Many veterans eligible for VA clothing allowance

Montgomery County Courier-In accordance with PL 110-111, veterans who, because of a service-connected disability, wear or use a prosthetic or orthopedic appliance (including a wheelchair) that tends to wear out or tear clothing, and veterans who, because of a service-connected skin condition use a medication that causes irreparable damage to outer garments, are eligible for payment of an annual clothing allowance. Qualifying appliances and medications include:     • An artificial limb, rigid extremity brace, rigid spinal or cervical brace, wheelchair, crutches or other appliance prescribed for the claimant’s service-connected disability. Soft and flexible devices, such as an elastic stocking, are not included.

• Any medication, prescribed by a physician for a service-connected skin condition, that causes permanent stains or otherwise damages the veteran’s clothing.

The allowance for 2009 is $716 per year. The clothing allowance increase, while effective on the date of the law, is not payable until the following August 1. It is recommended that you mark your calendar and apply for your 2009 allowance by July 1 to allow ample time for VA to process it and avoid missing the August 1 cutoff date. To qualify for annual payment, eligibility must be established as of August 1 of the year for which payment is claimed. If you are currently service-connected disabled and meet the criteria, send your application on VA Form 21-8678 to the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service (121), VA Medical Center, 2002 Holcombe Blvd., Houston TX 77030.

[adsys_ad::instory] –>If your support device or skin medication was not issued by VA, you also will need to get your VA doctor to do a certification that the support or skin medication is necessary for you