VA provides two transportation-related benefits for veterans with severe service-connected disabilities. The automobile allowance is a one-time payment toward the purchase of a vehicle for veterans who have lost or lost the use of one or both hands or feet, permanent impairment of vision in both eyes to a specific degree, or severe burn injuries. This benefit can only be used once, though the maximum amount is periodically adjusted for inflation. The adaptive equipment grant covers the cost of modifying a vehicle with adaptive equipment such as hand controls, wheelchair lifts, or modified steering systems. Unlike the automobile allowance, adaptive equipment grants can be provided more than once. When your adaptive equipment wears out or you get a new vehicle, you can apply for another grant. To apply for either benefit, file the appropriate VA form and provide medical evidence documenting your qualifying disability. Your VA medical center may have an adaptive driving program that can evaluate your needs and recommend specific equipment. These benefits can also extend to certain equipment modifications for your home vehicle. If you qualify for adaptive equipment, VA may also authorize reimbursement for the repair, replacement, or reinstallation of adaptive equipment that has been damaged or worn out through normal use.
Note: This article references sections of the VA's M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual. The VA periodically reorganizes the M21-1 and section numbers may have changed since this article was written. For the most current section references, visit the VA's public M21-1 Web Automated Reference Material System (WARMS).