Disabled Gulf War Veteran Turns to News Station For Help

Disabled veteran’s long wait could be over 
WIVB News
By Al Vaughters, News 4 Reporter
Published: March 24, 2015

"Chris Krieger, co-founder of Western New York Heroes, a veterans self-help outfit, said the VA’s program of adapting homes and vehicles for disabled veterans is overrun with regulations."

HAMBURG, N.Y. (WIVB) — Disabled veteran Dale Dart’s quest for a more independent life could soon be within reach.

Dart turned to the government to re-work his home to accommodate his wheelchair, but it got bogged down in government paperwork, so he contacted Call 4 Action.

The Army veteran of Operation Desert Storm (1991) does have a bedroom and bathroom in his family’s Hamburg home that are wheelchair accessible, but they are in the basement.

Dart vented his frustration earlier this week, “I just sit in my room, and sit in my room.”

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs came up with a way to retrofit the Dart’s ranch style house with a first floor bedroom and bathroom that would be fully accessible, and the planning and permits have taken nearly two years to complete. But just as the contractor was about to break ground on the room addition, the VA threw more red tape at the project, which could delay the job enough to send it back to the drawing board.

 Dale’s sister-in-law, Pamela Dart said the VA cited regulations which require a second contractor for the project. read more here