HISA Home Improvements and Structural Alterations Programs VA Handbook 1173.14

HISA ELIGIBILITY
a. Veterans receiving treatment from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) under the auspices of 38 U.S.C. Section 1710 are eligible for HISA benefits as follows:
(1) $4,100 lifetime HISA benefit when necessary for:
(a) Service connected condition.
(b) Non-service connected condition of a veteran rated 50 percent or more service connected.
(c) Non-service connected condition of a veteran in receipt of 38 U.S.C. Section 1151
benefits.
(2) $1,200 lifetime HISA benefit when necessary for treatment of a non-service connected condition of veterans who are:
(a) Rated less than 50 percent service connected.
(b) Discharged or released from active duty for a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.
(c) Former Prisoners of War, veterans of the Mexican Border period or World War I.
(d) Unable to defray the expenses of necessary care as determined under 38 U.S.C. Section 1722 (a), i.e., veterans who qualify through “means testing,” as determined via Medical Care Cost Fund (MCCF).
(e) Eligible for benefits under 38 U.S.C. Section 1710(a)(2)(F) and (e), due to exposure to a toxic substance, radiation, or an environmental hazard.
October 30, 2000 VHA HANDBOOK 1173.14
(f) Veterans who are required to pay a co-payment for their care are eligible for the $1,200.00 benefit due to enactment of Public Law 105-114, Section 402(b)(2).

HISA GRANTS
a. HISA grants provide for medically necessary improvements and/or structural changes to the veteran’s residence for the following purposes:
(1) Allowing entrance to or exit from the veteran’s residence.
(2) Use of essential lavatory and sanitary facilities.
(3) Allowing accessibility to kitchen or bathroom sinks or counters.
(4) Improving entrance paths or driveways in immediate area of the home to facilitate access to the home by the veteran.
(5) Improving plumbing or electrical systems made necessary due to installation of dialysis equipment in the home.
b. Improvements can include, but are not limited to:
(1) Door Latches. Door latch handles must be easy to operate and grasp.
(2) Entrances. Minimum width of all doors should be 3 feet (36 inches). Renovation work where 3 foot openings are impossible, opening of 2 feet 8 inches (32 inches is acceptable). A maneuvering area with a minimum length of 4 feet 6 inches (54 inches) should be provided on each side of all doors.
(3) Electrical Outlets and Wall Switches. Wall mounted outlets should be located at a maximum height of 4 feet (48 inches) and a minimum height of 1 foot, 6 inches (18 inches).
(4) Handrails. Primary functions of hand rails are to act as a safety barrier to protect the user from a fall, to aid with balance, or to allow a wheelchair user a means for propulsion. Handrails should be smooth and continuous, and must be provided on both sides of a ramp.
(5) Ramps. Permanent ramping constructed of wood or concrete that is built according to the American Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines.
(6) Windows. Window controls must be accessible and easy to operate. Controls for windows should be located at a maximum height of 4 feet, 6 inches (54 inches). Controls for curtains and blinds should be similarly accessible.