Lymphedema Treatment for Veterans

Frequently Asked Questions

What is lymphedema, and how does it affect veterans?

Lymphedema is a chronic, progressive condition that results from the abnormal buildup of fluid in the body’s tissues, causing swelling. Some can be born with lymphedema, known as primary lymphedema, whereas others can acquire the condition through changes to their lymphatic system, known as secondary lymphedema. Veterans may be at risk of developing lymphedema due to several reasons, including:

• Chronic venous insufficiency: Service members are often tasked with standing for prolonged periods of time and heavy lifting, which can result in chronic venous insufficiency, one of the leading causes of lymphedema. The combination of CVI and lymphatic dysfunction is known as phlebolymphedema.
• Service-related injuries: Combat-related injuries, such as shrapnel wounds and amputations, can damage the lymphatic system and lead to lymphedema.
• Exposure to environmental hazards: Exposure to toxic substances during service, such as Agent Orange and radiation, can increase the risk of lymphatic dysfunction and chronic swelling.¹
• Cancer: Veterans are at an increased risk of cancer due to factors like combat stress, burn pits, and exposure to hazardous materials.² Cancer and cancer surgery, such as lymph node removal, increase the risk of lymphedema.

Pneumatic compression devices, such as the Flexitouch Plus system, are an excellent at-home solutions for managing swelling, pain, and related symptoms.

Are veterans eligible for coverage of pneumatic compression devices through the VA?

Yes, the VA covers pneumatic compression devices for appropriate patients deemed medically necessary by their health care teams.

Does the VA cover the full cost of the device, or will there be out-of-pocket expenses?

Yes, the VA covers the cost of pneumatic compression devices, and Veterans do not have a copay.

How do pneumatic compression devices treat lymphedema?

Pneumatic compression devices are often part of a comprehensive treatment plan to manage lymphedema. These devices use inflatable sleeves or garments to apply gentle, intermittent pressure to the affected area in a rhythmic fashion to help guide excess fluid out of the tissues. For Veterans, these devices can be a lifeline to improve symptoms, mobility, and overall quality of life.

Pneumatic compression devices and compression therapy are just one part of complete decongestive therapy, which is a multimodal treatment approach that consists of an in-clinic phase where patients meet with a lymphedema therapist, followed by an ongoing self-management phase at home. It’s during this second phase that you will get fitted for compression garments for lymphedema and for specific garments that will work with a pneumatic compression device, which mimics the motions of manual lymphatic drainage to reduce swelling.

Do I need a prescription or referral from my VA doctor to receive a compression device?

Yes, they are by prescription only. You may ask your VA healthcare provider to place a Prosthetics consult for a pneumatic compression device.

What are the benefits of pneumatic compression devices for lymphedema?

Pneumatic compression devices are a non-invasive treatment for managing lymphedema for Veterans and individuals with chronic swelling. Some of the benefits of pneumatic compression devices include:

• Reduced swelling and fluid buildup: Through intermittent compression, pneumatic compression devices encourage lymphatic drainage to move excess fluid out of the affected area.
• Enhanced circulation: These devices help improve lymph flow to reduce the risk of complications and infections like cellulitis.
• Prevention of tissue hardening: Compression helps prevent fibrosis, or the hardening of the skin, which can be the result of prolonged swelling.
• At-home convenience: Veterans can get fitted for their pneumatic compression device to use from the comfort of their home, reducing the need for frequent in-clinic visits.

A prospective study in 179 Veterans published in Journal of Vascular Surgery found that regular use of the Flexitouch Plus system resulted in significant improvement in limb girth, quality of life, and reduction in cellulitis infections. To learn more, click here.