Operation Just Cause... ...for as long as it takes
Sent in by Veterans News and Information Services
From: James \"EMO\" Tichacek
VA Transportation Entitlement: As noted in our previous message there is no program through which Chrysler corporation furnishes vans to vets. However the VA does have a program for qualified handicapped vets to assist them in the purchase of vehicles. This program can be used for a variety of car or van conversions necessary to provide disabled veterans mobility worldwide.
Each veteran who has a service connected rating for loss of use of one or more extremity, regardless of percentage of disability assigned, is eligible for the VA transportation entitlement. Vets can have one vehicle adapted every two years. An initial one-time entitlement of $8000 is applicable to the vehicle purchase price inclusive of standard equipment not specifically required to accommodate the veteran's handicap [i.e Automatic Transmission, Power Brakes, Power Steering, Air Conditioning, etc]. A vet does not need to use the $8000 to buy a car before he can use the adaptive equip grant--for example a vet looses a leg due to diabetes. He would have entitlement to the $8000, but he might be happy with the car he has so he can get adaptive equip for the car he owns and use the $8000 later when he buys a new or used replacement car.
There is no limit to the reimbursable cost of special adaptive equipment but the type needed must be authorized by prosthetics. Cost of standard equipment can also be reimbursed if it is necessary because of the service-connected loss. The following special adaptive equipage are some, but not all, currently available for installation under this entitlement:
Arrangements for the vehicle, its conversion and payment are the responsibility of the veteran. To initiate action on adaptive equipment, the vet must obtain a VA Form 10-1394 from a Prosthetics Chief at a VA Medical Center and have it signed by his physician as verification of need for the equipment. To initiate action to receive the one-time $8000 purchase entitlement the vet must request a VA Form 4502. The VA will then make reimbursement for authorized cost to the veteran. A vet is free to sell the vehicle at anytime without any reimbursement to the government.
[Source: VA Regional Office St. Paul MN 5 MAY 00]
Lt. James "EMO" Tichacek USN (Ret)
Director, Retiree Activities Office & U.S. Embassy Warden Baguio City, Philippines
PSC 517 Box RCB, FPO AP 96517-1000
Tel: (63-74) 445-6786 or Stateside FAX to Email Service 1-801-760-2430
AL/CORMV/DAV/FRA/NCOA/PRA/TROA/USDR/VFW member
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