Automobile and Adaptive Equipment Allowance

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Eligible Veterans are entitled to a monetary benefit to help buy or modify their existing vehicles to allow them regain the ability to drive.

Benefit

  • Click HERE to view the current allowance limits.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • The automobile allowance can ONLY be paid directly to the seller of the vehicle. Meaning you CANNOT buy things yourself and ask for reimbursement! You need to be granted and approved for the benefit BEFORE buying the vehicle.

  • The automobile allowance CANNOT be used to lease an automobile!

  • The term ‘automobile’ includes a wide variety of drivable motorized vehicles including, but not limited to: cars and station wagons, sport utility vehicles, minivans or vans, pickup trucks, motor homes, and commercial trucks or farm machines such as a tractor, harvester, or combine. 

  • The term ‘adaptive equipment’ includes, but is not limited to: power steering, power brakes, power window lifts, power seats, special equipment necessary to assist the eligible person into and out of the automobile or other conveyance, and nonarticulating trailers solely designed to transport powered wheelchairs, powered scooters, or other similar mobility devices.

  • Adaptive equipment may not be provided for more than 2 vehicles at a time or during any four-year period.

  • Veterans are allowed ONLY 1 automobile allowance every 30 years!

    • UNLESS, the vehicle was destroyed due to any of the following AND the Veteran did NOT get compensation from their insurance company:

      • Accident (Veteran was NOT at fault); or

      • Natural disaster.

Eligibility Criteria (Automobile Allowance)

Veteran must meet at least 1 of the following criteria (conditions must be service-connected or are granted compensation under 1151):

  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

  • Loss of use or amputation of 1 foot

  • Loss of use or amputation of 1 hand

  • Permanent impairment of vision in both eyes with:

    • 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

  • Severe burn injury:

    • Deep partial thickness or full thickness burns resulting in scar formation that causes contractures and limits motion of one or more extremities or the trunk and precludes effective operation of an automobile

Eligibility Criteria (Adaptive Equipment Allowance)

Veteran must be eligible for the automobile allowance or meet at least 1 of the following criteria (conditions must be service-connected or are granted compensation under 1151):

  • Ankylosis of 1 hip

  • Ankylosis of 1 knee

  • If the Veteran is undergoing Veteran Readiness and Employment (VRE) and being able to drive is a requirement to complete their program eligibility can be meet EVEN IF the need for the allowance is NOT service-connected, granted under 1151, or any of the above criteria!

Applying

IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • Even if you were granted auto/adaptative equipment allowance in a prior rating decision, you MUST still apply for the benefit itself!

    • This is seen when the rater infers a grant for this benefit when they find you meet the appropriate scheduler requirement(s).

  • There is NO time limit from a grant in a rating decision and when you must submit an application.

1. Complete the appropriate form(s) and Submit to the VA.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

  • A VA Form 10-1394 is also required for approval of equipment not specified on the VA Form 21-4502 for the Veteran’s or servicemember’s particular disability.

2. Once approved, the VA will give you the form(s) back and you.

3. Purchase the automobile/equipment and sign block 33A on form 21-4502.

4. Get a copy of the VA form(s) and invoices from the seller.

5. Seller will submit form and invoices to the VA for payment.