Suggestions On Power Chair And Housing Allowances

[Testvet]

As most of you know I suffered a severe heart attack in early April that took my ejection fraction from 25% down to 10% which has left me short of breath and pretty much left to use either a wheel chair or my power chair to move around if I have to move much more than about 50 feet, should I be eligible now for the house allowance to make the house more adaptable for the power chair and the mortgage insurance since I no longer have full mobility due to a service connected issue the heart is not pumping enough blood for me to move on my own power anymore or will I just be wasting my time and the VAROs in filing a claim for these benefits?

Edited May 8, 2011 by Testvet

[jbasser]

Testvet, you will not be wasting your time. You should ask as soon as possible.

http://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1578

John

[Pete53]

You have to ask for it but I think you would meet the criteria that is needed.

[carlie]

test,

Fill out the application and submit it.

[broncovet]

I agree. Apply. Then stay alive long enough to enjoy the benefits.

[Philip Rogers]

Hey Mike, I was going to "F" w/you about taking more of uncle sam's money but really, I agree, so go for all you can. You deserve it. In the end, they have cost you your life and the quality of it. Go for all you can get!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

pr

[Teac]

I hate to bust any bubbles.. but just because you have a heart conditon, and use a wheel chair does not qualify you for the adapted housing grant, or the mortgage insurance. First you would have to file a claim and have a C/P exam and be awarded service connection for the medical issues listed below.

However HISA grants are available under VA Handbook 1173.4. and if memory serves me up to $4100.00 one time use only. (may have increased since 2005 when I used it) See http://helpdesk.vetsfirst.org/index.php?pg=kb.chapter&id=55 for answers about HISA.

The Specially Adapted Housing Grant is available to veterans or servicemembers who are entitled to compensation for permanent and total service-connected disability due to:

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

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

c. The loss, or loss of use, of one lower extremity together with

(1) residuals of organic disease or injury, or

(2) the loss or loss of use of one upper extremity.

Item (1) and Item (2) above must so affect the functions of balance or propulsion as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair.

d. The loss, or loss of use, of both upper extremities, so as to preclude use of the arms at or above the elbows.

e. The permanent and total disability is due to a severe burn injury (as so determined).