AME Veterans Resources

Grants through the Veterans Association for Disabled Veterans

Get help with a disabled veterans grant toward the sale price or conversion of a handicap accessible minivan. This grant is available for disabled veterans with service-related disabilities including:

• loss, or permanent loss of use, of one or both feet
• loss, or permanent loss of use, of one or both hands
• permanent loss or impairment of vision in both eyes
• ankylosis (immobility) of one or both knees, or one or both hips

There is a one-time Disabled Veterans Grant payment by the Veterans Association, toward the purchase of a vehicle chasis and/or adaptive equipment. The Veterans Association will pay for adaptive equipment, for repair, replacement, or reinstallation required because of disability, and for the safe operation of a vehicle purchased with the Veterans Association assistance.

Effective August 2020, the amount of money granted to service connected veterans under the one-time VA Auto Grant Program increased to $21,488.22. The amount that the Veteran receives will depend on the date that the sale was executed and submitted for reimbursement. Not when the 4502 Application was approved.

Disabled Veterans who wish to convert an existing vehicle may also qualify for an Adaptive Equipment Grant. Adaptive equipment includes, but is not limited to, power steering, power brakes, power windows, power seats, and special equipment necessary to assist the eligible person into and out of the vehicle. Contact should be made with your local VA medical center's Prosthetic Department prior to purchasing any equipment.

The adaptive equipment grant may be paid more than once, and it may be paid to either the seller or the veteran.

Disabled Veterans Loan Program:

Loans for disabled veterans are available by seeking funds through other outlets. It is advised that you search for veterans loan programs by seeking out loans available for your specific disability.

You can also find loans to help pay for adapted vehicles by searching for money based on your disability instead of purely focusing on veterans benefits. Search through our Wheelchair Van Loans section to find other loans that apply to you.

We are always seeking to expand funding opportunities for the disabled to help pay for a handicap accessible minivan. If you know of other disability grant and loan programs for disabled veterans, please let us know.

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Automobile Adaptive Equipment Program-

The Automobile Adaptive Equipment (AAE) program permits physically challenged persons to enter, exit and/or operate a motor vehicle or other conveyance. The VA also provides necessary equipment such as platform wheelchair lifts, Under Vehicle Lifts (ULV), power door openers, lowered floors/raised roofs, raised doors, hand controls, left foot gas pedals, reduced effort and zero effort steering and braking, air conditioning and digital driving systems.

Eligibility

Veterans who are service connected for the loss, or loss of use of one or both feet or hands, or service connected ankylosis of one or both knees or hips.

Veterans who are service connected for permanent impairment of vision of both eyes that have a central acuity of 20/200.

NSC veterans are eligible for equipment/ modifications that will allow ingress and egress from a vehicle only.

Note: Eligible service connected veterans who are non-drivers are not eligible for reimbursement for operational equipment.

Required Documentation to VBA

The following must be submitted to the VBA:
    Completed VAF 10-1394, “Application for Adaptive Equipment”
    Copy of Valid Driver’s License
    Bill of sale, Invoice, Lease Agreement or Registration Form
    Window Sticker

If window sticker is NOT Available:
Inspect and document the vehicle and items
OR
Use Edmunds Comparable Vehicle Listing Guide
OR
An invoice or bill of sale must substantiate the items of adaptive equipment
    Proof of ownership (Vehicle Title)
    Proof of release of disposal of a previously owned vehicle
    If veteran paid sales tax, adjust 10-1394 to reimburse Repairs: Marked PAID and include the certification statement signed by vendor

Used Vehicles

Prorated by reducing the standard equipment reimbursable amount for like items by 10% per year. (This includes any add on adaptive equipment previously installed)

Maximum deduction of 90% of the new reimbursement rate will be allowed for vehicles 10 years or older (Vehicles will have a residual value of 10%)

Leased Vehicles

Same guidelines apply for leased vehicles just as if the veteran purchased a new or used vehicle.

Lease must be to the veteran and he/she be responsible for the repairs and maintenance of the vehicle, and not to any business.

Cost limitations will not exceed the allowable reimbursable amounts.

Conversions

- Mini- Van

Reimbursement for mini-van conversions will be made in an amount equal to or less than the average cost of a conventional van modification, plus 25% (SC only).

VA will reimburse for the cost of transporting/delivery of the vehicle.

- Full Size Van

This type of conversion is considered comfort, far exceeds the space required for transportation

The amount should not exceed conventional van conversion

- Pick-up Trucks

The space modified about half that of a mini van

The dollar amount should not exceed mini van conversion

- Motor Homes

All modifications must be pre-authorized.

Only VA approved add-on equipment may be authorized.

Maximum reimbursable amounts established for automobile adaptive equipment will not be exceeded for similar items authorized as adaptive equipment in a motor home.

Amount authorized and the purchase and installation of an approved lift in a motor home will not exceed the average amount authorized for purchase and installation of similar lifts installed in vans by the authorizing VA facility.

VA is not responsible for the removal, modification or reinstallation of any convenience items contained in the motor home, e.g., cabinets, stoves, showers, refrigerators, etc.

- Repairs

Routine service to items is not considered a repair e.g., brake shoes, drums & pads or other adjustments (only the power booster). Power Steering and Automatic Transmission service or fluid refills are not authorized (only the transmission itself, or the power steering components).

Maximum reimbursement is for the total amount of the certified invoice.

Repairs, cost of parts and labor, is listed in thee current Mitchell Mechanical Parts and Labor Estimating Guide for Domestic Cars.

Towing is not normally an authorized repair.

Exceptions to the 2 vehicles in a 4 year period rule

Normally only allowance can be provided for 2 vehicles in a 4 year period.

Exceptions to this rule are:
    Theft
    Fire
    Accident
    Court of legal actions
    Costly Repairs
    Changes in the drivers medical requirements necessitating a different type of vehicle

Required documentation to remove a vehicle of record

Important Note: These vehicles may not be sold or given to family members or any other party residing in the same household of the veteran, or transferred to a business owned by the veteran.
    Proof of trade-in
    Proof of sale
    Proof of other means of disposal, e.g., total loss by accident , act of God, fire, theft, etc.

How to Apply

Please contact your local PVA National Service Officer for assistance with the application.

The information provided above was found in "The Newsletter of New England Chapter Paralyzed Veterans of America."