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Veterans Benefits |
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VMI AND PARALYZED
VETERANS OF AMERICA JOIN FORCES IN OPERATION INDEPENDENCE MOBILITY
VEHICLE PROGRAM |
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Video Presentation (click here) |
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Operation
Independence
VMI is the premier manufacturer of wheelchair accessible vans. VMI
Select Dealers are experts in mobility assessment and customization.
Together we have combined our knowledge with the Paralyzed Veterans
of America to increase awareness with disabled veterans regarding VA
vehicle benefits, and help them get the benefits they have earned
while serving our country:
• You may be entitled to VA funding for adaptive automotive
equipment
• In many cases, you may also be entitled to a one-time auto
allowance for the vehicle itself
Operation Independence helps veterans get into their first
wheelchair accessible van. Whether you are entitled to the auto
allowance grant or will be personally funding your first wheelchair
accessible van, VMI and our Select Dealer Network will give you a
$1,000 rebate towards the van to be converted
Veteran Mobility Benefits
To be eligible for financial assistance in purchasing a new or used
automobile (or other conveyance), a Veteran or serviceperson must
have acquired one of the following disabilities as a result of
injury or disease incurred or aggravated during active military
service, or as a result of medical treatment or examination,
vocations rehabilitation, or compensated work therapy provided by
the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) (38 U.S.C. 1151): |
- Loss, or permanent loss of use, of
one or both feet
- Loss, or permanent loss of use, of
one or both hands, or
- Permanent impairment of vision in
both eyes with a
- Central visual acuity of 20/200 or
less in the better eye with corrective glasses, or
- Central visual acuity of more than
20/200 if there is a field defect in which the peripheral field has
contracted to such an extent that the widest diameter of visual
field has an angular distance no greater than 20 degrees in the
better eye
Even if you are not entitled to the
auto allowance grant (21-4502), you may still qualify for an
adaptive automotive equipment grant (10-1394) for a wheelchair
accessible conversion on a vehicle which you would fund through
alternative means. . The VMI $1,000 offer ends Nov. 11, 2012. |
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“Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors”
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The Mobility Center values our
veterans and the services they provided to protect our freedoms.
We see first hand the impact of the sacrifices they have made
defending our country. As a result we have put together information
that will make it easier for them to find the benefits and support they need.
Key areas of benefits are focused on here:
1. Service Connected Disabilities
2. VA4502 Grant
3. Automobile Adaptive Equipment (AAE)
Service-Connected Disabilities
Disability Compensation Disability compensation is a monetary benefit paid
to veterans who are disabled by an injury or illness that was incurred or aggravated
during active military service. These disabilities are considered to be service-connected.
Click here to review the Federal Benefits for Veterans
http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book/benefits_chap02.asp
VA 4502 Grant
Can a Veteran Receive Financial Assistance From VA to Purchase an Automobile?
Yes. Financial assistance, in the form of a grant, is available to purchase a new or used automobile
(or other conveyance) to accommodate a veteran or service member with certain disabilities that
resulted from an injury or disease incurred or aggravated during active military service. The grant
may also be paid, if disabilities are a result of medical treatment, examination, vocational rehabilitation,
or compensated work therapy provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
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The grant is paid directly to the seller of the automobile for the total price
(up to $18,900) of the automobile. The veteran or service member may only receive
the automobile grant once in his/her lifetime.
Effective October 1, 2011
Section 804- Enhancement of automobile assistance allowance for veterans would increase
automobile assistance from $11,000 to $18,900, effective October 1, 2011
Click here to see a pdf for more details
Automobile and Special Adaptive Equipment Grants
Click here to review the Federal Form VBA-21-4502
http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-4502-ARE.pdf
Automobile Adaptive Equipment (AAE)
The Automobile Adaptive Equipment (AAE) program permits physically challenged persons to enter, exit,
and/or operate a motor vehicle or other conveyance.
Veterans are trained, through the VA Driver's Rehabilitation Program, how to safely operate their vehicle
on our nation's roadways.
The VA also provides necessary equipment such as platform wheelchair lifts, UVLs (under vehicle lifts),
power door openers, lowered floors/raised roofs, raised doors, hand controls, left foot gas pedals,
reduced effort and zero effort steering and braking, and digital driving systems.
Additionally, VA's program provides reimbursements for standard equipment including, but not limited
to, power steering, power brakes, power windows, power seats, and other special equipment necessary
for the safe operation of an approved vehicle. For more information click on the link below.
http://www.prosthetics.va.gov/AAE.asp
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Department of Veterans Affairs |
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“Automobile and Special Adaptive Equipment Grants”
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Can a Veteran Receive Financial Assistance From VA to Purchase an Automobile?
Yes. Financial assistance, in the form of a grant, is available to purchase a new or used automobile (or other conveyance) to
accommodate a veteran or servicemember with certain disabilities that resulted from an injury or disease incurred or aggravated
during active military service. The grant may also be paid, if disabilities are a result of medical treatment, examination, vocational
rehabilitation, or compensated work therapy provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The grant is paid directly to the seller of the automobile for the total price (up to $11,000) of the automobile.
The veteran or servicemember may only receive the automobile grant once in his/her lifetime.
What Disabilities Must You Have to Qualify for the Automobile Grant?
A veteran or servicemember must have one of the following disabilities to qualify for the automobile grant:
loss, or permanent loss of use, of one or both feet
loss, or permanent loss of use, of one or both hands, or
permanent impairment of vision in both eyes to a certain degree
Does VA Pay to Adapt a Vehicle?
Yes. Those qualified for the automobile grant, and veterans or servicemembers with ankylosis (immobility of the joint)
of one or both knees or hips resulting from an injury or disease incurred or aggravated by active military service may
also qualify for the 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.
How Can I Apply for an Automobile and/or Special Adaptive Equipment Grant?
You can apply for the automobile and/or the special adaptive equipment grant by completing VA Form 21-4502, Application
for Automobile or Other Conveyance and Adaptive Equipment and submitting it to your local VA regional office. The instructions
on the VA Form 21-4502 contain a list of adaptive equipment that has been pre-approved for particular disabilities.
Note: After you complete and submit Section I of the application, VA will complete Section II and return the original
to you. You are responsible for obtaining the invoice from the seller, updating Section III, and submitting the form to your local VA regional office for payment.
If you are entitled to adaptive equipment only (i.e., service connected for ankylosis of knees or hips) you should complete VA Form 10-1394,
Application for Adaptive Equipment – Motor Vehicle and submit it to your local VA medical center. Additionally, VA Form 10-1394 should be completed
for approval of equipment not specified on the VA Form 21-4502.
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For More Information, Call Toll-Free 1-800-827-1000
or Visit Our Web Site at http://www.va.gov. |
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