How to apply for the VA annual clothing allowance — VA Form 10-8678

Step 1: Check that you qualify

Under 38 CFR 3.810 you may qualify if, because of a service-connected disability, you (a) wear or use a prosthetic or orthopedic appliance — including a wheelchair — that tends to wear or tear clothing, or (b) use medication prescribed by a physician for a skin condition due to a service-connected disability that causes irreparable damage to your outer garments. VA also notes that soft or flexible devices, such as elastic stockings, may not qualify — ask the prosthetic representative if you are unsure.

Reference: https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/special-claims/clothing-allowance/

Step 2: Count your qualifying items

You can get more than one allowance if you have more than one device or skin medicine, or if a device or medicine affects more than one type of clothing (38 CFR 3.810(a)(2)–(3)). List each item on your application.

Step 3: Apply by August 1

Apply online on VA.gov, or complete VA Form 10-8678 and (a) bring it to the prosthetic representative at your nearest VA medical center, (b) mail it to Department of Veterans Affairs, Claims Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444, or (c) fax it. You must qualify by August 1 to be paid that year — including when you are applying for an additional allowance.

Reference: https://www.va.gov/forms/10-8678/

Step 4: Get paid between September 1 and October 31

If you qualify, VA pays the allowance between September 1 and October 31. If you received a clothing allowance payment in 2022 or 2023, you no longer need to submit an application every year to keep getting it; apply again only to add a new device or medicine.