Disabled Veteran's Clothing Allowance Benefit
Yearly Money for Vets Who Need Clothing Due to Disability Damage
Aug 4, 2009
Veterans who have to wear prosthetic or orthopedic devices can testify to the wear and tear these devices inflict on clothing. The constant rubbing can wear out parts of clothes pretty quickly and many veterans cannot afford to go out and buy new clothes to replace worn ones. There are also vets who have skin conditions caused by service related incidents and are required to wear medications and creams which can permanently mar or deteriorate clothing. The U.S. Government offers a yearly clothing allowance for these circumstances.
Who is Eligible for the Veteran's Clothing Allowance?
According to the VHA HANDBOOK 1173.15, under Title 38 U.S.C. 1162, the VA pays a yearly clothing allowance "if the veteran has a service-connected disability or condition, or a disability compensable under 38 U.S.C. 1151 that requires the veteran to wear or use a prosthetic or orthopedic device that wears out or tears clothing, e.g., pants, shirts, etc. (see Title 38 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 3.810)."
The "prosthetic or orthopedic device" described includes a wheelchair, according to CFR 3.810.
Filing Requirements for the U.S. Veteran Clothing Allowance
The application for benefits must be filled out and submitted "within one year of the anniversary date (August 1) for which entitlement is initially established" in order to receive benefits within that year according to CRF 3.810. Or it must be filed within one year of the veteran being determined to have a service related condition to receive benefits for that year. If the application is file late, the determination will be made considering payment for the following year.
Regarding Incarcerated Veterans - Reduction of Benefits
If a veteran is incarcerated in a Federal, State, or local jail or prison and clothing is provided to that veteran, the amount of his benefits will be decreased on a per diem basis for any length of time of the inprisonment that is longer than 60 days.
Review of the Circumstances May Be Required
Evidence must be presented by the applicant to verify the claimed made in the application. Usually a certificate or statement from the medical examiner or treating physician for the applicant is sufficient. Occasionally there may need to be more of an investigation by the VA as to the severity, permanence or verification of the service related claims.
How to Apply for Veteran Clothing Allowance Benefits
The disabled veteran must apply at the nearest VHA health care facility where he can pick up a VA Form 10-8678, fill it out and submit it. He will be notified of his entilement, if any, after the review has been made. If it is determined that the disability is permanent, it may also be determined that the allowance is to be paid every year without the veteran having to reapply.
More information can be obtained by downloading the Clothing Allowance Handbook from the Veterans Administration website.
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