For Your Benefit For and about Hawaii's military

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VA grants allow disabled to modify their homes

Question: I have a difficult time using my wheelchair in my home. Can I get the Department of Veterans Affairs to modify my house to make it easier to get around?

Answer: Veterans who have specific service-connected disabilities may be entitled to a grant from the VA to construct an adapted dwelling or modify an existing home to meet the veteran's needs. These are severe disabilities such as the loss or loss of use of both lower and upper extremities.

For information on the specially adapted housing grant, call the VA at (800) 827-1000 or visit www.homeloans.va.gov/sah.htm.

Q: Does the Honolulu VA have a Web site for veterans and others to access?

A: The VA Medical Center Web site at www.va.gov/hawaii offers an overview of VA health and benefits, including services and physical location, specialty services, contact information such as telephone numbers, what's new in services, benefits, etc., provided through VA links, patient education including class schedules, medical tidbits and frequently asked questions, VA news releases and a calendar of events.

The site also lists links to the national VA, State Veterans Services Office, Veteran Service Organizations, Disabled Veterans Resources, University of Hawaii, Vet Centers, Punchbowl, and National Center for PTSD.

Another feature is application forms on-line. Just keep in mind that a signed copy of the form must be mailed or brought in to the facility before the registration process is completed.