Back Disabled Vietnam Era Veteran Seeks Transportation Grant Money

by Pat
(Eagan, MN, USA)

I'm a Vietnam-era veteran with a 10% service-connected disability rating from the VA.

I worked for 31 years as an electrician, while being the single parent for 3 children. I did a lot of heavy street lighting work for 18 of the 31 years I was an electrician.

All of this heavy work has left me with two herniated discs in my neck and back, arthritis in my neck, and mid-back, and spondylolysis in my lower back.

When I have a painful flare up, I can go for months without being able to drive to doctor appointments, and the pain clinic.

I need to have my groceries, and my medications delivered, as my back is too sore for me to even drive for five minutes.

My biggest concern is to be able to buy an SUV that could be converted to be able to transport me safely to doctor appointments, physical therapy etc.

Right now, I use an air mattress in the back, due to me not being able to sit at all for months at a time. It is an unsafe way to be transported, but it is all I have for now.

If I could get a grant to buy a newer model SUV, and have it modified to carry a person lying in back, safely strapped down, it would put my mind at ease for traveling.

I live in Minnesota, and the roads can be very slippery in the winter. If we were ever to get in an accident, with me just lying in back, unstrapped, I fear I would have more bodily injuries to deal with, than I already have.

Thank you for your consideration.