Tag Archives: veterans’ services

VETERANS BENEFITS: OPERATION INDEPENDENCE MOBILITY VEHICLE PROGRAM

VETERANS BENEFITS
Come to VMi New England Mobility Center and learn more about the Paralyzed Veterans of America and Operation Independence
veteran mobility equipment VMi New England
OPERATION INDEPENDENCE
VMI is the premier manufacturer of wheelchair accessible vans. At the VMi New England Mobility Center we are experts in mobility assessment and customization. We have combined our knowledge with the Veterans across America to increase awareness with disabled veterans regarding VA vehicle benefits, and help them get the benefits they have earned while serving our country:
•  You may be entitled to VA funding for adaptive automotive equipment
•  In many cases, you may also be entitled to a one-time auto allowance for the vehicle itself.Operation Independence helps veterans get into their first wheelchair accessible van. Whether you are entitled to the auto allowance grant or will be personally funding your first wheelchair accessible van, the VMi New England Mobility Center will give you a $1,000 rebate towards the van we are converting for you.VETERAN MOBILITY BENEFITS
To be eligible for financial assistance in purchasing a new or used automobile (or other conveyance), a Veteran or serviceperson must have acquired one of the following disabilities as a result of injury or disease incurred or aggravated during active military service, or as a result of medical treatment or examination, vocations rehabilitation, or compensated work therapy provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) (38 U.S.C. 1151):•  Loss, or permanent loss of use, of one or both feet
•  Loss, or permanent loss of use, of one or both hands, or
•  Permanent impairment of vision in both eyes with a
•  Central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with corrective glasses, or
•  Central visual acuity of more than 20/200 if there is a field defect in which the peripheral field has contracted to such an extent that the widest diameter of visual field has an angular distance no greater than 20 degrees in the better eye
Even if you are not entitled to the auto allowance grant (21-4502), you may still qualify for an adaptive automotive equipment grant (10-1394) for a wheelchair accessible conversion on a vehicle which you would fund through alternative means. .
“FEDERAL BENEFITS FOR VETERANS, DEPENDENTS AND SURVIVORS”
veteran mobility equipment

The VMi New England Mobility Center values our veterans and the services they provided to protect our freedoms. We see first hand the impact of the sacrifices they have made defending our country. As a result we have put together information that will make it easier for them to find the benefits and support they need.

Key areas of benefits are focused on here:
1. Service Connected Disabilities
2. VA4502 Grant
3. Automobile Adaptive Equipment (AAE)

Service-Connected Disabilities
Disability Compensation Disability compensation is a monetary benefit paid to veterans who are disabled by an injury or illness that was incurred or aggravated during active military service. These disabilities are considered to be service-connected.
Click here to review the Federal Benefits for Veterans
http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book/benefits_chap02.asp

VA 4502 GRANT
Can a Veteran Receive Financial Assistance From VA to Purchase an Automobile?
Yes. Financial assistance, in the form of a grant, is available to purchase a new or used automobile (or other conveyance) to accommodate a veteran or service member with certain disabilities that resulted from an injury or disease incurred or aggravated during active military service. The grant may also be paid, if disabilities are a result of medical treatment, examination, vocational rehabilitation, or compensated work therapy provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

 

The grant is paid directly to the seller of the automobile for the total price (up to $18,900) of the automobile. The veteran or service member may only receive the automobile grant once in his/her lifetime.
Effective October 1, 2011

Section 804- Enhancement of automobile assistance allowance for veterans would increase automobile assistance from $11,000 to $18,900, effective October 1, 2011

Click here to see a pdf for more details Automobile and Special Adaptive Equipment Grants Click here to review the Federal Form VBA-21-4502
http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-4502-ARE.pdf

Automobile Adaptive Equipment (AAE)
The Automobile Adaptive Equipment (AAE) program permits physically challenged persons to enter, exit, and/or operate a motor vehicle or other conveyance.

Veterans are trained, through the VA Driver’s Rehabilitation Program, how to safely operate their vehicle on our nation’s roadways.

The VA also provides necessary equipment such as platform wheelchair lifts, UVLs (under vehicle lifts), power door openers, lowered floors/raised roofs, raised doors, hand controls, left foot gas pedals, reduced effort and zero effort steering and braking, and digital driving systems.

Additionally, VA’s program provides reimbursements for standard equipment including, but not limited to, power steering, power brakes, power windows, power seats, and other special equipment necessary for the safe operation of an approved vehicle. For more information click on the link below.
http://www.prosthetics.va.gov/AAE.asp

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

“Automobile and Special Adaptive Equipment Grants”

Can a Veteran Receive Financial Assistance From VA to Purchase an Automobile?
Yes. Financial assistance, in the form of a grant, is available to purchase a new or used automobile (or other conveyance) to accommodate a veteran or servicemember with certain disabilities that resulted from an injury or disease incurred or aggravated during active military service. The grant may also be paid, if disabilities are a result of medical treatment, examination, vocational rehabilitation, or compensated work therapy provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

The grant is paid directly to the seller of the automobile for the total price (up to $11,000) of the automobile. The veteran or servicemember may only receive the automobile grant once in his/her lifetime.

What Disabilities Must You Have to Qualify for the Automobile Grant?
A veteran or servicemember must have one of the following disabilities to qualify for the automobile grant:

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

Does VA Pay to Adapt a Vehicle?
Yes. Those qualified for the automobile grant, and veterans or servicemembers 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, power steering, power brakes, power windows, power seats, and special equipment necessary to assist the eligible person into and out of the vehicle. Contact should be made with your local VA medical center’s Prosthetic Department prior to purchasing any equipment.

The adaptive equipment grant may be paid more than once, and it may be paid to either the seller or the veteran.

How Can I Apply for an Automobile and/or Special Adaptive Equipment Grant?
You can apply for the automobile and/or the special adaptive equipment grant by completing VA Form 21-4502, Application for Automobile or Other Conveyance and Adaptive Equipment and submitting it to your local VA regional office. The instructions on the VA Form 21-4502 contain a list of adaptive equipment that has been pre-approved for particular disabilities.

Note: After you complete and submit Section I of the application, VA will complete Section II and return the original to you. You are responsible for obtaining the invoice from the seller, updating Section III, and submitting the form to your local VA regional office for payment.

If you are entitled to adaptive equipment only (i.e., service connected for ankylosis of knees or hips) you should complete VA Form 10-1394, Application for Adaptive Equipment – Motor Vehicle and submit it to your local VA medical center. Additionally, VA Form 10-1394 should be completed for approval of equipment not specified on the VA Form 21-4502.

Come visit with VMi New England tomorrow at the Veterans Inc. 8th Annual Stand Down

Come and learn more about wheelchair van’s, Free wheelchair van service (Service for those Who have Served) along with Operation Independence tomorrow at

Veterans Inc.
59 South St.
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
(800) 482-2565

Veterans Inc. has been serving Veterans and their families across America for 20 years, with an award-winning model that affirms dignity and re-establishes independence.

Their mission is to provide safe housing, hot meals, and a variety of services that address the causes of homelessness. We help veterans re-gain control of their lives and, ultimately, we save lives.

8th Veterans Inc Stand Down VMi New England

Service Provider Registration

More than 40 providers to participate: representing non-profits, for-profits, and government agencies offering veterans’ services, health & human services, and much more. Veterans at the event will be able to obtain FREE food, clothing, personal care items, haircuts, massages, acupuncture, counseling, legal services; and services and  advice related to employment & training, housing, healthcare, and a career fair  on Friday. Veterans should bring a DD-214 or VA card as proof of veteran status.

General Allison Hickey’s Visit to VMI

General Allison Hickey’s  Visit to VMI

VMI’s Operation Independence continues to gain momentum. Jeff Weston, VMI vice president of business development and a former US Army Captain has been establishing relationships and raising awareness with high ranking officials about the program. His effort recently resulted in a visit by retired Air Force Brigadier General Allison Hickey, the Under Secretary for Benefits at the Department of Veteran Affairs, who was in the Phoenix area during a visit to the VA regional office there. 

Gen Hickey, Doug Eaton, Capt. Jeff Weston

Gen Hickey, Doug Eaton, Capt. Jeff Weston

Under Secretary Hickey oversees more than 20,000 employees in VA’s Veterans Benefits Administration, which is responsible for administering VA programs that provide financial and other forms of assistance to veterans, their dependents, and survivors. Major benefits include veterans’ compensation, veterans’ pension, survivors’ benefits, rehabilitation and employment assistance, education assistance, home loan guaranties, and life insurance coverage.

General Hickey in the VMI Factory

General Hickey in the VMI Factory

Under Secretary Hickey toured our Phoenix factory on June 4 and met with the management team.  Veteran employees and customers joined Weston and the Under Secretary on a factory tour and then shared ideas in an open town hall format.    

General Hickey with VMI Veteran Employees and Customers

General Hickey with VMI Veteran Employees and Customers

“Even though we have provided more benefits to Veterans over the last three years than at any other time in our history, we’re transforming our processes to better deliver the benefits they’ve earned and deserve,” said Under Secretary Hickey. “I always enjoy visiting with fellow veterans and particularly like seeing what other organizations are doing to improve the lives of our veterans.”

Hal Wochholz, General Hickey and Mike West

Hal Wochholz, General Hickey and Mike West

Access, in all forms, is a priority at the VA because of the enormous impact on the life of a veteran. Mobility is critical for access to medical care and employment opportunities.

VMI continues to pioneer programs that improve the buying experience for customers and improve dealer profitability,” noted Weston. “Since my time in the military, I’m particularly interested in programs that benefit fellow veterans. During the meeting with Under Secretary Hickey, VMI pledged to support the goals of VA’s transformation by improving awareness of mobility benefits for veterans through Operation Independence.”

General Hickey and Hal Wochholz

General Hickey and Hal Wochholz

Weston is a graduate of West Point, as well as the Army’s Airborne, Air Assault and Helicopter Flight schools. He was one of the few dual rated pilots (helicopter and airplanes) in the Army.  After leaving the military, he helped companies nationwide develop and grow their sales strategies and teams.

General Hickey with VMI Employees/Veterans

General Hickey with VMI Employees/Veterans

“Raising veteran awareness of their benefits is a top objective of Operation Independence;” commented Weston. “By educating veterans and then working closely with VA, we can help expedite the delivery of the vans. VMI’s approach will result in a better life with greater job opportunities for our veterans, as well as better business processes for our dealers.”

VMI Honda Odyssey Patriot Edition Van

VMI Honda Odyssey Patriot Edition Van

Veterans Inc. 8th Annual Stand Down

Veterans Inc. has been serving Veterans and their families across America for 20 years, with an award-winning model that affirms dignity and re-establishes independence.

Their mission is to provide safe housing, hot meals, and a variety of services that address the causes of homelessness. We help veterans re-gain control of their lives and, ultimately, we save lives.

8th Veterans Inc Stand Down

Service Provider Registration

More than 40 providers to participate: representing non-profits, for-profits, and government agencies offering veterans’ services, health & human services, and much more. Veterans at the event will be able to obtain FREE food, clothing, personal care items, haircuts, massages, acupuncture, counseling, legal services; and services and  advice related to employment & training, housing, healthcare, and a career fair  on Friday. Veterans should bring a DD-214 or VA card as proof of veteran status.