Question:

I'm 100% T & P since February 2012. Five months ago, Agent Orange (and T2 Diabetes) finally took its toll with an above the knee left leg amputation. I'm going to apply for a Home Improvement and Structural Alteration - HISA Grant. In reading up on this particular grant, I see that the maximum amount for this grant has been $6,800 since 2010. No increase for the last 11 years! During that same period of time, construction costs have risen by approximately 50% since 2010. Any reason for this oversight that you know of, Jim?

Jim's Reply:

Reasons for the oversight? How much time do you have? VA is so far behind on almost every regulatory nuance that impacts veterans that it's hard to know where to begin. The Schedule For Rating Disabilities was designed in the 1940s to meet the needs of the agrarian society that was America then. That it hasn't been properly revamped over time tells you all you need to know.
 

For what it's worth...apply for the AK amp as a secondary condition to the DM2. Get that rated and seek at least a 60% rating on top of your existing 100% so you can qualify for SMC homebound. If you show any other vascular symptoms at all (kidneys, carotids, etc.) file for it and make it secondary to the diabetes.
 

And...for what it's worth, construction costs have risen the most in the last year that I've seen in my lifetime. There's currently a lumber shortage that may make you put your plans on hold for a bit. Make use of that time by filing for the secondary effects of the DM2...you'll come out ahead.
 

Good luck.