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Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits - Other Disability Benefits

Specially Adapted Homes

Certain veterans with service-connected disabilities may be entitled to a grant from VA to assist in either building a new specially adapted home or in purchasing an existing home to modify and remodel to meet their disability-related requirements.

On June 15, 2006, the President signed P. L. 109-233, the Veterans Housing Opportunity and Benefits Act of 2006. This law enables an eligible veteran or active duty service member to receive up to a total of three Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grants. This new benefit also extends to previous grant recipients.

Prior to this law, grant recipients could only receive their SAH benefit from VA one time, regardless of the grant amount. Although a veteran or SM may now use the SAH benefit three times, the aggregate amount of assistance cannot exceed the maximum amounts allowable for grants authorized under Title 38, United States Code (U.S.C.), section 2101(a) or section 2101(b). However, under the new law, previous grant recipients cannot obtain a subsequent grant(s) to pay for adaptations made prior to June 15, 2006 or to reduce an existing mortgage principal for properties acquired prior to June 15, 2006.

Additional information about the specially adapted housing program is available at http://homeloans.va.gov/sah.htm.

For a $50,000 Grant. VA may approve a grant of not more than 50 percent of the cost of building, buying or remodeling adapted homes or paying indebtedness on those homes already acquired, up to a maximum of $50,000. Veterans must be entitled to compensation for permanent and total service-connected disability due to one of the following:

1.   Loss or loss of use of both lower extremities, such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes or a wheelchair.

2.   Loss or loss of use of both upper extremities at or above the elbow.

3.   Blindness in both eyes, having only light perception, plus loss or loss of use of one lower extremity.

4.   Loss or loss of use of one lower extremity together with (a) residuals of organic disease or injury, or (b) the loss or loss of use of one upper extremity, which so affects the functions of balance or propulsion as to preclude locomotion without using braces, canes, crutches or a wheelchair.

For a $10,000 Grant. VA may approve a grant for the actual cost, up to a maximum of $10,000, for adaptations to a veteran's residence that are determined by VA to be reasonably necessary. The grant also may be used to assist veterans in acquiring a residence that already has been adapted with special features for the veteran's disability. Veterans must be entitled to compensation for permanent and total service-connected disability due to (1) blindness in both eyes with 5/200 visual acuity or less, or (2) anatomical loss or loss of use of both hands.

Supplemental Financing. Veterans with available loan guaranty entitlement may also obtain a guaranteed loan or a direct loan from VA to supplement the grant to acquire a specially adapted home. Amounts with a guaranteed loan from a private lender will vary, but the maximum direct loan from VA is $33,000.

Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant. The Veterans Housing Opportunity and Benefits Act of 2006 authorizes VA to provide Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) assistance to veterans who are temporarily residing in a home owned by a family member. This assistance would be in the form of a Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) grant to assist the veteran in adapting the family member's home to meet the veteran's special needs. However, the law does not make Service Members eligible for a TRA grant. Veterans eligible for a TRA grant are now permitted to use up to $14,000 of the maximum grant amount for a section 2101(a) SAH grant or up to $2,000 of the maximum amount for a section 2101(b) SHA grant. There is also a provision that states that no TRA grant assistance may be provided after June 15, 2011.

Automobile Assistance

Veterans and service members qualify for this benefit if they have service-connected loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands or feet, or permanent impairment of vision of both eyes to a certain degree. Veterans entitled to compensation for ankylosis (immobility) of one or both knees, or one or both hips, also qualify for adaptive equipment for an automobile. There is a onetime payment by VA of not more than $18,900 (effective October 1, 2011) toward the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance. VA will pay for adaptive equipment, and for repair, replacement, or reinstallation required because of disability, and for the safe operation of a vehicle purchased with VA assistance. To apply, contact a VA regional office (telephone 1-800-827-1000) or a VA medical center.

Clothing Allowance

Any veteran who is entitled to receive compensation for a service-connected disability for which he or she uses prosthetic or orthopedic appliances may receive an annual clothing allowance. The allowance also is available to any veteran whose service-connected skin condition requires prescribed medication that irreparably damages the veteran's outer garments. Effective December 1, 2011 the clothing allowance is $741 per year. However, while effective the date of the law, it is not payable until the following August 1. To apply, contact the Prosthetic and Sensory Aid Service at the closest VA health care facility.

Source

Some information for this topic was drawn from the VA website at:
http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/special1.htm
http://www.homeloans.va.gov/circulars/26_06_7.pdf
http://www.homeloans.va.gov/circulars/26_06_05.pdf

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