Who qualifies: Veterans with a service-connected disability who use a prosthetic or orthopedic device, or a prescribed skin medicine, for that condition that damages their outer clothing.
What it is
Some service-connected conditions are hard on your clothes. A knee brace rubs holes in your pants. A prosthetic leg wears out fabric. A prescription skin cream stains your shirts for good. The clothing allowance pays you once a year to help replace damaged clothing.
The current yearly amount is $1,053.19 (effective Dec. 1, 2025). It usually goes up with the yearly cost-of-living raise.
Who qualifies
You must:
- Have a service-connected disability (or have filed for disability compensation)
- Use a prosthetic or orthopedic device (like a brace, artificial limb or wheelchair) or a prescribed skin medicine because of that condition
- Have that device or medicine damage your outer clothing, like pants or shirts, in a way that can't be fixed
You may get more than one allowance a year if you use more than one device or medicine, or if one item damages more than one type of clothing.
How to apply, step by step
- Talk to your VA provider. Make sure your device or medicine is in your records and tied to your service-connected condition.
- Fill out VA Form 10-8678. List each device or medicine and what clothing it damages.
- Submit it to the prosthetics office at your VA medical center, by mail, in person, or online if your facility allows.
- Get it in by Aug. 1. You must qualify by that date to be paid that year.
- Watch for payment between Sept. 1 and Oct. 31.
Examples that may qualify
- A knee brace, back brace or ankle brace that rubs through fabric
- A prosthetic arm or leg that wears out sleeves or pant legs
- A wheelchair that wears out the seat or sleeves of your clothes
- A prescription cream or ointment for a service-connected skin condition that stains clothing beyond repair
Over-the-counter creams usually don't count unless VA prescribed them. If you're unsure, ask the prosthetics office. Keep a damaged item or a photo of it, since it can help show the problem.
Can I get it if I'm not rated yet?
You must have a service-connected condition, or have a disability claim pending for it. If your claim is still open, apply for the clothing allowance anyway. VA can decide it once your rating comes through.
Do I need to apply every year?
Usually not anymore. If you've been paid the allowance since 2022, VA generally keeps paying it each year without a new application. But if you start using a new device or medicine, or want an additional allowance, you need to apply.
Mistakes to avoid
- Missing the Aug. 1 deadline. Late applications roll to next year.
- Not linking the device to a service-connected condition. The device must be for a rated condition.
- Forgetting skin medicines. Many veterans don't realize prescription creams count.
- Not reporting changes. If you stop using the device, let VA know.
Related benefits
See our guides on hearing aids and prosthetics, the automobile allowance, HISA grants, and disability compensation.
Last reviewed November 2026. WeSpeakVA is not the VA. Rules and amounts change, so confirm on VA.gov or with an accredited representative.