Attention A T users. To access the menus on this page please perform the following steps. 1. Please switch auto forms mode to off. 2. Hit enter to expand a main menu option (Health, Benefits, etc). 3. To enter and activate the submenu links, hit the down arrow. You will now be able to tab or arrow up or down through the submenu options to access/activate the submenu links.

Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services

Menu
Menu
Quick Links
Veterans Crisis Line Badge
My healthevet badge
 

Prosthetic & Sensory Aids Service (PSAS)

Home Improvements/Structural Alterations (HISA)

This benefit provides medically necessary improvements and structural alterations to Veterans/Servicemembers’ primary residence for the following purposes:

  • Allowing entrance to or exit from the primary residence
  • Use of essential lavatory and sanitary facilities (e.g. roll in showers)
  • Allowing accessibility to kitchen or bathroom sinks or counters (e.g. lowering counters/sinks)
  • Improving entrance paths or driveways in immediate area of the home to facilitate access to the home through construction of permanent ramping
  • Improving plumbing or electrical systems made necessary due to installation of home medical equipment

HISA will not pay for:

  • Walkways to exterior buildings
  • Spa, hot tub, or Jacuzzi
  • Exterior decking
  • New construction

HISA Benefit Amounts

Lifetime benefit for Veterans and Servicemembers.

$6,800 will be approved to:

  • Address a service-connected disability
  • Address a compensable disability treated “as if” is a service-connected disability and for which the Veteran entitled to medical services under 38 USC 1710(a)(2)(c) (e.g., disability acquired through treatment or vocational rehabilitation provided by VA)
  • Address a non-service- connected disability, if the beneficiary has a service-connected disability rated at least 50 percent disability (no combining or combination of disability percentages is allowed).
$2,000 will be approved to:
  • Address a disability that is not covered above

Note: All HISA projects must be medically justified for the service connected disability and/or non-service connected disability. Please contact your local Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service to determine your available lifetime HISA benefits.  VHA Directive 1173.14(1) - Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) Program

What does HISA exclude?

Some excluded HISA structural alterations are exterior decking; purchase or installation of spa/ hot tubs/ Jacuzzi type tubs; home security systems; removable equipment or appliances such as portable ramps; porch lifts, and stair glides; and routine repairs as part of regular home maintenance like replacements of roofs, furnaces, or air conditioners.

HISA Process Map

For a complete map of the HISA process, a copy can be downloaded here.

Additional Information

Applying for a HISA Benefit

When applying for the HISA benefit, a completed HISA application package must include the following:

(1) A prescription written or approved by a VA physician which includes:

(a) The beneficiary’s name, address and telephone number;
(b) A description of the prescribed project, including the area of the home to be improved or structurally altered; type of modification and all alternatives to the modifications; and items requiring installation.
(c) The diagnosis and medical justification for the prescribed improvement or structural alteration. The medical justification should demonstrate the project’s clinical appropriateness, that is, the beneficiary’s clinical needs should support the type of home improvement or structural alterations being prescribed.

(2) A completed and signed  VA Form 10-0103, VETERANS APPLICATION FOR ASSISTANCE In Acquiring Home Improvement and Structural Alterations

  • If applying for an advanced payment, request on application

(3) FOR RENTERS: A signed and notarized statement from the owner authorizing the improvement or structural alteration

(4) A written itemized estimate of costs for labor, materials, permits, and inspections for the home improvement and structural alteration

(5) A color photograph of the unimproved area

NOTE: An inspection of the site by VA may be warranted.

Before HISA improvements 
 		 After HISA improvements 
 



























return to top go