Ottobock does not sell directly to patients – we can only sell to licensed orthotics and prosthetics clinics. Additionally, a clinician must assess each patient to determine which (if any) Ottobock product is right for a patient’s needs before fitting the product and training the patient on its use. Please contact your VA general practitioner to begin the process of requesting an initial evaluation.

If you served in the active military, naval, or air services of the United States, you could be eligible. You can find more detailed information about your eligibility by visiting the official website for the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

You can begin the application process here. If you would like assistance with your claim, you can appoint an accredited claims agent or a Veteran Service Organization (VSO) to act as power of attorney during the process. Your area may have local options for VSOs, or you can work with a national organization such as DAV, the VFW, or the American Legion.

Please note: while a VA claims agent can charge a fee for their services, a VSO cannot charge you for their representation.

You can do so by visiting the official website for the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

You can search for your local VA clinic through the Amputation System of Care’s clinic locator.

Veterans receiving VA care are eligible for coverage for VA prosthetic appliances, equipment, and services, such as:

• Artificial limbs

• Orthopedic braces, therapeutic shoes and socks

• Wheelchairs

• Other durable medical equipment and supplies

Please ensure to have the following prepared for your evaluation.

• Your Veteran Health ID Card (VHIC).

• Cards for any other types of health coverage you may have.

• Your appointment confirmation letter.

• List of your current medications including prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and any herbal supplements.

It's highly recommended to think of what you'd like to achieve with your prosthesis or orthosis as your clinician can recommend the best product to fit your needs. This can include activities related to work, home, during therapy, or exercise (walking the dog, walking on the treadmill, mowing the lawn, carrying groceries or other items, crossing a busy street, etc.). Keep in mind any related environmental or physical barriers that you typically encounter, such as uneven terrain, curbs, stairs, ramps, crowds, public transportation, timed cross walks, etc. so that you can convey to your clinician.

The different activity/mobility/functional levels are outlined below.

Functional Levels (K-Levels)

• K-0: Lacks ability or potential to ambulate (or transfer safely with/without assistance and a prosthesis), and prosthesis will not enhance quality of life or mobility.

• K-1: Has the ability or potential to use prosthesis for transfers or ambulation on level surfaces at fixed cadence. (home)

• K-2: Has the ability or potential for ambulation with the ability to traverse low level environmental barriers such as curbs, stairs or uneven surfaces. (limited community ambulator)

• K-3: Has the ability or potential for ambulation with variable cadence. (full community ambulator)

• K-4: Has the ability or potential for prosthetic ambulation that exceeds basic ambulation skills, exhibiting high impact, stress, or energy levels. (athlete or child)

You'll first need to find a local clinic for an evaluation appointment. The clinician will gauge your mobility level, your goals for your prosthesis or orthosis, and any physical or environmental boundaries you experience routinely. The clinician will write a prescription that will detail the perfect product for you. It is not uncommon for the evaluation to be scheduled months in advance. You will get more details from the clinic that you reach out to schedule your fitting appointment.

Once you have your prescription, you'll need to find a VA-partnered clinic that will fit you with the product specified in the prescription. This process can typically take between one to two months, though every scenario is different.

The VA offers a step-by-step guide for checking in to your VA fitting appointment.

Keeping veteran's health at top of mind, the VA Medical Health Benefits package encompasses inpatient and outpatient services. VA medical facilities offer an array of services, which you can find details by visiting the Health Benefits or the VA Healthcare webpages of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs official website.

The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs offers healthcare coverage that includes care for your physical and mental health. VA provides support for a variety of mental health conditions and other challenges. Each of these pages includes resources, information on treatment options, and more.

• Anxiety

• Bipolar

• Depression

• Effects of TBI

• Military Sexual Trauma

• PTSD

• Schizophrenia

• Substance Use

• Suicide Prevention

• Tobacco

You can also find a short list of Ottobock-partnered counselors by visiting the Veteran’s Support page.