I would check with VA about that fact and IMO this is installed in a very poor place with no thought whatso ever

Remove the valance/shade and go for a cafe style curtain. That might actually let more light in but the view will be different and it will take time to get used to.

Just curious where did you hear this about the VA? If it is true, then you'll certainly not get a straight answer from them. The VA has been under a lot of scrutiny lately for not doing what's best for their veterans.

leelee's advice is excellent for the short term and if you have no success moving the equipment, for the long term as well.

best of luck, we had an oil furnace installed in our vacation home while we werent present, and even though there were twelve different choices for how it could be placed, the company put it under an upper window so that fumes came in whenever the hot water heater was running in the summer. when asked, installer said 'oh i forgot the windows might be open in the summer for the hot water.' but he wouldnt move it.

suggestion.... if you have no luck with the VA you might call your local tv stations investigative team, they can be pretty tenacious.

We'd need to see a plan view of the deck and dining room with stairs and access to assess whether or not a better place could have been picked. They may have had no choice.

Did the VA tell you that, or the installer? I can't imagine that it is acceptable to block a window with a "permanent" item. When they agreed to install the lift, was the placement discussed?

I would not be ok with it, and I'm not buying the excuse they gave you. I have a family member who has had VA work done on their home to make it "handicap accessible", and I've never heard that they will blacklist you. I think they are telling you a load a BS to avoid re-doing it.

That's what I'm curious about too. I know when my family member had their work done the VA was so anal about every last detail. Everything had to be 100% to code. I don't see how this would be allowed?

Spending time posting pictures and description on Houzz - did you talk to the company who installed this already? This would be the first step to do. Have them coming back and discuss your options - the way how it is right now wouldn't be acceptable for me...Good Luck

I truly believe she is lying to you. And the fact that it is blocking your crawl is even worse. I would not take her word on this. I'd contact the VA also. Where were they supposed to install it? What does your agreement/contract say?

I would contact the caseworker who is in charge of the project. Make sure you tell them the threat that the company owner made. I absolutely would not let this go. And make the owner give you a detailed report as to why the lift must be located where it is. She is trying to scare you into letting it stay as is.

Can you take a picture of the outside showing where the lift is? Maybe we can help you with your argument against her.

I'll be willing to bet they followed Americans with Disability Act requirements when installing this lift. The ADA trumps all building codes. The building code tells you how large a sign you can put up at your restaurant. Similarly, the ADA, being civil rights law, keeps you from putting "Whites Only" on your sign.

This is all idle speculation without a drawing with measurements, plan and elevations included.

A quick clarification. The building code doesn't tell you how large of a sign you can put up. That is going to be in either the sign or zoning code. Since that is not a sleeping room there is probably no violation for blocking a means of egress. Two means of egress are required for sleeping rooms.