Veteran Mobility Qualification & Information:

Operation Independence is an awareness campaign to help Veterans understand and utilize their vehicle mobility benefits such as the auto allowance grant and the automobile adaptive equipment program. It helps Veterans get into their wheelchair accessible van. In order to help veterans and service members with disabilities, the Veterans Administration offers financial assistance to purchase a new or used vehicle and/or have a vehicle adapted.

A grant (up to $21,058.69) towards the chassis of the vehicle is available for those with certain disabilities that resulted from an injury incurred or aggravated during active military service.  These do not need to be repaid.

A veteran or service member must have one of the following disabilities to qualify:

• loss, or permanent loss of use, of one or both feet
• loss, or permanent loss of use, of one or both hands
• permanent impairment of vision in both eyes to a certain degree

You may only receive the vehicle grant once in your lifetime. The VA will also pay to have a  vehicle adapted. Those qualified for the automobile grant, plus veterans or service members with  ankylosis (immobility of the joint) of one or both knees or hips resulting from an injury or  disease incurred or aggravated by active military service, may also qualify for the adaptive equipment grant.

Adaptive equipment includes, but is not limited to, special equipment necessary to assist the eligible person into and out of the vehicle. Contact your local VA medical center’s Prosthetic  Dept. prior to purchasing any equipment. This grant may be paid more than once.

The Automobile Adaptive Equipment Program provides eligible Veterans equipment and training to enter, exit and/or operate a motor vehicle. This equipment includes but not limited to platform wheelchair lifts, kneeling systems, power door openers, lowered floors/raised roofs, raised doors, hand controls and braking and digital driving systems.

Non Service Connected Van Modifications: This program provides eligible Veterans with non-operational equipment for entry and exit to the van. Issuance of equipment is considered medical and is not included as part of the Automobile Adaptive Equipment Program.

Veterans may also receive VA healthcare benefits including prosthetics and medical equipment through participation in the VA’s vocational rehabilitation program. Veterans outside of the United States, with certain exceptions, are only eligible for prosthetics, medical equipment, and supplies for a service-connected disability.

For more information, visit the VA Web site at www1.va.gov/health or call the VA Health Benefits Service Center toll-free at 877/222-8387 (877/222-VETS).