The Equipment That Helps You Breathe and Move
You have mesothelioma. The tumor presses on your lung. Fluid builds up in your chest. You cannot catch your breath. Walking to the bathroom leaves you gasping. Climbing stairs feels impossible.
You need oxygen. You need a wheelchair. You need a hospital bed. You need equipment that helps you live with dignity and as much independence as possible.
Here is what you need to know. The VA provides prosthetics and durable medical equipment (DME) to veterans with service-connected conditions like mesothelioma. This includes oxygen equipment, wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, and much more. All at no cost to you.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about VA prosthetics and DME for veterans with mesothelioma. You will learn what equipment is available, how to qualify, how to order, and how to get repairs and replacements.
No complicated government language. No confusion. Just clear, honest information to help you get the equipment you need to live as comfortably as possible.
Part 1: What Is the VA Prosthetics and DME Program?
The Simple Explanation
The VA Prosthetics and DME Program provides medical equipment, supplies, and devices to veterans with service-connected conditions. The goal is to help veterans:
- Breathe easier (oxygen, CPAP, suction machines)
- Move safely (wheelchairs, walkers, canes)
- Sleep comfortably (hospital beds, adjustable beds)
- Perform daily activities (bathing aids, dressing aids)
- Manage medications (pill organizers, infusion pumps)
For veterans with mesothelioma, the most common DME needs are related to shortness of breath and mobility limitations.
Who Is Eligible?
You qualify for VA prosthetics and DME if:
- You are enrolled in VA health care (all veterans with mesothelioma qualify), AND
- Your provider prescribes the equipment as medically necessary
Important: You do not need a service-connected disability rating to receive DME. Any veteran enrolled in VA health care can receive medically necessary equipment. However, veterans with service-connected conditions (like mesothelioma) are the highest priority.
Part 2: Oxygen Equipment for Mesothelioma Veterans
Shortness of breath is the most common symptom of pleural mesothelioma. Fluid builds up around the lung. The tumor presses on the lung. You cannot get enough air.
Oxygen therapy can help. It does not cure mesothelioma, but it can make you feel better. It can help you stay active longer. It can help you sleep better.
Types of Oxygen Equipment the VA Provides
Home Oxygen Concentrator: A machine that pulls oxygen from the room air. It runs on electricity. It is for use at home only. Heavy, not portable.
Portable Oxygen Concentrator: A smaller, battery-powered machine that you can carry with you. Allows you to leave the house. Some fit in a backpack.
Compressed Oxygen Tanks: Metal tanks filled with oxygen. Portable but heavy. Tanks need to be refilled or exchanged.
Liquid Oxygen: Oxygen in liquid form. Very lightweight. Allows for longer trips away from home.
Oxygen Conserving Devices: Attachments that deliver oxygen only when you inhale. Saves oxygen and extends tank life.
Nasal Cannula: The soft plastic tubing that goes into your nose. The VA provides replacement tubing regularly.
Oxygen Masks: For veterans who need higher flow rates.
How to Get VA Oxygen
Step One: Talk to your VA doctor. Tell them about your shortness of breath.
Step Two: Your doctor will order a test called pulse oximetry (measures oxygen in your blood) or an arterial blood gas (more accurate).
Step Three: If your oxygen level is low (usually below 88-90 percent), your doctor will prescribe oxygen.
Step Four: The VA Prosthetics department will contact you. They will arrange for a home oxygen company to deliver equipment.
Step Five: A technician will come to your home. They will set up the equipment. They will teach you how to use it.
At What Oxygen Level Does the VA Prescribe Oxygen?
The VA typically prescribes oxygen when:
- Your resting oxygen level is 88 percent or lower, OR
- Your oxygen level drops to 88 percent or lower with mild activity, OR
- You have symptoms of low oxygen (shortness of breath, confusion, blue lips) even if levels are borderline
Home Oxygen Safety Tips
- No smoking anywhere near oxygen
- Keep oxygen at least 5 feet from open flames (gas stoves, fireplaces, candles)
- Do not use oil-based products (Vaseline, oil-based lotions, petroleum jelly) with oxygen
- Do not store oxygen in a closed space (closet, car trunk)
- Have a backup plan for power outages
Part 3: Mobility Aids for Mesothelioma Veterans
Mesothelioma causes fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Walking becomes hard. You may need help getting around.
Wheelchairs
The VA provides both manual and power wheelchairs.
Manual Wheelchair: Self-propelled or pushed by a caregiver. Lighter, less expensive, easier to transport.
Power Wheelchair: Battery-powered. For veterans who cannot self-propel a manual chair. Heavier, harder to transport, requires a vehicle with a lift or ramp.
How to qualify: Your VA provider must determine that you cannot walk safely or independently due to your condition.
Scooters
Power scooters are for veterans who can walk short distances but need help with longer distances. Examples: getting around a grocery store, going to the mailbox.
Walkers and Rollators
Standard Walker (no wheels): Provides stability but must be lifted with each step. For veterans who need maximum support.
Two-Wheel Walker: Has wheels on the front legs. Easier to use than a standard walker.
Rollator (three or four wheels): Has wheels on all legs, plus a seat and brakes. For veterans who can walk but need occasional rest.
Canes
Standard Cane: For mild stability needs.
Quad Cane: Has four prongs on the base. Provides more stability than a standard cane.
How to Get Mobility Aids
- Talk to your VA provider about your mobility difficulties
- Your provider will prescribe the appropriate device
- The VA Prosthetics department will order the equipment
- Equipment is delivered to your home or available for pickup at the VA
Part 4: Hospital Beds and Sleep Equipment
As mesothelioma progresses, sleeping in a regular bed may become difficult. Lying flat can make shortness of breath worse. Getting in and out of bed may be hard.
Hospital Beds
The VA provides hospital beds for veterans who cannot safely use a regular bed.
Features:
- Adjustable head and foot positions
- Side rails for safety
- Can be raised or lowered (easier to get in and out)
- Often includes a trapeze bar (overhead handle) for pulling yourself up
How to qualify: Your provider must determine that a hospital bed is medically necessary for your safety or comfort.
Adjustable Bed Frames
If a full hospital bed is not necessary, the VA may provide an adjustable bed frame that fits into your existing bed frame.
Bedside Rails and Trapeze Bars
For veterans who do not need a full hospital bed, the VA can provide:
- Bedside rails (prevent falls)
- Trapeze bars (help you pull yourself up)
Bedside Commodes
If getting to the bathroom is difficult, the VA can provide a bedside commode (portable toilet).
Part 5: Bathing and Toileting Aids
Bathing and toileting can be dangerous for veterans with mesothelioma. Fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath increase the risk of falls.
Bathing Aids
Shower Chair or Bench: Allows you to sit while showering. Reduces fatigue and fall risk.
Handheld Showerhead: Allows you to direct water while seated.
Grab Bars: Wall-mounted bars to hold while getting in and out of the tub or shower.
Transfer Bench: A bench that extends outside the tub. You sit on the bench outside the tub, slide across, then swing your legs over the tub edge.
Non-Slip Mats: Placed in the tub or shower. Prevents slipping.
Toileting Aids
Raised Toilet Seat: Adds height to your toilet. Makes it easier to sit down and stand up.
Toilet Safety Frame: A metal frame that goes around your toilet. Provides handholds for standing up.
Bedside Commode: A portable toilet that can be placed next to your bed.
Urinals and Bedpans: For veterans who cannot get to the bathroom at all.
How to Get Bathing and Toileting Aids
- Tell your VA provider about your difficulties
- They will prescribe the necessary equipment
- The VA Prosthetics department will order the items
Part 6: Other VA DME for Mesothelioma Veterans
CPAP and BiPAP for Sleep Apnea
Some veterans with mesothelioma develop sleep apnea. The VA provides CPAP and BiPAP machines, masks, tubing, and filters.
Suction Machines
If you have difficulty clearing mucus from your throat, a suction machine can help. The VA provides these for veterans with respiratory conditions.
Cough Assist Devices
A mechanical insufflator-exsufflator helps clear mucus from the lungs. It is often used by veterans with neuromuscular weakness or severe respiratory disease.
High-Flow Oxygen
For veterans with very severe shortness of breath, the VA may provide high-flow oxygen systems.
Pill Organizers and Medication Aids
- Automatic pill dispensers
- Large-print pill organizers
- Pill splitters and crushers
Transfer Aids
- Slide boards (transfer from bed to wheelchair)
- Transfer belts (for caregivers to assist)
- Patient lifts (for veterans who cannot stand at all)
Skin Protection
- Specialized mattresses and cushions to prevent pressure sores (for veterans who are bedbound or chairbound)
Part 7: How to Order VA Prosthetics and DME
Step One: Get a Prescription from Your VA Provider
You cannot order DME on your own. Your VA doctor or nurse practitioner must prescribe it. The prescription will include:
- The type of equipment needed
- The medical necessity (why you need it)
- Any special features required
Step Two: VA Prosthetics Approves the Order
Your provider sends the prescription to the VA Prosthetics department at your local VA medical center. Prosthetics staff review the order and approve it.
Step Three: Equipment Is Ordered
The VA orders the equipment from a contracted supplier. The supplier will contact you to schedule delivery.
Step Four: Delivery and Setup
A technician will deliver the equipment to your home. They will set it up and show you how to use it. For oxygen, a respiratory therapist will provide training.
Step Five: Ongoing Support
The VA provides:
- Replacement supplies (oxygen tubing, nasal cannulas, filters)
- Repairs for broken equipment
- Replacement equipment when needed
Part 8: Repairs, Replacements, and Returns
What If Your Equipment Breaks?
Call the VA Prosthetics department. They will arrange for repair or replacement. Do not try to fix it yourself.
What If You No Longer Need the Equipment?
Call the VA Prosthetics department. They will arrange for pickup. Do not throw VA equipment away.
Replacement Supplies
The VA automatically ships replacement supplies for some equipment (oxygen tubing, CPAP filters, etc.). For others, you need to request refills.
To request refills: Call the VA Prosthetics department or use secure messaging through VA.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay for VA prosthetics or DME?
No. If you are enrolled in VA health care and your provider prescribes the equipment, it is free.
How long does it take to get DME?
Oxygen: Usually 24-48 hours. Wheelchairs, hospital beds, and other equipment: 1-4 weeks.
Can the VA provide equipment for home modifications (ramps, grab bars)?
Yes, in some cases. Talk to your VA provider about home-based primary care or the VA’s Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant.
What if I need a wheelchair ramp?
The VA HISA grant can pay for home modifications, including wheelchair ramps. You must apply separately. Ask your VA social worker.
Can the VA provide equipment if I am a surviving spouse caring for a veteran?
The equipment is provided to the veteran, not the spouse. The veteran must be enrolled in VA health care.
What if my local VA does not have the equipment I need?
The VA contracts with external suppliers. They will ship the equipment to your home.
Resources
- VA Prosthetics and DME Information: www.prosthetics.va.gov
- Your Local VA Prosthetics Department: Call your VA medical center and ask for “Prosthetics”
- VA Secure Messaging: Log into VA.gov to message your provider
- VA HISA Grant Information: www.va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants/
- Patient Advocate (if you have trouble getting equipment): Ask your VA medical center for the Patient Advocate office
Final Thoughts: Breathe Easier, Move Safer, Live Better
Mesothelioma makes every breath a struggle. It makes every step an effort. But you do not have to suffer in silence. The VA has equipment that can help.
Oxygen to help you breathe. Wheelchairs and walkers to help you move. Hospital beds to help you rest. Bathing aids to keep you safe.
You served your country. You earned these benefits. Do not let pride or confusion stop you from getting the equipment you need.
Talk to your VA doctor. Tell them about your difficulties. Ask for a referral to Prosthetics. Get the equipment that will help you live as comfortably and independently as possible.
You deserve it.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about VA prosthetics and durable medical equipment for veterans with mesothelioma. It does not constitute medical advice or official VA guidance. Equipment availability and policies may vary by location. Every veteran’s situation is different. Always consult with your VA provider about the equipment best suited for your specific needs.