There are more than 16 million veterans in the U.S., and about 30% of them have a service-connected disability, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Many of those disabilities affect mobility. If you or a loved one is part of this group, you know that returning home from service comes with challenges, and coping with a mobility issue on top of everything else can feel overwhelming.
Whether you need help finding equipment, adapting your home to fit your mobility device, or getting to medical appointments with your mobility aid, these resources can help make everyday life easier for American veterans with mobility challenges and their families.
In This Article
Finding the Right Mobility Equipment
Resource: Veterans Affairs Assistive Technology Services
What they do: This branch of the VA provides assistance for veterans who need devices, services, or strategies to support their mobility or disability situation. This may include access to walkers, wheelchairs, power chairs, and scooters.
How it works: As a veteran, your first step is to get an individual assessment from the VA to figure out your exact mobility needs. The right equipment depends on your current abilities, how your home is set up, and which daily activities require support. You'll also receive help fitting a new mobility aid, training with your new device, repairs if needed, and a reassessment if your needs change.
Where to start: Ask a VA medical provider about an assistive technology or mobility evaluation.
Making Your Home More Accessible
Resources: United Disabilities Services (UDS) Foundation; Veterans Affairs Disability Housing Grants for Veterans; or the Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) program.
What they do: "UDS offers home assessments for mobility equipment accessibility," says Jennifer Drake, Senior Outreach Liaison at UDS in Lancaster, PA. The program installs ramps, elevators, door widenings, and kitchen aids for disabled veterans. "We work through VA hospitals or VSOs for funding, and if the funding isn't there, we'll work with other nonprofits to exhaust all avenues."
UDS serves only the state of Pennsylvania, but its Resource Center (888-837-4235) can help you locate similar programs in other states.
The VA offers housing grants to veterans and service members with certain service-connected disabilities to help them remain in their home. The grants can also support you if you need to alter your home (such as installing ramps or widening doorways) to meet mobility needs and live more independently. HISA provides similar services but is not restricted to service-connected disabilities.
How the VA Programs Work
| Disability Housing Grants | Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it includes | Several grants, primarily Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) and Special Home Adaptation (SHA). | A separate benefit for medically necessary home improvements. |
| Who qualifies | Veterans with certain service-connected disabilities, such as loss of use of limbs or severe burns. | Eligible veterans with service-connected or non-service-connected disabilities; the project must be medically justified. |
| What it pays for | Buying, building, or modifying a permanent home to meet disability needs. | Changes to an existing primary residence (ramps, accessible showers, etc.) for medical equipment. |
| Funding | Up to $126,526 (SAH) or $25,350 (SHA) for FY 2026; limits are adjusted each fiscal year. | Lifetime maximum of $2,000 to $6,800, depending on eligibility. |
Where to start: Contact UDS or the VA for details about eligibility, covered projects, and the approval process before beginning work.
Getting to Medical Appointments
Resources: When it comes to helping veterans with mobility restrictions see their doctor, there are several options:
- The VA Veterans Transportation Program (VTP) provides free rides to veterans enrolled in VA health care who are either going to a VA facility or receiving VA-authorized medical care at another facility.
- The VA Volunteer Transportation Network (VTN) provides free rides through its volunteer program. Rides are scheduled through accredited Veterans Service Organizations (find one in your state here).
- The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization operates a fleet of vehicles to provide free transportation to veterans. Check to see if one is available near you.
- The VA Beneficiary Travel program offers travel reimbursement for medical appointments to certain veterans with disabilities and their family members. Log in to see if you qualify.
What they do: Services vary from arranging transportation to providing reimbursement for travel.
How it works: Services, availability, and eligibility differ by organization. These services focus specifically on qualifying health care travel, not other transportation needs.
Where to start: For an overview of these and other programs, start by going to the Veterans Health Administration site.
Managing Everyday Tasks
Resources: Disabled American Veterans (DAV); UDS Independent Living Assistance Services
What they do: The DAV's Local Veterans Assistance Program connects veterans with volunteers who may help with grocery shopping, errands, yardwork, and home repairs. UDS provides help with activities of daily living or with safe supervision if there is cognitive decline. "We work with VSOs or the VA for grants or funding opportunities," says Drake.
How it works: For the DAV, submit an online request for assistance or contact your local chapter to see what volunteer services are available in your area. For UDS, "Independent Living Assistance Services is our nonmedical division that can help with requests," says Drake.
Where to start: Make a list of the aspects of daily life that are more challenging for you with mobility limitations. Whether it's cooking a meal, getting dressed, or safely transferring into the bathtub, prioritizing what you need the most support with can help the organization match you with the right volunteer.
Supporting Family Members and Caregivers
Resources: Elizabeth Dole Foundation, American Red Cross, The Independence Fund, Wounded Warrior Project, Fisher House Foundation, VA Respite Care
What They Do
| Organization | Services Provided |
|---|---|
| Elizabeth Dole Foundation / Hidden Heroes | Personalized help finding services, navigating benefits, accessing mental health support, and addressing financial needs. |
| American Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregiver Network | Online and in-person support groups, one-to-one and group mentoring, caregiver education, and connections to local resources. |
| The Independence Fund | Caregiver retreats, virtual events, opportunities for peer connection, and family retreats with aftercare resources. |
| Wounded Warrior Project Family Support | Respite and practical assistance, including in-home care, meals, housekeeping, and medical travel grants. |
| Fisher House Foundation | Free temporary lodging near military and VA medical centers, helping families stay close during a loved one's treatment. |
| VA Respite Care | Replacement care so caregivers can take a break: an aide at home, adult day health care, or a short nursing-home stay. |
Where to start: Contact the caregiver support team at your local VA medical center or reach out to the organizations listed here to discuss your family's situation. Caregiver burnout is real, and you deserve support for yourself as you support a loved one.
Covering the Cost of Mobility Care
Resource: Journey Health & Lifestyle
What we do: From rollators to power chairs and mobility scooters, Journey Health & Lifestyle provides premium mobility support to our community. In recognition of our military members' service, we offer a discount on all purchases.
How it works: Take our Mobility Evaluation to better understand your needs for support. The evaluation will assess your current mobility, your lifestyle and home situation, and any special considerations. It will match you with a mobility device best suited to your needs and provide a personalized plan for living well with limited mobility. The device cost will be discounted for veterans at checkout.
Where to start: Getting your military savings is quick and secure. At checkout online, click to verify with GovX ID. You'll receive a single-use discount code to apply to your purchase at checkout, or you can log in with GovX ID for future purchases.
If you prefer help by phone, call 888-404-1724 and let our team know you're a veteran or family member of a veteran, and we'll walk you through the quick steps. Eligibility applies to current and former U.S. military members, spouses, and dependents. One discount code can be used per day.
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