United States Department of Veterans Affairs
Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service (PSAS)
Prosthetic & Sensory Aids Service
Adaptive Equipment for Steering Column
Vietnam Veteran John Loosen showing off the new X2
VISN 16 hosted the National Veteran Small Business Conference and Expo in New Orleans
Annual National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic

Our Mission

The mission of the Prosthetic & Sensory Aids Service (PSAS) is to provide comprehensive support to optimize health and independence of the Veteran.  Our vision is to be the premier source of prosthetic and orthotic services, sensory aids, medical equipment, and support services for Veterans.

Changes to Clothing Allowance Benefits

Under Title 38 United States Code (U.S.C.) 1162, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must pay an annual clothing allowance to eligible Veterans. A Veteran is eligible if he/she has a service-connected condition, or a disability compensable under 38 U.S.C. 1151 that requires the Veteran to wear or use a prosthetic or orthopedic appliance that wears out or tears clothing (Title 38 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 3.810). The clothing allowance may also be paid if the Veteran uses a topical cream/ointment medication for a service-connected skin condition that is prescribed by a physician and causes irreparable damage to the Veteran’s outer garments. NOTE: Irreparable damages do not include stains that are removable through regular laundering or dry cleaning.

Beginning December 16, 2011, multiple clothing allowance payments are payable for Veterans who (1) wears or uses more than one qualifying prosthetic or orthopedic appliance (including but not limited to a wheelchair) for a service-connected disability or disabilities; (2) uses a physician-prescribed medication for more than one service-connected skin condition; or (3) uses an appliance and a medication for a service-connected disability or disabilities. To apply for one or more clothing allowances, complete VA Form 10- 8678 http://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-10-8678-fill.pdf and submit to the nearest Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service no later than August 1st of each year. Effective December 1, 2011, the amount for each clothing allowance award is $741. For more information about Clothing Allowance, please visit http://www.prosthetics.va.gov/Clothing_Allowance.asp

New Automobile Grant Rate

VA can pay a one-time grant to help certain service-connected Veterans and service persons buy a motor vehicle. The grant is payable to the seller only. Veterans/Servicemembers who receive the automobile grant from VBA and has an approved VA Form 21-4502, is eligible to receive automobile adaptive equipment (AAE). AAE assists the eligible person into or out of the automobile or to safely operate the motor vehicle. To apply or learn more about the automobile adaptive equipment program click on the “Automobile Adaptive Equipment” tab on the right side of this page. The new automobile grant rate for FY 2013 is $19,505. All automobile grants received on or after October 1, 2012 may be paid at the new rate. If the Veteran/Servicemember received any automobile grant requests on or after October 1, 2012 and paid the old rate of $18,900, the Veteran/Servicemember may be entitled to an additional payment. VA can approve a grant for almost any kind of vehicle. Call VBA at 1-800-827-1000 if you have questions about a particular vehicle. For more information about Automobile Adaptive Equipment, please visit http://www.prosthetics.va.gov/AAE.asp.

Guide and Service Dog Benefits

VHA published comprehensive regulations effective October 5, 2012, to include guide, hearing and mobility dogs. The regulations provide for veterinary benefits to include prescriptions, medical care, equipment to perform specialized tasks, and handler training with new guide/service dog paid by the VA. VA is working to provide a “pet insurance” to cover the veterinary benefits to make it easier for Veterans to access medical care for their dogs. VHA does not purchase or in any way provide a dog. Veterans who have obtained dogs must have approval from a VA medical care provider stating that the dog is an essential part of the treatment plan for the veteran in order to be eligible for the veterinary benefits. For more information please go to http://www.va.gov/health/ServiceAndGuideDogs.asp

Contact VA Central Office Prosthetic & Sensory Aids Service 

If you have a general question regarding artificial limbs/orthotics, automobile adaptive equipment, clothing allowance, durable medical equipment, eyeglasses, hearing aids, HISA, home oxygen, wheelchairs or any other PSAS related device/service please contact us via IRIS at https://iris.va.gov.

 

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