WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced the bipartisan Autonomy for Disabled Veterans Act, which would help disabled veterans and their families make accessibility and safety improvements to their homes. 

“Arkansas veterans have sacrificed tremendously in service to our nation,” said Boozman. “One of the most important ways we can support our former servicemembers is to ensure those living with a disability feel safer in an accessible home with a greater sense of independence and quality of life. I am pleased to champion commonsense improvements that will better serve those who have worn our nation’s uniform.”

“After making countless sacrifices in service to our country, disabled veterans deserve to live in their own home with more freedom and dignity,” said Cortez Masto. “That’s why I’m proud to work alongside Senator Boozman to provide them the resources they need to make improvements to their homes for accessibility and safety. I will continue working across the aisle to stand up for Nevada veterans and their families.”

While the Department of Veteran Affairs’ Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) program offers funds to help eligible disabled veterans with service-related medical issues make home alterations that accommodate their medical needs, HISA grants have not been updated to meet the current costs of materials and labor. 

Specifically, the Autonomy for Disabled Veterans Act would help disabled veterans build accessible bathrooms, widen doors and install wheelchair ramps, grab bars and handrails in their homes by:

• Increasing the HISA grant from $6,800 to $10,000 for veterans with disabilities;
• Raising the grant from $2,000 to $6,800 for veterans with non-service-connected disabilities; and
• Requiring the VA to adjust the grant amounts annually based on the cost of residential construction, so the funding stays relevant as prices change.

The Autonomy for Disabled Veterans Act has been endorsed by the Paralyzed Veterans of America.

“VA’s Home Improvements and Structural Alterations grant program provides modifications to a veteran or service member’s primary residence. However, years of inattention have diminished the effectiveness of this program, and it is long past time to update grant rates to realistic levels. We appreciate the efforts of Senator Cortez Masto and Senator Boozman to correct that by increasing grant rates and tying them to a formula, so they remain current for years to come,” said Chief Policy Officer of Paralyzed Veterans of America Heather Ansley.