My husband served active duty in the military for 29 years - including Vietnam, Gulf War and in Bosnia. He has severe medical problems including nerve damage in both legs and drop foot. In 2008, while living in Colorado, the VA granted him "loss of use of both legs" and because of all the severe medical conditions, the VA rating is 100% permanently disabled. In the Fall of 2018 we moved to Florida, into his parents house because there are no stairs to climb, which makes our lives much easier. However, due to my husband's nerve damage and drop foot conditions, he is unable to lift his feet and he has to be very careful not to fall down. We found out about the VA HISA grant We applied with the Orlando VA (John Foster Prosthetics Dept.) for the "HISA" grant, which is available to make home modifications to make life easier for the veterans. Specifically, we needed a ROLL-IN SHOWER so my husband can get into the shower with a wheelchair. The original bathroom is from 1962 with a baby blue bathtub and a non ADA compliant low toilet. Though the grant money would not cover the total remodel, any amount helps. Despite the VA's official Disability decision, the Orlando VA and Mr. John Foster denied the HISA grant application stating: "We see no need for a ROLL-IN/WALK-IN SHOWER and an ADA height toilet." However, the Melbourne, Florida DAV - Disabled American Veteran's office #32 - with help of DAV officer Mrs. Lisa T., who put together a factual appeal and a new application with supporting documentation, my husband was finally approved for the HISA grant to get the bathroom modified to allow wheelchair access and an ADA height toilet! There is NO charge to get assistance from the DAV, and nobody asked us to make a donation. However, we are very grateful for Mrs. Lisa's assistance and support at the Melbourne DAV Chapter 32 office and to show our appreciation, my husband is going to pay for the Lifetime DAV membership. Initially, we contacted the Satellite Beach and Merritt Island DAV offices, but we could not get any help from them. We highly recommend the Melbourne DAV office, chapter 32 and Mrs. Lisa T. for their dedication, the friendly assistance and support! read more