<h2>VA and Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA)</h2>

Under the Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) program, Veterans with service-connected disabilities or Veterans with non-service-connected disabilities may receive assistance for any home improvement necessary for the continuation of treatment or for disability access to the home and essential lavatory and sanitary facilities.

A HISA grant is available to Veterans who have received a medical determination indicating that improvements and structural alterations are necessary or appropriate for the effective and economical treatment of his/her disability. A Veteran may receive both a HISA grant and either a Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant or a Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant.

Applying for a HISA Grant

In order to receive a HISA grant, the Veteran must first have a prescription from a VA or fee-basis physician.  This must include:

• Specific items required
• The diagnosis with medical justification
• The Veteran’s name, address, SSN, and phone number(s)

To apply, the Veteran must first provide:

• A completed VA Form 10-0103, VETERANS APPLICATION FOR ASSISTANCE In Acquiring Home Improvement and Structural Alterations
  • If a leased or rented property, written permission from the owner
  • Quotes from at least 3 licensed contractors (if required by state law), to include:
    • The contractors name, address, telephone, and Federal tax ID number or social security number
    • The Veteran’s name, address, and telephone number
    • Plans and drawings
    • An itemized list of estimated materials, cost, and labor cost
    • All permits required (it is the contractors responsibility to obtain these)
  • A picture of the work site prior to construction

Examples of what HISA will pay for include:

• Allowing entrance or exit from Veteran’s home
• Improving access for use of essential lavatory and sanitary facilities
• Improving access to kitchen and bathroom counters
• Handrails
• Lowered electrical outlets and switches
• Improving paths or driveways
• Improving plumbing/electrical work for dialysis patients

HISA will not pay for:

• Walkways to exterior buildings
• Widening of driveways (in excess of a 7ft x 6ft area)
• Spa, hot tub, or Jacuzzi
• Exterior decking (in excess of 8ft x 8ft)

Limits on HISA Grants

The HISA program is available for both service-connected Veterans and non-service-connected Veterans.  On May 5, 2010 the President signed the Caregiver and Veterans Omnibus Health Service Act of 2010, increasing the amounts available under the HISA grant:

• Home improvement benefits up to $6,800 may be provided for a:
  • service-connected condition
  • non-service-connected condition of a Veteran rated 50 percent or more service-connected
• Home improvement benefits up to $2,000 may be provided to all other Veterans registered in the VA health care system