WASHINGTON, December 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Executive Director of Paralyzed Veterans of America Carl Blakes released the following statement today in response to Congressional passage HR 7939, also known as the Auto Improvement and Veterans Education Act of 2022. This law includes the revised language of the DPR passed HR 3304, AUTO for the Veterans Act, and some provisions of veterans education. The Veterans Education and Auto Improvement Act of 2022 authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to immediately provide additional car benefits to eligible veterans if 30 years have passed since the date they received their first car grant. Over time, the period will be shortened to 10 years.
The Veterans Automotive and Education Enhancement Act of 2022 will also change the definition of “medical services”, to include certain vehicle modifications such as lift vans, offered through the VA’s Car Adaptive Equipment (AAE) program. This last provision will help ensure veterans with non-service-related illnesses and injuries continue to receive assistance through the AAE program. The newly added provisions will designate non-articulating trailers designed to transport powered wheelchairs, powered scooters or other similar mobility devices as adaptive equipment.
“The average life span of a modified vehicle is about 11.5 years, and replacement costs are in the tens of thousands of dollars. This huge cost, coupled with current inflation, presents tremendous financial hardship for the many disabled veterans who need to change primary modes of transportation. American veterans with disabilities have been relentless advocates in securing the opportunity for a second car benefit for eligible veterans. We applaud the Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Examiner Jon and Rating Member Jerry Moran, and Chair of the House Veterans Affairs Committee Mark Takano and Rating Member Mike Bost for their bipartisan efforts to provide these benefits. We also thank the Senator Susan Collins, Joe Mancin, John Boozman, Roy Bluntand Maggie Hassanas well as Representatives Lizzie Fletcher, And Meuserand David Trone for leading the initial work to expand transportation access for disabled veterans.”
Blake continued, “Access to a safely and reliably adapted vehicle is critical to the mobility, health, and independence of veterans with disabilities, who need a reliable means of transportation like everyone else. We now urge President Biden to quickly sign this momentous bill into law.” .”
To learn more about the PVA’s legislative priorities and help move more important legislation forward, join the PVA Action Squad today and show your support at PVA.org.
About Paralyzed Veterans of America
American Disabled Veterans is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and the only congressionally chartered veterans services organization dedicated solely to the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or disease. The organization ensures veterans receive the benefits that come through serving our nation; monitor their care in the VA spinal cord injury unit; and funding research and education in the search for better cures and treatments for individuals with disabilities.
As a lifelong partner and advocate for veterans and all persons with disabilities, PVA also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in buildings and public spaces, and provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sport and recreation. With more than 70 offices and 33 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans of America serves veterans, their families, and their carers in all 50 states, District of Colombiaand Puerto Rico. Learn more at PVA.org.
Contact: S. Oname Thompson
[email protected]
(703) 864-5980 cells
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SOURCE Crippled American Veterans