Program Description VA Benefits for Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a one-time payment to disabled Veterans of no more than $20,577 toward the purchase of an automobile or other transportation. Additionally, the VA will pay for adaptive equipment, or for repair, replacement, and reinstallation of automobile equipment required because of disability. Payments for adaptive equipment may be made multiple times during the Veteran’s life.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must have one of the following disabilities as a result of injury or disease incurred or aggravated during active service:
- Loss, or permanent loss of use, of at least one foot; OR
- Loss, or permanent loss of use, of at least one hand; OR
- Permanent impairment of vision of both eyes to a certain degree; OR
- Severe burn injuries resulting from deep, partial, or full thickness burns that cause contracture or limits motion of one or more extremities that preclude effective operation of automobile
If you have ankylosis (immobile joint) of at least one knee or hip due to a service-connected disability, you may qualify for adaptive equipment, without the automobile grant.
You can qualify for adaptive equipment even if you are still on active duty.
Your service length is not considered when the VA determines your eligibility.
National Guard and Reserve members who were activated for Federal military service and later separated are considered to be Veterans.
Commissioned Officers of the Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are considered to be active duty members and Veterans, once discharged.
What evidence will I need to provide to support my claim?
You can help to support your VA disability claim by providing documents such as:
- VA medical records and hospital records that relate to your claimed illnesses or injuries or that show your rated disability has gotten worse
- Private medical records and hospital reports that relate to your claimed illnesses or injuries or that show your disability has gotten worse
- Supporting statements you’d like to provide from family members, friends, clergy members, law enforcement personnel, or those you served with that can tell us more about your claimed condition and how and when it happened or how it got worse
Depending on the type of claim you file, you may gather supporting documents yourself, or you can ask for our help to gather evidence.
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.