A bill to provide clarification regarding the inclusion of medically necessary automobile adaptations in Department of Veterans Affairs definition of ‘‘medical services’’

The Automated Support Services to Improve Safe Transportation Act of 2025 (ASSIST Act) aims to clarify the inclusion of medically necessary automobile adaptations in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) definition of ‘‘medical services’’.

This legislation amends Section 1701(6)(I) of title 38, United States Code, to define what constitutes medically necessary automobile adaptations for driver or passenger use. The amendments include:

Ramps and kneeling systems
Raised doors or lowered floors
Raised roofs
Air conditioning
Occupied and unoccupied mobility lifts
Ingress or egress accessibility modifications
Wheelchair tiedowns
Adapted seating

The bill was passed by the House of Representatives on May 19, 2025, and is available for review at:

https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/BILLS-119hr1364rfs

Key Provisions:

The ASSIST Act also includes provisions to extend certain limits on payments of pension. These changes were made by striking ‘‘November 30, 2031’’ and inserting ‘‘September 30, 2032’’ in Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code.