Website: Veterans Benefits – Department of Veterans Affairs
The Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) is a federal agency that oversees the various benefit programs available for honorably discharged veterans. The DVA is the largest single medical care system in the country and the largest purchaser of AT devices and equipment for persons with disabilities. In addition, the DVA operates a vocational rehabilitation program for eligible veterans. Thus, assistive technology can be provided to support a veteran in the vocational rehabilitation program to meet vocational goals and pursue gainful employment.
Eligibility Requirements and Application Process
Eligibility for veterans’ benefits is complex. Not all veterans are eligible for all benefits. Generally, if a veteran is eligible for admission to a VA Medical Center (VAMC), then any disabilities he or she has will be treated and/or covered. Entitlement to services varies and is based on the veteran’s disability rating. Those rated at disabilities of 50% or more are provided services regardless of whether the treatment is for a service-connected disability or not. The VAMC determines eligibility and entitlement by conducting a needs assessment. After establishing eligibility, services are provided on a space available basis and according to an assigned category of either mandatory or discretionary. Veterans in the mandatory category receive free services, while veterans in the discretionary category may be required to contribute to the cost of care they receive.
For information on VA benefits, you should contact an accredited Veterans Service Organization.
These organizations not only give information on VA benefits, services and eligibility, they can also act as your representative through the VA system. The KY department of Veterans Affairs is an accredited Veterans Service Organization and can assist veterans statewide call (502) 595-4447 or visit their web site at veterans.ky.gov.
Other Accredited Veterans Service Organizations
- Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) (502) 566-4428
- Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) (502) 566-4430
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) (502) 566-4422
- Additional information is available on line or by phone.
AT Services Provided/Covered
- Evaluation/Assessment
- Purchasing/Acquisition
- Selection/Design
- Coordination
- Training/Technical Assistance
Assistive Technology Provided/Covered
A range of assistive technology
Contact Information
National DVA telephone assistance service: (800) 827-1000
Louisville VA hospital: (502) 287-4000
Assistive Technology Resource Guide link: Veterans Benefits – Department of Veterans Affairs
Categories: Public funding sources