Northern Indiana Veterans Reviving Top-Quality Care from Best VA Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service
A department of the VA Northern Indiana Health Care System was recently recognized as an innovator within the VA’s Veterans Integrated Service Network 10 showcasing its ability to provide top-quality care for Veterans in the region.
The Northern Indiana VA Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service was recognized for its efforts in issuing more than 140,000 unique purchase orders and handled more than 170,000 work actions in the past year. These achievements display their ability to consistently deliver exceptional outcomes, setting benchmarks not only within the VISN, but also across the nation. As a testament to the team’s excellence, the department earned the prestigious Service of the Year Award, underscoring their leadership in delivering veteran-centered care.
“These initiatives reflect our commitment to continuous improvement, making us a leader in driving impactful change,” said Chief of Prosthetics for VA Northern Indiana Health Care System Bill Bockover. “By prioritizing exceptional service delivery, leveraging innovative solutions, and maintaining a resilient and dedicated staff, VANIHCS PSAS remains a vital part of the VA’s mission. We are immensely proud of our contributions to the well-being of our veterans and are committed to remaining one of the VA’s most outstanding and rewarding places to work.”
PSAS stands as a cornerstone of Veteran care, forming part of the world’s largest and most comprehensive providers of prosthetic and assistive devices. The team serves over 26,000 Veterans annually, demonstrating dedication to enhancing Veteran’s quality of life.
“Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service is the largest and most comprehensive provider of prosthetic devices and sensory aids for Veterans,” said Nelson Sevilleja, a prosthetic representative for VANIHCS Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service. “Our highly skilled team comprises four purchasing agents, two prosthetic representatives, four occupational therapists, one inventory clerk, one advanced medical support assistant, and a visionary chief and assistant chief who also serve as prosthetic representatives.”
The team provides a vast spectrum of life-changing services to Veterans , from custom-fitted artificial limbs and orthotic devices to specialized mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, and canes.
“Beyond mobility, we extend sensory assistance through hearing aids, visual aids, and adaptive devices, while also supporting veterans with communication and cognitive support tools,” said Sevilleja. “For Veterans with significant home modification needs, our program administers the Home Improvement and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant, offering up to $6,800 for critical modifications like bathroom renovations and ramp installations.”
In addition, the Automobile Adaptive Equipment program empowers Veterans with disabilities by funding essential modifications—such as hand controls, wheelchair lifts, and power steering—enabling safe and independent vehicle operation.
“We also provide a $999 annual clothing allowance for veterans requiring prosthetic devices that cause wear and tear on clothing, ensuring their dignity and comfort,” said Sevilleja.
VANIHCS PSAS is a recognized innovator within the VA health care system.
“In 2004, we led the implementation of the Single Purchase Card Project, a groundbreaking initiative now adopted nationally, streamlining procurement processes for enhanced efficiency. Another major achievement is the VHIB Service Dog Revamp, which modernized a cumbersome process into a streamlined system, now serving as a model for several facilities,” said Sevilleja.
These initiatives reflect the commitment to continuous improvement, making the team leaders in driving impactful change. By prioritizing exceptional service delivery, leveraging innovative solutions, and maintaining a resilient and dedicated staff, VANIHCS PSAS remains a vital part of the VA’s mission.
“We are immensely proud of our contributions to the well-being of our veterans and are committed to remaining one of the VA’s most outstanding and rewarding places to work,” said Bockover. “We like to say that we are making the impossible possible. That’s why PSAS is committed to supporting Veteran’s independence in the home, optimizing whole health, and helping Veterans meet goals they never thought possible.”