A Veteran’s Guide to Buying a Wheelchair Accessible Van
Many Veterans may have physical disabilities that stem from injuries sustained during military service or from changes in mobility later in life. No matter the cause, access to the right mobility equipment is essential for independence.
BraunAbility vehicles support thousands of U.S. Veterans each year through assistance received from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This guide breaks down the two primary pathways for VA assistance:
- Benefits for Veterans with service-connected disabilities
- Support for Veterans with non-service-connected disabilities
Support for Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities
Veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities may be eligible for two VA benefits:
1. VA Automobile Allowance
This one-time grant helps reduce the cost of purchasing a non-accessible vehicle:
- Currently this allowance can be used once every 30 years, or sooner if a vehicle was destroyed by a natural disaster.
- The AUTO for Veterans Act will eventually shorten this to once every 10 years (implementation date pending)
2. Adaptive Equipment Grant
This grant pays in full for medically necessary vehicle modifications, such as:
- Wheelchair ramps or lifts
- Hand controls
- Vehicle transfer seats
- Wheelchair securement systems
Generally, the VA funds adaptive equipment for up to two vehicles within a four-year period.
Who Qualifies for the Automobile Allowance and Adaptive Equipment?
A Veteran must have one of the following service-connected conditions:
- Loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet or hands
- Permanent decreased vision in both eyes
- Severe burn injury
- ALS
- Ankylosis of one or both knees or hips (qualifies for adaptive equipment only)
Support for Veterans with Non-Service Connected Disabilities
Veterans whose disabilities are not service connected may still receive assistance through Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Services (PSAS).
PSAS covers non-operational vehicle modifications, such as:
- Wheelchair ramps or lifts
- Wheelchair tie-downs
PSAS does not cover vehicle modifications which directly affect vehicle operation, like hand controls.
Who Is Eligible for PSAS?
To be eligible for vehicle modifications through PSAS, a Veteran must:
- Have a non-service connected disability
- Be enrolled in VA healthcare
Does the VA Help Veterans Buy a Wheelchair Van?
It's a common misconception that the VA will fully cover the cost of a wheelchair van every few years. The Veteran is responsible for a portion of vehicle costs.
We’ll use two hypothetical examples: John, a Veteran with a service-connected disability, and Sarah, a Veteran whose disability is not service connected.
Service-Connected Disability Example
Because John’s disability is service- connected, he qualifies for both the VA automobile allowance and the Adaptive equipment grant. Let's say the automobile allowance covers $20,000; John will be responsible for the remaining cost of the non-accessible vehicle.
In addition, John requires a wheelchair ramp, hand controls, and a vehicle transfer seat. These modifications are paid in full by the adaptive equipment grant, because it is considered medically necessary for John to drive.
Non-Service-Connected Disability Example
On the other hand, Sarah is not eligible for the same benefits as John. Instead, she is eligible for prosthetics and sensory aid services. Sarah can get non-operational accessibility features like a wheelchair ramp or wheelchair securement system covered under PSAS, but she does not qualify for an automobile allowance or operational vehicle modifications like hand controls, because her disability is not service connected.
What Is Considered VA Property?
Both John and Sarah are considered the owners of their vehicles, but the adaptive equipment installed in their vehicle is considered the property of the VA, because the VA paid for the equipment in full. This means John or Sarah could trade in their vehicles whenever they wants, but because the VA funded the vehicle adaptations, they must contact the VA before trade-in so that the VA can either transfer existing equipment to a new vehicle or repair or replace the adaptive equipment as needed to ensure each of their mobility needs continue to be met.
Because Veterans can trade in their vehicles, a vehicle may be new, but the adaptive equipment in it may not be, unless John or Sarah faced an extenuating circumstance that required the adaptive equipment in their vehicle to be replaced sooner than the average VA timeline.
Vehicle Modification Application Process for Veterans
The vehicle modification application process varies depending on whether a Veteran’s disability is service-connected or not.
For Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities
- File a disability compensation claim
- Complete VA Form 21-4502 and/or VA Form 10-1394
- Receive VA approval
- Purchase an appropriate vehicle
- VA coordinates and pays for the installation of adaptive equipment
For Veterans with Non-service Connected Disabilities (PSAS)
- Receive a clinical referral
- Complete a driver or prosthetic evaluation
- Obtain VA preauthorization
- PSAS coordinates installation
Regardless of disability status (service-connected or non-service connected), Veterans should always seek VA approval before purchasing a vehicle, because the VA pays vehicle sellers directly.
Resources for Veterans
To learn more about Veteran benefits, visit our Veteran resources page. Your local mobility dealer can be an invaluable resource to help understand the VA and the application process. To learn more about accessible vehicle purchase options for Veterans with service-connected and non-service connected disabilities, contact your local mobility dealer.
