My assessment was not via the VA, but through private insurance. It did not go at all like I expected, but that is a good thing.
They spent about a half hour asking about what I like to do and generally getting a feel for my current capabilities. Then they took me to the back warehouse and showed me about a dozen demo power chairs and scooters. The warehouse had hundreds of chairs in it.
They had me sit in a few and try driving them. The assessed my ability to drive a bit, counseled me on the pros and cons of the various types of drive and control, and then told me I was on my own
. I got to switch back and forth between all the demo equipment and find out which kind of chair was best for me.
I spent over 4 hours in the chairs getting used to them. They checked on me periodically and answered all my questions. I was able to drive throughout the warehouse, up and down the loading ramp, and on the sidewalks and driveway outside. I really think this was an outstanding way to help me understand what was available and what would work for me.
Before the evaluation, I had done my homework on the brands and reliability along with the advantages/disadvantages of rear wheel drive vs mid wheel drive vs front wheel drive.
In the end, I picked a Permobil C500 vs. The only drawback to that chair is its size (big). Otherwise, it is perfect. They carefully measured me and the chair I received is just amazingly comfortable. I take naps in it, because it is more comfortable than my ultra comfortable recliner.
I opted for all the bells and whistles, and had to pay for some of them myself (private insurance would not cover some). I have leg elevate, tilt, recline, seat elevate, and standing capabilities. I agonized over whether this was simply overkill. Now that I have the chair I am so very, very glad that I selected the options I did. It took a little over 4 months from the beginning of the process until the chair arrived.
As a final though, here are some words that will hopefully be encouraging. I dreaded making the appointment and going to it. I drug my feet. I was unsettled in the waiting room. Once they sat me in a wheelchair and let me drive, it took about 10 seconds to totally change my outlook. My mobility had been decreasing and I was just not doing anything that required walking much at all. Once I was in the chair and turned loose, I realized I could go the length of the warehouse, around the building, etc. without a second thought. Just move the control knob and I was going! What a sense of freedom. I left the appointment on cloud nine, anxious for my chair to arrive. I had gone into the appointment just to test the waters and was not planning to actually order a chair. I was pretty silly. I still have to fight that denial thing a bit
Steve