face and hand transplants in the U.S. and the technology is improving every day. The programs for these transplants that are currently operating will continue to be improved and more centers may open as awareness and demand increases.

The rule would be especially helpful to wounded veterans who have lost hands, fingers, or facial structure due to explosions in the battlefield. In mid-2010, an estimated 200 wounded veterans may have been eligible for facial transplants and 50 for hand or forearm transplants.

Facial injuries can cause disability when the damages result in difficulty talking, seeing, breathing or eating. The loss of a hand or fingers can prevent a disabled veteran from performing daily tasks and personal care. These are conditions which may be covered by veterans’ disability compensation.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.