Application for Automobile or Other Conveyance and Adaptive Equipment

Your identifying information. The auto allowance grant is administered by the Prosthetics department at your VA medical center, not by VA regional offices.

(legal name, SSN, VA file number)

Common mistakes

• ×Not working with the VA prosthetics department from the start - they coordinate the evaluation, prescription, and payment.
• ×Purchasing the vehicle before VA approves the grant - VA pays the dealer directly; purchasing first typically means VA will not reimburse.

Qualifying conditions include: loss/loss of use of one or both feet, loss/loss of use of one or both hands, permanent impairment of vision of both eyes such that contraction of the visual field or organic therapeutic aphakia prevents ordinary locomotion. The disability must prevent operation of a standard vehicle. Describe both the SC condition and how it limits vehicle use.

e.g., Right leg amputation (AKA, SC at 60%) - prosthetic leg prevents safe use of foot pedals; requires hand controls and left accelerator ring.

Common mistakes

• ×Veterans with PTSD or TBI cognitive issues thinking they might qualify - the auto allowance requires a PHYSICAL disability of the extremities or severe vision impairment.
• ×Not knowing that loss of USE (not just amputation) qualifies - a veteran with severe paralysis or nerve damage may qualify even without amputation.

Authority

• 38 USC 3901 - One-time automobile allowance and ongoing adaptive equipment for veterans with qualifying SC physical disabilities.

The vehicle you plan to purchase. VA pays the lesser of: (1) the actual cost, OR (2) the current auto allowance rate (approximately $21,000 in 2024, adjusted annually). VA pays the dealer directly. The veteran pays any difference above the allowance.

e.g., 2026 Toyota Sienna Minivan (for wheelchair accessibility); MSRP $48,000; Valley Toyota, 123 Auto Row, Phoenix AZ.

Common mistakes

• ×Not knowing the grant is applied toward the dealer's price - VA pays the dealer up to the grant maximum; the veteran pays the rest.
• ×Choosing a vehicle that cannot accommodate the required adaptive equipment - work with the VA physiatrist BEFORE selecting the vehicle.
• ×Using the auto grant for a motorcycle - must be a vehicle primarily for transportation; motorcycles do not qualify.

Describe the specific adaptive equipment prescribed by your VA physiatrist: hand controls, spinner knob, wheelchair lift/ramp, transfer seat, modified pedals, etc. Adaptive equipment funding is separate from the one-time auto allowance and can be renewed as equipment wears out.

e.g., Left foot gas pedal ring (for right AKA): $350; hand controls (mechanical): $800; remote-entry system: $400. Total adaptive: $1,550.

Common mistakes

• ×Not claiming adaptive equipment separately from the vehicle allowance - adaptive equipment is paid separately and has no lifetime limit.
• ×Not knowing that if you only need adaptive equipment (not a new vehicle), you can apply for that alone through VA Form 10-1394.

Sign and date. Your VA prosthetics coordinator will guide the authorization and payment process.

(signature/date)

Common mistakes

• ×Not working with VA prosthetics from the beginning - solo applications without prosthetics coordination often stall.