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Clothing allowance entitlement now given twice yearly
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Warriors, this week let’s discuss a recent change for veterans who are in receipt of a clothing allowance.
A recent revision of the law on clothing allowance expands the eligibility criteria for veterans with multiple prosthetic and orthopedic devices or skin conditions caused by prescribed medications. Veterans whose service-connected disabilities require prosthetic appliances and skin medications deserve financial assistance for the extra clothing they have to purchase. A federal appeals court has ruled that veterans may be entitled to more than one clothing allowance, and the VA is adjusting the regulations to make sure veterans get the benefit of that decision. The new regulation provides the criteria for more than one annual clothing allowance in situations where distinct garments are affected, and ensures veterans are adequately compensated for any damage to clothing. Veterans who because of a service-connected disability wear or use a prosthetic or orthopedic appliance that tends to wear out or tear clothing are eligible for payment of an annual clothing allowance. Examples of appliances include an artificial limb, rigid extremity brace, rigid spinal or cervical brace, wheelchair, crutches or other devices prescribed for the veteran’s service-connected disability. Veterans who because of a service-connected skin condition use a medication that caused irreparable damage or stains to outer garments are also eligible for payment of annual clothing allowance. The application period for annual clothing allowance is Aug. 1 through July 31 of each calendar year. Payment of more than one clothing allowance to qualifying veterans will occur in calendar year 2012. Currently, the single annual clothing allowance is $716. This week I also would like to thank VFW Post 4060 in Union for providing more than 30 complete Thanksgiving dinners to veterans and their families in Union County, VFW Post 2990 in La Grande for providing the funding for the coffee offered at the Veterans Clinic and American Legion Post 43 in La Grande for assisting veterans in need with help in their utility bills. These organizations are instrumental in assisting me and the veterans of Union County. Call me for additional information or to set up an appointment 541-962-8802. I am located at the Center for Human Development, 2301 Cove Ave., La Grande.
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