Dr. Tata,

I am writing to you in hopes that my testimony regarding the use of the Legsim will lead to it's future availability to other amputees by their insurance providers. Please feel free to use my testimony as you see fit.

I first became aware of the EDWalker from an ad placed in the ACA magazine. This was in 2005, just after my amputation. Of all of the products advertised for leg amputees as a walking device, the EDWalker seemed to make the most sense. I watched all of the videos that were available, and it was the only product that allowed so much versatility. I especially liked how it could be used to go up or down stairs, (with a little practice) and my first thought was that this would be ideal for use in an emergency situation since donning my prosthesis takes me about 5-10 minutes. Unfortunately, I did not have the financial resources to obtain one, and it was not covered by insurance.

I live alone and the level of 'peace of mind' that this product has given me is immeasurable. I no longer fear what I would do should a fire break out in my home & I had to get out in a hurry. Also, I have experienced 2 severe falls prior to receiving my Legsim, which was purchased by the VA. With both falls, I was using crutches going from the bedroom to the bathroom. The first fall occurred about 2 months after my amputation, and it set my recovery back by about 6 weeks. The second fall occurred December 10th, 2007. It was the day of a final exam (I am a radiography technologist student) and my classmates helped me get into the class for the test. (In spite of the pain, I still got an A !) That fall took 31 days to heal completely. It was after the second fall that I decided to contact Joe Schrader again and inquire about insurance coverage. He told me that the VA now provided them & I immediately sought to get one from them. It took about 3 months to acquire it, and I can honestly say that it has been a major blessing for me. I also no longer fear falling. I know that if a decision maker for Medicare or Medicaid ever experienced the absolute agony of falling on the very bottom of a residual limb (AKA 'the stump'), the device would be covered the next day. I do not wish this to ever happen to anyone, but I think you get the idea of what I am trying to convey to you.

I use my Legsim everyday, sometimes just for a few minutes & sometimes all day. It is incredibly easy for me to use, and I would recommend it to any amputee, or even someone who may be in long term recovery from a leg, knee, ankle, or foot injury or surgery. I 'show it off' to anyone who might benefit from it from time to time, most recently an Orthopedic PA who has expressed a great deal of interest in it for his patients.

Hopefully my testimony can be used to benefit other amputees, or anyone who could make use of this product.

Sincerely,

Edward Kevin Baumgartner