Raleigh Relocation Information

Medically Separated Veterans Get Another Chance at Benefits

Many more veterans could be eligable for better disability benefits.  In the two years since Congress ordered the Pentagon to review disputed claimes, only 921 veterans have applied, out of 77,000 that the Pentagon estimates are eligable.

Service members must have been medically separated since September 11, 2001.  They have the opportunity to have their disability ratings reviewed to ensure fairness and accuracy. 

To be eligible for PDBR review, a service member must have been medically separated between September 11, 2001 and December 31, 2009 with a combined disability rating of 20 percent or less, and not found eligible for retirement.

So far, more than 230 cases have been decided.  Of these, about 60 percent were in favor of improving the veteran's benefits, while an additional 119 case were dismissed as ineligible.

To find out more, check out the Military Health System | Department of Defense information here.

More information for veterans:

Accessible Homes for Veterans | Raleigh New Home Grants from VA

Find Out More About Accessible Homes in the Raleigh, NC Area

Stanton Homes for Heroes Military Program 

A Thousand Words: Photographs by Vietnam Veterans - Special Exhibit at the North Carolina Museum of History in Downtown Raleigh

Do you know a Veteran?

If you or someone you know is a Veteran, war or peace, of any era, you are encouraged to become part of the Veteran's History Project.  Free interviews are offered by the National Veterans History Archival Institute.  All work is done by volunteers, and the family and the Veteran get a copy of the full interview on DVD.  Find out more.

Specially Adapted Housing Grants - Top 10 Questions

How to Get Started in the Raleigh Area - Assistance for Veterans

Veterans and servicemembers who have suffered a service-connected disability have access to a government grant to help purchase, retrofit, or build a home that can accomodate their needs. 

The Specially Adapted Housing Grant offers a maximum amount of $60,000, and can be used up to three separate times. 

Here's some of the quick facts, and how to apply for the Specially Adapted Housing Grant in the Raleigh area. 

Which veterans or servicemembers may be eligible for the grant?

The Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant is available to servicemembers or veterans who have a service-connected permanent and total disability, which can include:

A.   The loss, or loss of use, of both lower extremities such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair.

B.   Blindness in both eyes having only light perception, plus loss or loss of use of one lower extremity.

C.   The loss, or loss of use, of one lower extremity together with

•(1)  residuals of organic disease or injury, or

•(2)  the loss or loss of use of one upper extremity.

Item (1) and Item (2) above must so affect the functions of balance or propulsion as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair.

D.   The loss, or loss of use, of both upper extremities, so as to preclude use of the arms at or above the elbows.

How can a veteran or servicemember find out if they are eligible for the grant, and who determines basic eligibility?

The current or most recent VA Rating Decision issued by the Veterans Service Center of jurisdiction establishes the veteran's or servicemember's basic eligibility for a Specially Adapted Housing Grant.  The VA Rating Decision is subject to review and revision.

What other requirements must be filled for a veteran or servicemember to be able to recieve this grant?

 a. It must be medically feasible for the veteran or servicemember to reside in the house.

 b. The house must be adapted to be suitable to the veteran's or servicemember's needs for living purposes.

 c. It must be financially feasible for the veteran or servicemember to acquire the house, with the assistance provided by the grant.

How soon after the injury or incident must the veteran or servicemember apply for a Specially Adapted Housing Grant?  Is there a deadline? 

There is no time limit on the use of the grant.  We have worked with servicemembers who have just been wounded in Iraq, as well as veterans who now have disabilities as a result of actions in the Korean War. 

The grant is "up to" $60,000.  How does that work?  How much specially adapted housing assistance can a veteran or servicemember receive?

An eligible veteran or servicemember may receive a VA grant of not more than 50 percent of the cost of a specially adapted house, up to the aggregate maximum amount allowable by law.  Thus an $100,000 home will only be eligible for a $50,000 grant. 

How many times may a veteran or servicemember receive specially adapted housing assistance?

Public Law 109-233 authorizes up to three usages of grant benefits.  If future changes to the governing law provide for an increase in the maximum grant amount, veterans or servicemembers who have not used the assistance available to them up to the allowable three times may be entitled to the increase in the maximum grant amount at that time.

Are there restrictions?  How may the grant be used?

An eligible veteran or servicemember has the option to use up to the full amount of the grant under any one of the following plans:

Plan (1).  The veteran or servicemember may elect to construct a home on land to be acquired for that purpose.

Plan (2).  The veteran or servicemember may build a home on land already owned if it is suitable for specially adapted housing.

Plan (3).  The veteran or servicemember may remodel an existing home if it can be made suitable for specially adapted housing.

Plan (4).  When the veteran or servicemember has already acquired a specially adapted home (without the assistance of a VA grant), the grant may be applied against the unpaid principal mortgage balance of the home.

 What adaptations are considered necessary for specially adapted housing?

 There are many requirements for a home to be considered qualified for specially adapted housing.  Some may be waived, others may not.  Each situation is to be approved by the Specially Adapted Housing representative through the VA office. 

How To Apply For Benefits

Where does a veteran or servicemember go to find out if he/she is eligible for a Specially Adapted Housing Grant?

Any VA office, but preferably the VA office where the veteran's or servicemember's claim records are located.  A determination will be made as to basic eligibility and whether it is medically feasible for the veteran or servicemember to reside in a specially adapted home.

For the Raleigh Durham area, these are the local Specially Adapted Housing Agents. 

Winston-Salem (Atlanta Regional Loan Center)
Lester Carter
VA Regional Office (262)
Federal Building
251 North Main Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27155
(336) 714-0763
Fax: (336) 631-5272

Gary McDowell
(336) 714-0762
Fax: (336) 631-5272

Rick Siavrakas
(336) 714-0890
Fax: (336) 631-5272

Or find more representatives here.

The process won't be quick, and will require good documentation.  It may take 30 days or longer to have the initial application approved.  Once the grant itself is approved, you and your builder or contractor will need to submit floor plans, drawings, schematics, location of the home, and other paperwork describing the home to be built or changes to be made.  After these are submitted to the VA, it generally takes another 60 days for approval, before construction can begin. 

Where Can I Find Out More?

Find out more about the Specially Adapted Housing program, download online application forms, and more.  Click here.  Stanton Homes has experience with the grant process, floor plan redesign to meet VA requirements, and the inspection process throughout construction of a new Specially Adapted Housing home.  Contact us or call 919-278-8070 for more information about Specially Adapted homes in the Raleigh area. 

Find Out More About Accessible Homes in the Raleigh, NC Area

Stanton Homes for Heroes Military Program 

Our military families and veterans have done so much to keep our nation free. 

If you are a veteran, or know one, please encourage them to tell their story, and let them know about these programs.   

"He proposed by telegram".... A Navy Man's Story

Learn about Betty and Leonard Fisher, and Leonard's service during World War II.  The Fisher's story is now part of the National Archives, and permanently recorded for their children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren.

Veterans Think They Don't Have Much to Say - But They're Wrong!

Each veteran has a story to tell.  This volunteer organization helps capture those stories.

60 Years of Memories Started with A War Injury - Stories That Change the World

Frederick Adams forecast the weather - but he had no idea that what he was doing was going to change the world.   

Housing Assistance Available for Armed Forces Members with Service-Connected Disabilities - Fort Bragg and Pope AFB Areas

Many veterans have sustained injuries that affect their daily living.  The Specially Adapted Housing program is available to provide accessible housing with extensive grants available.

Where to Go to Tell Our Troops "Thank You"

Take a moment, just a moment, and send a thank you card to our troops currently serving overseas.  It means so much to them!

Stanton Homes for Heroes

Our veterans and military deserve thanks for the tough job they've done.  This is how we work to help make a difference.

Veteran Support - Specially Adapted Homes

Homes for Our Troops Completes 16th Home in 2008!

Homes Provided at No Cost for Severely Injured Veterans

Homes for Our Troops is one of the top-rated non-profit Veteran organizations in the country.  With 16 homes completed in 2008, and 14 homes currently under construction, this group is making a difference for severely injured servicemen and women.

How does Homes for Our Troops do this?

Homes for Our Troops raises donations of money, building materials, and professional labor, then coordinates the process of building a new home.

Where does Homes for Our Troops build?

Across the country - check out this map of homes completed and under construction.  Five homes have been built in North Carolina - in Waxhaw, Lumberton, New Bern, Roxboro, and Fayeteville. 

The American Institute of Philanthropy, one of the country's premier charity watchdog organizations, has included Homes for Our Troops in their "Top-Rated Veterans & Military Charities" listing.  Only 5 of the 32 Veterans charities rated by AIP are included in the Top-Rated Category.

Because of their stringent review process, the AIP is described as "the pit bull of watchdogs" by the New York Times.  Newsweek said "It's the toughest of the bunch.  Because it disregards certain, potentially suspect, expenses and donations, it fails some nonprofits that the other raters approve."

These specially adapted homes help them meet the challenges they face every day - and will continue to face every day for the rest of their lives.

If you'd like to help, or volunteer labor, click here for giving opportunities.

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Veterans and Military - Housing Benefits

VA Home Loans Improved through Veterans Benefits Act

Good news for anyone currently serving at Fort Bragg, Pope Air Force Base, or Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, as well as Veterans living throughout the Raleigh, NC area.

On October 10, 2008, President Bush signed into law the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2008.

This bill addressed about a dozen topics of importance to Veterans, but some of the most noted points affect housing.

There are three major impacts to the VA Home Loan Guaranty Program:

1.   The authority to guarantee adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) and hybrid adjustable rate mortgages (HARMs) has now been extended to September 30, 2012.

2. The maximum guaranty for cash-out refinance loans has been made the same as purchase loans - they are no longer limited to $36,000. In addition, cash-out refinance loans may now be made up to 100% of the appraised value of the home.

3. The temporary increase to the maximum guaranty has been extended through December 31, 2011. When combined with new locality-based Freddie Mac conforming loan limit in January 2009, VA's maximum county "loan limit" will be $1,094,625 ($1,641,937.50 in Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, and the Virgin Islands). This results in unique county "loan limits" for VA.  

The higher limits with the maximum guarantee may not affect many veterans living in the Raleigh NC area, since there is plenty of housing available under $350,000, but this step will probably help in many other areas that are less affordable.

The details of this act and how it affects VA loans and housing can be found here.

If you have any questions on your current VA loan, or are looking to purchase a new home with a VA loan, contact a lender who has expertise in this field.

You may also be interested in these popular green building topics:

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What is a Green Home?              

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Specially Adapted Housing - Top 10 Questions

How to Get Started in the Fort Bragg and Pope AFB Area

Veterans and servicemembers who have suffered a service-connected disability have access to a government grant to help purchase, retrofit, or build a home that can accomodate their needs. 

The Specially Adapted Housing Grant offers a maximum amount of $50,000, and can be used up to three separate times. 

Here's some of the quick facts, and how to apply for the Specially Adapted Housing Grant in the Fort Bragg/Pope Air Force Base area. 

Which veterans or servicemembers may be eligible for the grant?

The Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant is available to servicemembers or veterans who have a service-connected permanent and total disability, which can include:

A.   The loss, or loss of use, of both lower extremities such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair.

B.   Blindness in both eyes having only light perception, plus loss or loss of use of one lower extremity.

C.   The loss, or loss of use, of one lower extremity together with

•(1)  residuals of organic disease or injury, or

•(2)  the loss or loss of use of one upper extremity.

Item (1) and Item (2) above must so affect the functions of balance or propulsion as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair.

D.   The loss, or loss of use, of both upper extremities, so as to preclude use of the arms at or above the elbows.

How can a veteran or servicemember find out if they are eligible for the grant, and who determines basic eligibility?

The current or most recent VA Rating Decision issued by the Veterans Service Center of jurisdiction establishes the veteran's or servicemember's basic eligibility for a Specially Adapted Housing Grant.  The VA Rating Decision is subject to review and revision.

What other requirements must be filled for a veteran or servicemember to be able to recieve this grant?

 a. It must be medically feasible for the veteran or servicemember to reside in the house.

 b. The house must be adapted to be suitable to the veteran's or servicemember's needs for living purposes.

 c. It must be financially feasible for the veteran or servicemember to acquire the house, with the assistance provided by the grant.

How soon after the injury or incident must the veteran or servicemember apply for a Specially Adapted Housing Grant?  Is there a deadline? 

There is no time limit on the use of the grant.  We have worked with servicemembers who have just been wounded in Iraq, as well as veterans who now have disabilities as a result of actions in the Korean War. 

The grant is "up to" $50,000.  How does that work?  How much specially adapted housing assistance can a veteran or servicemember receive?

An eligible veteran or servicemember may receive a VA grant of not more than 50 percent of the cost of a specially adapted house, up to the aggregate maximum amount allowable by law.  Thus an $80,000 home will only be eligible for a $40,000 grant. 

How many times may a veteran or servicemember receive specially adapted housing assistance?

Public Law 109-233 authorizes up to three usages of grant benefits.  If future changes to the governing law provide for an increase in the maximum grant amount, veterans or servicemembers who have not used the assistance available to them up to the allowable three times may be entitled to the increase in the maximum grant amount at that time.

Are there restrictions?  How may the grant be used?

An eligible veteran or servicemember has the option to use up to the full amount of the grant under any one of the following plans:

Plan (1).  The veteran or servicemember may elect to construct a home on land to be acquired for that purpose.

Plan (2).  The veteran or servicemember may build a home on land already owned if it is suitable for specially adapted housing.

Plan (3).  The veteran or servicemember may remodel an existing home if it can be made suitable for specially adapted housing.

Plan (4).  When the veteran or servicemember has already acquired a specially adapted home (without the assistance of a VA grant), the grant may be applied against the unpaid principal mortgage balance of the home.

 What adaptations are considered necessary for specially adapted housing?

 There are many requirements for a home to be considered qualified for specially adapted housing.  Some may be waived, others may not.  Each situation is to be approved by the Specially Adapted Housing representative through the VA office. 

How To Apply For Benefits

Where does a veteran or servicemember go to find out if he/she is eligible for a Specially Adapted Housing Grant?

Any VA office, but preferably the VA office where the veteran's or servicemember's claim records are located.  A determination will be made as to basic eligibility and whether it is medically feasible for the veteran or servicemember to reside in a specially adapted home.

For the Raleigh/Durham/Fort Bragg/Pope Air Force Base area, these are the local Specially Adapted Housing Agents. 

Fayetteville (Atlanta Regional Loan Center)
Joseph Falcetta
Department of Veterans Affairs
Medical Center (262)
Bldg 41-T
2300 Ramsey Street
Fayetteville, NC 28301
(800) 771-6106 Ext. 17420
Fax: ( 910) 482-5139

Furman Keith
(800) 771-6106 Ext. 17145
Fax: ( 910) 482-5139

Winston-Salem (Atlanta Regional Loan Center)
Lester Carter
VA Regional Office (262)
Federal Building
251 North Main Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27155
(336) 714-0763
Fax: (336) 631-5272

Gary McDowell
(336) 714-0762
Fax: (336) 631-5272

Rick Siavrakas
(336) 714-0890
Fax: (336) 631-5272

Or find more representatives here.

The process won't be quick, and will require good documentation.  It may take 30 days or longer to have the initial application approved.  Once the grant itself is approved, you and your builder or contractor will need to submit floor plans, drawings, schematics, location of the home, and other paperwork describing the home to be built or changes to be made.  After these are submitted to the VA, it generally takes another 60 days for approval, before construction can begin. 

Where Can I Find Out More?

Find out more about the Specially Adapted Housing program, download online application forms, and more.  Click here. 

Find Out More About Accessible Homes in the Raleigh, NC Area

Stanton Homes for Heroes Military Program