Handicapped Accessible Van

Hello, my name is TJ Weddington.  I am a 31 years old male and was born with Spina Bifida.  My father was a Vietnam Veteran who passedaway due to problems from exposure to Agent Orange.   My birth defect was attributed to his exposure.   I am not able to drive.  I’ve had several Hospital Visits & surgeries for pressure sores caused by vehicle transfers.  Transportation is a big issue for my health and well-being.  Four years ago I was hospitalized with tunneling pressure sores that went 4 inches into my body to the bone.Aside from being in my wheelchair, most of the time, the main culprit of these sores are from transferring to and from the car.  Transferring requires a transfer board to be placed on the car seat and the wheelchair where I then slide into the car.  When I was younger, and a lot lighter, my mom and dad could lift me in and out of the wheelchair to the car.  Now, with my father's passing and my mom is almost 70 years old, I have to use the transfer board.   We submitted a claim to VA for a Handicap Accessible Van and were turned down.  I have VA benefits and insurance and my family is not sure why the government won't cover accessible transportation for my disability.   My mom and I are reaching out to the public in hopes that one day we will raise enough money to purchase adequate transportation.  Our dream vehicle to get me around would be one where I could just roll in and lock the wheelchair in place or one that has a lift.  
Thank you for taking the time to read about my story.
Sincerely,
One hopeful Agent Orange survivor. 
TJ Weddington
#vietnamsurvivor#agentorangesurvivor