U.S. Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) has introduced bipartisan legislation to help disabled veterans access a larger pool of funding from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) grants for home improvements related to their disability.
“These veterans made incredible sacrifices for our country and bear those burdens every day,” Rep. Bacon said on May 8. “Ensuring that they are comfortable in their own homes and able to live as independently as they want to be is a part of our promise to care for them.”
The congressman sponsored the Autonomy for Disabled Veterans Act, H.R. 2818, on April 25, along with cosponsor U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH).
The bill, if enacted, would increase the maximum amount authorized under the Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant program to $10,000 for veterans with a service-connected disability and $5,000 for those with disabilities that are not service-connected, according to the text of the legislation. The HISA grant program provides medically necessary improvements and structural alterations to veterans’ primary residence for medically necessary purposes. Eligible projects include adaptations for wheelchairs, medical equipment and improving accessibility through the addition of ramps or railings.
“Veterans who selflessly and bravely served our country deserve the utmost respect, and we must ensure they have the benefits they are owed and can live their lives to the fullest after the completion of their service, especially those who were injured or disabled during their service,” said Rep. Pappas. I’m pleased to introduce this important bipartisan bill with Congressman Bacon, and I’ll continue working to improve VA benefits and services for veterans.”