New legislation signed into law, January 2023, will now allow eligible veterans to use the automobile grant, from VA, every 10 years.
The Advancing Uniform Transportation Opportunities (AUTO) for Veterans Act will reduce the financial burden for severely disabled veterans who require special adaptive equipment to drive a motor vehicle. The legislation will make these veterans eligible to receive a grant through the VA to help purchase a new adaptive vehicle once every ten years, helping them to drive safely and maintain their independence.
Under the AUTO Act, veterans who have not received a grant in the past 30 years will be eligible for another grant. Thereafter, veterans will be eligible every 10 years.
Prior to the new legislation, VA was authorized to pay veterans multiple grants for special adaptive equipment but was limited to a single grant for a vehicle purchase. The VA’s program covers a new or used vehicle for veterans with a service-connected disability who need transportation to go to medical appointments and treatment, vocational rehabilitation, or certain types of therapy.
The new legislation also includes a provision that allows the VA to pay for vehicle modifications as medical services; such as van lifts, raised doors or roofs, air conditioning or wheelchair tie-downs.