Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Veterans Health Care: VA Publishes Final Regulation on Clothing Allowance Eligibility


“Veterans whose service-connected disabilities require prosthetic appliances and skin medications deserve financial assistance for the extra clothing they have to purchase,” said Shinseki. “A federal appeals court has ruled that Veterans may be entitled to more than one clothing allowance, and we are adjusting our regulations to make sure Veterans get the benefit of that decision.”

The new regulation provides the criteria for more than one annual clothing allowance in situations where distinct garments are affected, and ensures Veterans are adequately compensated for any damage to clothing.

Veterans, who because of a service-connected disability, wear or use a prosthetic or orthopedic appliance that tends to wear out or tear clothing, are eligible for payment of an annual clothing allowance.

The application period for an annual clothing allowance is August 1 through July 31 of each calendar year. Payment of more than one clothing allowance to qualifying Veterans will occur in calendar year 2012.

VA is in the process of revising VA Form 10-8678, Application For Annual Clothing Allowance, to accommodate application for more than one annual clothing allowance. Currently, the single annual clothing allowance is $716.

In the meantime, if a Veteran wishes to claim more than one allowance, the Veteran may continue to download and complete the current forms at http://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/10-8678-fill%204-08.pdf and http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-4138-ARE.pdf, to indicate that he or she desires consideration for more than one annual clothing allowance. Veterans are also encouraged to visit VA’s web portal eBenefits – Compensation for information on the clothing allowance and other VA benefits.

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