How to Buy a Specially Equipped Vehicle for Disabled Veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently bumped up its cash cap on purchasing assistance, now providing $22,355.72 toward specially equipped vehicles for handicapped veterans. The qualifications for this program are quite specific. Even if you don’t qualify for this one-time sum, you may still qualify for grants, which aid you in modifying your existing vehicle to better suit your mobility needs.

While these programs on the table aren’t perfect, they’re meant to relieve some of the burdens you face when dealing with disabilities caused by the service you so proudly rendered. Here we’ll discuss how to determine if these programs are right for you, as well as the next steps you can take. 

How to Buy a Specially Equipped Vehicle for Disabled Veterans

If you’ve had any prior dealings with the VA, chances are you know the first step already – paperwork. The first step in this program, as with any other, is to file your way through the application process.

If you go ahead and purchase a vehicle, this assistance is not available as a reimbursement. It must be applied for and granted prior to the vehicle purchase because the funds are disbursed directly to the seller rather than the applicant. 

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How to Find Out if You’e Eligible to Receive VA Financial Benefits

Before an application can be submitted, eligibility must be determined. Both veterans and active duty service members can be eligible, depending on the classification of the injury or disability in question.

According to the VA form 21-4502, your injury or disability must be service or experience related, and it must meet at least one of the criteria below:

• 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
  
• Central visual acuity 
  
• Severe burn injury
  
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  

Eligibility determination to submit claims through the VA will involve submitting evidence. Here’s the proof you can expect to provide:

• VA medical/hospital records: These will assist in determining whether your disabilities have improved over time or whether they’re on the decline.
• Private medical/hospital records: Try as they might, the VA is unable to welcome everyone in need, and sometimes medical assistance is needed elsewhere. Fortunately, the VA accepts more than just its own documentation.
• Supporting statements: Nobody understands what you deal with on a day-to-day basis better than friends and loved ones. They see you the most, know you the best and can give an account of your state of affairs. The VA is willing to accept statements from family members, friends, clergy, law enforcement personnel, and those with whom you served.

This process can feel tedious and frustrating, but these programs are meant to help you. Assistance is always available.

Applying for a Specially Equipped Vehicle Purchase Assistance

Once eligibility is determined, the next step in purchase assistance is to delve into more paperwork. Specifically, we’re talking about VA Form 21-4502, “Application for Automobile or Other Conveyance and Adaptive Equipment.” While there’s no time limitation on this application process, remember that the VA will only agree to pay the seller directly, so delays in the application can ultimately delay your vehicle purchase.

You can apply online, contact Ask VA for assistance, or you can dial the VA Insurance Center at 1-800-669-8477. Video tutorials are available as well.

Applying for Adaptive Equipment Grants

For simplicity’s sake, if you’re looking to both purchase the vehicle and modify it within the same process, you would fill out VA form 21-4502 just as you would above. But maybe you couldn’t snag approval for a full purchase, or maybe you used your one-time grant in the past. Either way, if you have a vehicle that might suit your needs with the addition of a few modifications, there’s help for you too.

VA Form 10-1394 is for those applying to obtain assistance in modifying a vehicle to accommodate the injuries or disabilities sustained by military service. The biggest catch is that the modifications themselves must be approved and offered by particular dealerships.

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Insuring a Specially Equipped Vehicle

Have you found that perfect vehicle, or do you have an idea of what you would like to purchase? Go ahead and grab as many quotes as you can find. Don’t let these figures creep up on you. You need to be mobile, but you shouldn’t have to overpay along the way (Read more: How to Get Your Veteran Auto Insurance Quotes and Policy).

AARP offers veteran-specific insurance through The Hartford, and companies like USAA and State Farm are known for offering especially competitive rates for veterans (Read more: AARP Auto Insurance Benefits for Veterans).

Affordable options abound. All you have to do is find them (Read more: Military Discounts on Auto Insurance and Which Companies Offer the Best Discounts). 

Whether you purchase a specially equipped vehicle or modify an existing one, hold onto your proof of purchase, whether it’s a buyer’s order or an invoice. In the event of a total loss, documents like these can be submitted to your insurance carrier to ensure that repair and replacement values include the modifications you’ve made. This can avoid having to reenter the apply-and-wait game.

The Bottom Line on Buying a Specially Equipped Vehicle for Disabled Veterans

The VA offers assistance and grants to help you purchase a vehicle and make any necessary modifications to help you maintain your independence. Make sure to start the proper paperwork early so you can get the help you need.

Purchasing a modified vehicle will increase its replacement cost but only nominally. The main factors in determining your insurance rate will be the same as always. Age, location, driving history, insurance history, and credit are among the factors insurance companies consider when determining your rate. Do yourself a favor and grab some quotes. Know what you’re getting into before you leap.

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