Auto Allowance

[JayBrown1]

What the VA definition of loss of use for the purpose of granting auto allowance and special monthly compensation? I have 40% rating for left knee fusion(no movement) and 10% for left foot complication. I am also scheduled for total right knee replacement. Would my conditions be considered enough for auto allowance and smc?

[Guest rickb054]

sixthscents,

While you outline what should happen it does not always happen the way you discribed. Case in point. I was rated for loss of use of my left foot due to dropfoot cause by siatiac nerve injury and Degenerate disk disease. I did not ask for the grant, it was just awarded along with the K award when I requested an increased rating for my back injury in 1999.

Once I received the grant ($9000) I went to the local Ford dealer and purchased my truck. Once I purchased the truck I submitted the paperwork for the adaptive equipment to the prosthetics department at my local va.

The point is I never had to see any VA drivers education personnel, or any doctors to get any perscriptions.

Now fast foward to 2003, after I moved from NC to Killen Texas I was required to go to the Dallas VA medical center to be evaluated by a specialist prior to be issued a ramp for my van. The drivers specialist would not evaluate me saying it was not necessary.

Again fast foward to 2007, I am now utilizing the SAn Antonio VA where I again was required to see a driver specialist. This trip was worth while because I was given a priscription for a full size van that has a raised roof and is equipped with a dual post chair lift. In addition I am still allowed the usual adaptions, as well as air conditioner, oxygen racks, and wheelchair locking system.

I also learned that instead of waiting to be reinbursed for the adaptive equipment, the va will pay for the adaptive equipment as part of the down payment on the vehicle if it is coordinated with the va prior to the purchase. In addition in Texas the purchase tax is not charged for an adaptive vehicle if the dealer knows how to do the paperwork, and Ford like many companies give a $1000.00 grant toward the adaptive rquipment.

In my case when I purchase my $40K adapted full size van, I pay only $25K. The va picks up the tab for all adaptive equipment including the raised roof and lift at the time of purchase and I will not pay the taxes.

So while the way you explained may be one way, it is not the only way. Like everthing offered to veterans, va officals have different ways of getting things done.

Reference the housing grant when was it increasd to $60K?

Auto Adaptive grants handbooks:

Handbook_1173.4_Automobile_Adaptive_Equipment_Program.pdf

Handbook_1173.16_Driver_Rehab_for_Veterans.pdf

Reinbursement_ratee_auto_adaptive_equipment.pdf

[Ricky]

IF you qualify for the auto allowance how long does it take for the VA to issue the check once you have picked out the vehicle that you want to purchase? 1 day, 6 months 2 years etc....?

[Guest rickb054]

IF you qualify for the auto allowance how long does it take for the VA to issue the check once you have picked out the vehicle that you want to purchase? 1 day, 6 months 2 years etc....?

The check goes to the dealer , less than two weeks.

[sixthscents]

Rick you make a real valid point.... I was just basically going by what MY experience was... that's really all I have to go off of, except when I watch it happen with other vets, or some vet is helpful and nice enough to tell THEIR story (kinda like you did)... The way I see it, that is one of the PRIMARY reasons for Hadit and veteran communities to exist.

Please, I have stated before, but let me restate, I base my comments and opinons on my own experience, the regulatory guidance (if available), and the experiences of others that I have heard about. Generally if I say something is opinion... thats just it, my opinion. I mistakenly represented my last post here as fact, when in truth it's just what I think I know, based upon my own experience, and the regulatory guidance. That does NOT mean I am completely or even partially correct. I think what I said was "essentially" correct, but I also think Rick was very right in pointing out that there is more than one path to achieve the same goal, BUT I think we can both agree that the requirements or qualification for these benefits are mandated by the VA, and are factual... (since I simply restated them in some cases).

Any veteran can go to www.va.gov and do a search for adaptive vehicle grant... etc. and read the guidance themselves.

Also the increase was propposed as an amendment to HR 1385 (?) I think, I'll have to look it up, but I and my Adaptive Housing Rep (since I am renovating a property to VA standards... and the grant is paying "after the fact"... it's unusual, but allowed) anyway we were talking last week and he mentioned it.... stated he thought it'd go up by 1 Jan 08... but I cant remember who he said proposed it, etc. I'll look it up, but I do know that it's in the works and hopefully will get passed. It started almost at the same time the 3-way split regulation came out according to my rep (he's really a GREAT guy... one of the 20%ers doing it all)

Anyway... good point (maybe I should have just said that huh?) Ha!

Bob Smith

[Guest rickb054]

Bob,

You put out good valid info, I was just expanding on it. Hope I did't make it look like you were wrong cause that was not my intent. I respect you opinions and input which seem to always be valid.

Also I was wondering about the adapted housing grant cause I used mine up three years ago then moved. Now I am in need of a remodeled bathroom again, and if they raise the grant by 10K, maybe I will be able to use that otherwise I will have to spend some money out of the old pocket.

[sixthscents]

Have you applied for a HISA grant? Thats like $4100 I think right there and can be used repeatedly.

Also no I didn't think you were downing me but you made a valid point and I wanted everyone to see it.

I think the info was pretty solid let me check up on it and see if I can find the Bill/amendment etc.