Disabled veterans in Guam might soon find it more affordable to acquire adaptive vehicles, thanks to proposed changes in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) policy.

The House Veterans Affairs Committee held a public hearing, discussing Guam Delegate Moylan's "Deliver for Veterans Act," a measure designed to alter the VA's Adaptive Vehicle Grant Program.

Currently, veterans are unable to utilize their grants to cover shipping costs, which significantly impacts those residing in remote areas. Under Moylan's proposed legislation, shipping expenses would be included, making it more feasible for veterans in Guam to access adaptive vehicles. Moylan shared,

“To ship a vehicle to Guam, costs close to $4,000 dollars. Under the current program veterans are unable to use their grant to pay for shipping costs. This is a major cause that negatively affects our veterans in remote areas. This small fix in the program will allow more veterans to take part in the program that helps them in everyday life.”

Deputy Director of the Office of Veterans Affairs, Nick Pamperin, expressed full support for the legislation, emphasizing that the average shipping cost, even in remote areas like Guam, would remain below the maximum grant rate.

“We know that in doing research the average shipping cost is about $1650 dollars. Obviously Guam and some more remote places it's gonna be higher, but even with just the average shipping cost that actually would stay below the average grant rate. Right now the average grant is a little over $23000. So just adding in that average shipping cost would still be below the max grant, so it's the right thing to do, that's why we support the legislation sir.”

Adaptive vehicles are specially modified cars or trucks intended for use by individuals with disabilities, including spinal cord injuries, strokes, or amputations.