Allowances for Dependents

Allowances for Dependents


Veterans whose service-connected disabilities are rated at
30 percent or more are entitled to additional allowances for
dependents. The additional amount, from $16 to $160 a month, is
determined according to the number of dependents and the degree
of disability. A disabled veteran evaluated 30 percent or more
also is entitled to receive a special allowance for a spouse
who is in need of the aid and attendance of another person.


Prisoners of War


Former prisoners of war who were incarcerated for at least
30 days are entitled to a presumption of service connection for
disabilities resulting from certain diseases or ailments if
manifested to a degree of 10 percent at any time after active
service. These presumptions may be rebutted by proof of other
intervening causes.


Other Disability Benefits


Specially Adapted Homes


A disabled veteran may be entitled to a grant from VA for
a home specially adapted to their needs or for adaptations.


For $38,000 Grant


VA may approve a grant of not more than 50 percent of the
cost of building, buying or remodeling adapted homes or paying
indebtedness on those homes already acquired, up to a maximum
of $38,000. Veterans must be entitled to compensation for
permanent and total service-connected disability due to:

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

(b) disability which includes (1) blindness in both eyes,
having only light perception, plus (2) loss or loss of use of
one lower extremity, or

(c) 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, which so affects
the functions of balance or propulsion as to preclude
locomotion without using braces, canes, crutches or a
wheelchair.


For $6,500 Grant


VA may approve a grant for the actual cost, up to a
maximum of $6,500, for adaptations to a veteran's residence
which are determined by VA to be reasonably necessary. The
grant also may be used to assist eligible veterans in acquiring
a residence which has already been adapted with special
features for the veteran's disability. In the latter situation,
the amount of the grant is based on the fair market value of
the existing special features, and not their cost. Veterans
must be entitled to compensation for permanent and total
service-connected disability due to:

(a) Blindness in both eyes with 5/200 visual acuity or
less, or

(b) Anatomical loss or loss of use of both hands.


Supplemental Financing


Veterans with available loan guaranty entitlement may also
obtain a guaranteed loan or a direct loan from VA to supplement
the grant to acquire a specially adapted home.


Housing Insurance


Veterans with a specially adapted housing grant may be
eligible for Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance.


Automobiles or Other Conveyances


Veterans and current service personnel qualify for this
benefit if they have service-connected loss of one or both
hands or feet, or permanent loss of use, or permanent
impairment of vision of both eyes. Veterans entitled to
compensation for ankylosis (abnormal immobility) of one or both
knees, or one or both hips, also qualify for adaptive equipment
for an automobile. There is a one-time payment by VA of not
more than $5,500 toward the purchase of an automobile or other
conveyance. VA will pay for adaptive equipment, and for repair,
replacement, or reinstallation required because of disability,
and for the safe operation of a vehicle purchased with VA
assistance or a previously or subsequently acquired vehicle. To
apply, contact a VA regional office or the prosthetic office at
a VA medical center.


Clothing Allowance


Any veteran who is entitled to receive compensation for a
service-connected disability for which he or she uses
prosthetic or orthopedic appliances, including a wheelchair
that tends to wear out or tear clothing, may receive an annual
clothing allowance of $466. Any veteran whose service-connected
skin condition requires prescribed medication that irreparably
damages the veteran's outer garments also may receive the
allowance.


Pension


Eligibility


Veterans may be eligible for support if they have limited
income when they have 90 days or more of active military
service, at least one day of which was during a period of war.
Their discharge from active duty must have been under
conditions other than dishonorable. They must be permanently
and totally disabled for reasons neither traceable to military
service nor to willful misconduct. Payments are made to
qualified veterans to bring their total income, including other
retirement or Social Security income, to an established support
level. Countable income may be reduced by unreimbursed medical
expenses. Pension is not payable to those who have assets that
can be used to provide adequate maintenance.