Hearing Of The Subcommittee On Economic Opportunity Of The House Committee On Veterans' Affairs- Adaptive Housing Grants

Statement

Good afternoon Madam Chair. Although the Adapted Housing benefit is not the largest VA program for disabled veterans, it is among the most important. Without it, veterans with disabilities which affect their mobility will have difficulty living in their homes. Severely disabled veterans will face enough challenges in their lives and by adapting their homes to their disability will make at least that portion of their lives easier.

On the whole, it appears the Adapted Housing program is working. VA data shows about 1,200 Paraplegic Housing grants averaging $43,353 last fiscal year and 81 Adaptive Housing Grants averaging $9,256. VA also made 9 Temporary Residence grants which averaged $13,314. VA satisfaction data shows the overwhelming majority of veterans regard the program as improving their lives and that is what it is all about.

Madam Chair, during the 109th Congress, we created what is known as the Temporary Residence Adaptation grant or TRA in which VA will modify the residence of a family member in which the veteran temporarily resides. We have also increased the grant amounts up to $60,000 and $12,000 depending on the level of disability.

I believe there are other opportunities to improve this program without incurring PAYGO and I want to explore that further with our witnesses. Let me give you an example of what I am thinking. Currently, one of the limitations for the large grant is,

"the loss of, or loss of use, of both lower extremities such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair."

As presently worded, it is my understanding that an amputee whose remaining leg retains some function - however minimal - would not qualify for the larger grant or put another way, the remaining leg must have no functionality. Likewise, I find no temporal limitation on the loss of locomotion. For example, someone who required the use of crutches, a cane, or wheelchair for several months but may eventually be able to move without such aid, may also not qualify.

It is possible I am wrong, but we have received anecdotal examples of just such limitations on the application of the current law. But madam Chair, if I am correct, I want to work with you to clarify our intent which is to take care of our severely injured veterans.

Madam Chair, I look forward to hearing from our witnesses and hearing how we can improve the program. I yield back.

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