VA Automobile Allowance

[BK2011]

As of Feb. 2015 a veteran who has been approved for VA disability compensation based on a diagnosis of ALS is immediately eligible to apply for the VA's automobile grant as soon as he received his/her service connected disability rating. Link to VA Automobile Allowance - Compensation'

Don't have to wait until you're not walking anymore.

BK

 

[gooseberry]

I faxed the paperwork to the regional pva office in St. Pete on a Monday. We had the approval Friday. However, you still have to have the driver rehab assessment.

 

[Atsugi]

The driver assessment at Tampa VAMC took all of 30 seconds. They saw that the PALS would not be driving, and that the CALS was a driver, and then signed off AOK.

 

[gooseberry]

That is where Steve's was done also. We were there for 30-40 min and did not take the driving test.Basically he was measured and fitted for the type of van he would need. We were given a list of retailers and sent on our way.

 

[maryhahnward]

When Tom was approved for the van two years ago he did not have to have a driver eval done. I suppose because the VA system is not uniform across the country it just depends on which one a vet goes to.

I'm very happy to hear that the van is automatically approved for vets with ALS.

 

[starente15]

Great info. This is probably a stupid question. But does getting VA benefits have any impact on your personal Finances?

 

[Atsugi]

Great info. This is probably a stupid question. But does getting VA benefits have any impact on your personal Finances?

The van and medical benefits are not taxable, and are not listed as income on any form anywhere. The van is yours, so it increases your assets and your net worth. You may sell the van and keep the income.

Also, VA cash compensation is not taxable. It is income. But it is not Earned Income. The increase in income helps you get a loan if you need it.

For college applications, the increased cash income decreases your ability to get grants. But the van is not counted as income. It is counted as an asset, which you don't have to consider during the college application process.

 

[gooseberry]

If you buy a new van however, and it costs more than the va allowance, you do have to pay sales tax on that portion.

 

[starente15]

Thanks so much!

 

[MaxEidswick]

>you do have to pay sales tax on that portion.

not in texas

 

[gooseberry]

We had to in FL! Wish we were in TX

 

[Graybeard]

Just got a 2014 Dodge with 1K miles by paying sales tax only. It was already converted.

 

[sadiemae]

You are also able to get a new Van after the first one. No grant money, they pay for the conversion though. So, if you trade your first Van in for $20,000, you can get a Van that is worth $20,000, and the conversion is added on at no charge. You are allowed two conversions every 4 yrs.

 

[MaxEidswick]

>Just got a 2014 Dodge with 1K miles by paying sales tax only. It was already converted.

congrats

 

[gooseberry]

Nice, graybeard. Can't wait til we get ours at the end of the month. It will really help!