Women Veterans Health Care

Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service for Women Veterans

The term "prosthetic" includes any medical device that supports or replaces loss of a body part or function.

Any specialized, medically necessary item that is commercially available may be procured based on the Veteran's needs.

VA's Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service (PSAS), Center for Women Veterans, and Office of Women's Health collaborate closely to address the unique needs of women Veterans and provide the most comprehensive and advanced prosthetic devices, sensory aids, and associated services in the world.

What services and devices does PSAS provide to Veterans?

PSAS provides a wide range of comprehensive services and devices to Veterans. Gender neutral services and devices provided include:

• Orthotic and prosthetic services
• Mobility aids
• Audio and visual aids
• Communication and assistive devices
• Recreational and rehabilitative equipment
• Surgical implants
• Durable medical equipment
• Automobile adaptive equipment
• Home improvement and structural alterations
• Clothing allowance

Specific examples of services and devices include but are not limited to:

• Custom fabricated and fitted limbs and supports for the spine or limbs
• Canes, walkers, and wheelchairs
• Aids for daily living
• Hearing aids and eyeglasses
• Diabetic shoes and inserts
• Sleep Apnea Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP machines) equipment and accessories
• Home respiratory therapy, home oxygen, and concentrators
• Surgical implants
• Rental of devices, such as beds and patient lifts
• Bathroom safety devices

VA recognizes that these prosthetics and services are not "one size fits all" and has made great strides in adapting services and equipment to meet the medical needs of women Veterans. VA is also working to further enhance the appearance and functionality of prosthetics to fit the lifestyles of women Veterans.

Gender specific examples include but are not limited to:

• Nursing bras and breast pumps
• Post mastectomy items
• Wigs for alopecia or post chemotherapy
• Long-acting reversible contraceptives (e.g., intrauterine devices)
• Maternity support belts and items
• Pelvic floor devices
• Vaginal dilators
• Mastectomy bathing suits

How do I access PSAS at VA?

Once your VA primary care provider determines what is medically needed to support your health care treatment plan, a consult can be submitted to PSAS. To be eligible for prosthetic or sensory aid services, you must be enrolled in the VA health care system and have a medical need for a prosthetic service or device. Additional eligibility criteria may apply for certain programs.

Contact a Women Veterans Program Manager (WVPM) at your nearest VA medical center to discuss your eligibility and options for prosthetics and sensory aids. A WVPM can help coordinate all services you may need, from primary care to specialized care for chronic medical or reproductive health conditions. Women Veterans interested in receiving care at VA should contact the nearest VA Medical Center and ask for the WVPM.

If you don't already use VA health care, you may want to use the following online tools:

Find out if you are eligible for VA health care

Enroll in VA health care if you haven't already

Find your local VA and make an appointment

Where can I find more information, help, and resources on prosthetics?

• Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Services for Women
• VA Rehabilitation and Prosthetics Services home page
• VA Center for Women Veterans

Women Veterans Health Care Videos

Watch videos for and about Women Veterans.

Women Veterans Health Care Outreach Posters

View our Outreach Posters.

The Women Veterans Call Center is your guide to women's health

If you have questions or can't find what you're looking for, you can call, text, or chat online with the Women Veterans Call Center (WVCC) at 855-829-6636 to get help and find available resources and services in your area. Trained women representatives can also:

• Provide you with information on enrolling in VA health care if you have not already
• Provide you with information on setting up a medical appointment in your area
• Provide you with information about your eligibility (including questions about disability ratings) and other VA benefits like employment, education, and home loans
• Connect you with your local VA Medical Center or local women's health contact who can assist in coordinating all the services you need

WVCC representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET, and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.

Call  Text 

return to top