Adaptive Vehicle Repair Guidelines

rePair guideLines for vehicLe adaPtive equiPment

by Jason Stephenson, Senior Benefit Advocate

For those that have a 21-4502 Application for Auto Grant on file (from a service connected condition that has resulted in the complete loss of use of at least one hand or at least one foot) with a vehicle on record with Prosthetics; and for those who are non-service connected and have received a conversion through the Prosthetic major med committee; the following is a guideline from the Automobile Adaptive Equipment Program (VHA Directive 1173.4) regarding repairs.

VHA Directive 1173.4 defines repairs as a means to restore to sound working condition. An example of this is a rebuilding of an automatic transmission.

The 1173.4 states that representatives within the Prosthetic department will carefully review the veteran’s repair history prior to authorizing any repairs. Attention will be given to the frequency and costs of prior repairs. If there is suspected abuse of a particular piece of adaptive equipment, it may be referred to VHA Central Office in Washington DC prior to a decision to whether or not authorize a repair. Authorization for, or reimbursement of repairs to the vehicle(s) of record includes only the basic components authorized as adaptive equipment. An example are power brakes; only repairs to the power boost option may be approved. All repairs to conventional components of the brake system, i.e. brake shoes or pads, rotating brake drums are the responsibility of the veteran. Routine service such as brake linings, front end alignment, lubrication and fluid replacement, i.e. automatic transmissions and power steering are not considered to be repairs to adaptive equipment. The maximum amount authorized an eligible veteran for repairs will be the amount of the invoice. However, reimbursement will not exceed the cost of the parts and labor for similar repairs as to what is listed in the current Mechanical Parts and Labor Estimating Guide for Domestic Cars. A 10-1394 Application for Motor Vehicle Adaptive Equipment must be completed when requesting authorization or reimbursement for approved repairs to adaptive equipment. An invoice must also be submitted to Prosthetics along with the 10-1394. It is recommended to have a service advisor at the place of repairs list the following with his or her signature: “The amounts charged do not exceed amounts customarily charged for services of this type.” Prior to commencing any repairs to what VA Prosthetics considers adaptive equipment in accordance with VHA Directive 1173.4; you must contact a Prosthetics representative to ensure approval. Once Prosthetics has been contacted, the approval will be put with your vehicle on record in their system; you will get notified of the approval in writing. Please contact your local PVA National Service Officer if you have any questions regarding VA approving reimbursement for repairs to authorized vehicle adaptive equipment.

IntroducIng - comIng soon to the north star Bullet

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North Star Bullet wants to highlight the unique road that led you to today! If you are willing to share your military stories or the mountains you have climbed due to being “differently-abled,” - we’d like to highlight it. Maybe you have a favorite chapter story to tell the newer members who may not have heard it.

By telling our stories, we keep history alive. Struggles and accomplishments, however large or small, serve as inspiration for many others. We invite you, our members, to be a part of our publication by sharing today.

So many experiences that shape us into the people we become wait patiently to be heard. Share your best memories with our chapter members, and who knows, you may find a new connection with another.

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