Many servicemen become disabled on duty.
Every serviceman who works in the U.S. armed forces places himself at risk for disability. Those who enlist in the military understand this, but there still is a need for grants that cover the costs of assisting disabled veterans. The most pressing requirements covered by veterans' grants are in adaptive equipment and appliances, as well as in vocational training and rehabilitation.
Adaptive Equipment and Vehicles
Injuries sustained in combat sometimes result in the inability to complete daily tasks without adaptive equipment. The Department of Veterans Affairs thus offers the Automotive and Adaptive Equipment for Certain Disabled Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces Grant (64.100). This grant provides monies to servicemen who have sustained injury to or loss of one or more hands, feet, knees, hips or eyes. There is no maximum limit on funds that may be paid for adaptive equipment. For vehicles adapted for disabled drivers, the awards cap at $11,000. Interested individuals can inquire about the grant through the Department of Veterans Affairs by calling (202) 461-9700.
Prosthetics
While many combat injuries heal completely and do not result in disfigurement, others are severe enough to warrant the use of prosthetic appliances such as false legs or eyes. Many of these prosthetic appliances are expensive, so the Department of Veterans Affairs offsets their cost with the Veterans Prosthetic Appliances Grant (64.013). The average award of the grant is $118 but can range from $10 to $25,000. Many of the individuals who are eligible for the Automobile and Adaptive Equipment Grant also are eligible for the Prosthetic Appliances Grant. Interested individuals should contact their local Department of Veterans Affairs prosthetic representative for more information or should inquire about the grant through the Department of Veterans Affairs by calling (202) 254-0440.
Vocational Assistance
Because of their disabilities, disabled veterans often have difficulty finding or holding down employment. Those who still are able to work sometimes find that previous occupations no longer are suitable and thus have to go through more training and find other jobs. The Vocational Rehabilitation for Disabled Veterans Grant (64.116) offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs covers the cost of getting disabled veterans past these obstacles. The grant may be used to cover the cost of tuition and books, tutoring, or other services that would enable the veteran to prepare themselves for work. Monthly allowances range from about $550 to $800, depending on whether the veteran has dependents at home. Veterans may be eligible for up to 48 months of training for up to 12 years, with approval generally occurring within 1 to 2 months of applying.
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