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2023 Guide to VA Travel Reimbursement: What it Entails and How to Apply

Claire Szewczyk Updated: April 27, 2023

Perhaps you require traveling to your compensation and pension (C&P) exam. You may be on your way to pick up a service animal or planning to attend rehabilitative care. Maybe you have recently been assigned a VA disability rating of 30% or more.

Did you know there may be VA travel pay reimbursement available for you? And it’s obtainable for a variety of different circumstances.

What is VA Travel Reimbursement?

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is authorized to provide eligible Veterans and other beneficiaries related to those Veterans coverage for:

• Mileage reimbursement
• Common Carrier costs (i.e., plane, train, bus, etc.)
• Medically-necessary transportation (i.e., ambulance) 
• Transportation to and from the VA or a non-VA health facility for examinations, treatment, and care

Am I Eligible? 

A Veteran is qualified for VA benefits regarding travel expenses if they meet one of the following criteria:

• They have a single or combined service-connected (SC) disability of 30% or more
• Travel is connected with care involving said SC disability
• Receiving VA pension (and they do not exceed the maximum VA pension rate)
• Travel is for a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam by a VA health care provider or
• Travel is to obtain a service animal
• Travel is related to rehabilitative care
• Cannot afford travel as defined by VA guidelines 

Non-Veterans  are qualified for travel benefits if they meet one of the following criteria:

• Allied Beneficiary if the country reimburses for travel costs
• Attendants, when they are deemed necessary due to Veterans’ mental/physical condition
• Beneficiaries of other Federal Agencies, if they reimburse for travel costs
• Donors or Support Persons
• Caregivers who are a part of the National Caregiver Support Program

What is the Current Mileage Reimbursement Rate?

As of 2023, the VA will reimburse round-trip mileage at 41.5 cents  per mile if the travel is related to approved healthcare expenses. 

What is the VA Travel Reimbursement Monthly Deductible?

The VA requires a small deductible before reimbursing you for travel-related expenses.

The current (2022) deductible is $3 one-way or $6 round-trip, up to $18 per month . If you surpass the $18 deductible, the VA will pay the full cost of your travel for the remainder of the month.

How Do I Apply for a VA Travel Reimbursement Deductible Waiver?

You can apply for the waiver if you cannot afford the required deductible for the VA reimbursement. However, to apply, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• By being low income (below the VA pension income)
• By receiving Pension VA benefits
• By receiving Housebound benefits
• By receiving Aid and Attendance benefits

Note:  If you are currently a 100 percent service-connected disability Veteran who is also receiving Housebound or Aid and Attendance benefits, you  must  request a waiver of the deductible.

What Do I Do Before I File My First Claim?

Before filing your first claim, you will want to take a few steps to ensure the process goes smoothly.

•  Set up a direct deposit. For the VA to deposit your reimbursement into your bank account, you must set up a direct deposit. 
• Keep receipts for all transportation and approved meals, and track your mileage.
• ​File your claim on time (within 30 days of the appointment or when you become eligible for reimbursement). See the next section to learn how to file a claim online.

How Do I File a Travel Reimbursement Claim Online?

Filing your VA travel reimbursement claim online may seem daunting, but it’s not as hard as it seems. There are a few steps outlined below. 

• Set up a direct deposit

If you haven’t already from the previous section, you’ll need to set up a electronic funds transfer (EFT) to receive your reimbursement.

• Sign in to the travel claim portal

There are several different accounts you can use to log in, including:

• My HealtheVet

If you don’t have an account, you can use  Login.gov  or  ID.me  to create one and then sign in.

• Go to your Beneficiary Travel Profile

Review your profile and update any information. If you are a caregiver, you will click “Proceed to My Veteran List” and “Select this Veteran.” 

• Create a claim

You can do this one of two ways:

• In the “My Appointments” area, in the “Associated Appointments” column, select “Create Claim.”
• Add your expenses and receipts 
• Make sure that all of your appointment information is accurate
• Attach any receipts, proof of attendance for non-VA appointments
• Submit the claim

Review the Beneficiary Travel Agreement Notice and mark that you agree. After you submit the claim, you’ll find it in review status. Your bank should receive your payment within 3-5 business days. Remember, you must submit your claim within 30 days of your appointment.

If you need further instructions, the VA has a great guide .

Additional FAQs Regarding Travel Reimbursements

I don’t want to file online. can i file a claim by mail, fax, email, or in person.

Yes! To do this, you must fill out a Veteran/Beneficiary Claim for Reimbursement of Travel Expenses, on the Department of Veterans Affairs website ( VA Form 10-3542 ) and submit it by mail, email, or fax or visit a VA Facility.

I am traveling with another Veteran or using a free transportation service. Am I still eligible for reimbursement?

You are eligible if you can meet at least one of the following criteria: 

• You’re the owner of the vehicle used to travel to the appointment
• You share a vehicle (i.e., a taxi) with other Veterans and pay for yourself
• You pay another Veteran to take you to the appointment

You will need to provide documentation of your expenses. Eligible veterans will be covered for these fees.

What if I need Transport by ambulance, wheelchair van, or other specially equipped van?

These types of transport to a VA health facility or approved non-VA clinic are covered as a special mode transportation reimbursement. You must meet the eligibility requirements listed above, but you can be eligible for this benefit.

What happens after I file my Claim?

The VA will deposit your reimbursement through electronic funds transfer (EFT) to your bank, unless you have decided to make other payment arrangements.

If I have further questions, who can I contact?

Call your  VA health facility’s Beneficiary Travel contact . 

Call BTSSS toll-free call center at 855-574-7292 (TTY: 711)

You can also learn more about  Veteran Disability Benefits  through our website as well as VA federal government websites.

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Travel Reimbursement

The VA provides eligible Veterans reimbursement for travel to and from VA, or VA authorized non-VA health examination, treatment, or care.

undefined Travel Reimbursement?

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is authorized to provide eligible Veterans and other beneficiaries mileage reimbursement, common carrier (plane, train, bus, taxi, light rail etc.), or when medically indicated "special mode" (ambulance, wheelchair van) transport for travel to and from VA, or VA authorized non-VA health examination, treatment, or care.

Veterans qualify for travel benefits if:

• In a receipt of a single or combined service-connected (SC) disability rating of 30 percent or more
• Travel is in connection with care for a SC disability
• In receipt of a VA pension
• Previous calendar year does not exceed maximum VA pension rate
• Projected income for travel year does not exceed maximum VA pension rate
• Travel is for a compensation and pension exam
• Travel is to obtain a service dog
• Travel is related to rehabilitative care as defined in PL 114-223 for Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder, Vision impairment, or Double/Multiple Amputation.

Certain non-Veterans may receive travel at VA expense:

• Allied Beneficiaries if country reimburses VA
• Attendants: When clinically determined by a VA provider that, due to a travel eligible Veteran's mental or physical condition, an attendant is required when the Veteran is traveling to and from VA or VA authorized care.
• Beneficiaries of Other Federal Agencies if Agency reimburses VA
• Donors/Support person: If part of VA transplant care
• Caregivers who are part of the National Caregiver Support Program

The current mileage reimbursement rate is 41.5 cents with a $3.00 deductible for each one-way trip or $6.00 for each round-trip. Upon reaching $18.00 in deductibles or six one-way (three round) trips, whichever occurs first, in a calendar month mileage reimbursement payments for the balance of that month will be free of deductible charges. A waiver of deductibles may be afforded to certain Veterans. To qualify for special mode transportation, a Veteran must meet one of the administrative eligibility criteria; a VA health care provider must determine that a special mode of transport is medically required and be traveling in relation to VA or VA-authorized non-VA care.

Beneficiaries may apply for travel orally or in writing generally at the facility where care was provided however, in some cases there may be an alternate process. For more information, go to the Beneficiary Travel office at the treating facility or see the Program Contact Information below.

If you have questions:

• Visit the AskVA  website to search Frequently Asked Questions or ask a question online
• Call 1-877-222-8387

To apply for VA benefits and services, view your benefit status, and many more services go to www.va.gov and either logon with your eBenefits sign on or use www.Logon.gov to enroll. VA.gov is a one-stop source for information on Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs benefits and services. Veterans, service members and their family members can conduct self-service transactions such as checking compensation and pension claim status information, enrolling in GI Bill, and obtaining copies of civil service preference letters, military records (DD214), and other personal information. For further information visit the VA.gov website.

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January 31, 2022

How to Submit a VA Travel Reimbursement Claim Online (7-Step Process)

Last updated on December 5, 2022

I hope you enjoy reading this blog post.

If you want to learn how to implement these strategies to get the VA benefits you deserve, click here to speak with a VA claim expert for free.

Did you know you can submit a VA travel reimbursement claim online and get paid for mileage and travel-related expenses for VA-approved healthcare appointments?

In 2022, the VA will pay eligible veterans for round-trip mileage to and from appointments at 41.5 cents ($0.415) per mile for approved healthcare-related travel.

The VA travel pay program also covers miscellaneous expenses, such as, tolls, parking, taxis and rideshare, plane fares, ticket costs for public transportation, including train, subway, bus, ferry, or light rail, transportation by a specially equipped vehicle, such as an ambulance or wheelchair van, and meals and lodging (if applicable).

To be eligible for a VA travel claim, you must first be traveling to an appointment at a VA healthcare facility or a VA-approved facility in your community.

VA Travel Reimbursement: 10 Ways to Qualify for VA Travel Pay

What types of travel expenses does the va cover, what is the current va mileage reimbursement rate, what is the va travel reimbursement monthly deductible, how to apply for a va travel reimbursement deductible waiver, step #1: go to the accessva website and click “i am a veteran.”, step #2: sign-in to the va travel claim entry portal, step #3: go to your btsss va travel pay profile, step #4: review your va travel pay profile, enter any missing information, and go to your dashboard, step #5: create your va travel reimbursement claim, step #6: add your travel-related expenses and receipts, step #7: submit your va travel pay reimbursement claim, about the author.

Generally, there are 10 approved categories for VA travel pay reimbursement, and you must meet at least one of the following requirements:

• You have a VA disability rating of 30 percent or higher.
• You are traveling for treatment of a service-connected disability, even if your VA rating is less than 30 percent.
• You are in receipt of VA pension benefits .
• You have an income that’s below the  max annual VA pension rate .
• You are traveling for a scheduled  VA C&P exam  for disability compensation benefits.
• You are traveling to get a service dog.
• You need in-patient care.
• You are traveling for VA-approved transplant care.
• You are getting temporary lodging that’s been approved by VA.
• You cannot afford to pay for your travel, as defined by VA guidelines .

Currently, the VA reimburses veterans and their eligible caregivers for two types of mileage and travel-related expenses: General Travel and Special Transportation .

• General travel includes mileage and travel-related expenses to and from VA healthcare appointments as well as C&P exams for VA disability benefits.
• Special transportation includes mileage and travel-related expenses for special types of transportation, such as ambulance, ambulette, or wheelchair van.

VA travel reimbursement pay covers mileage driven to and from your appointment, bridge, road, and tunnel tolls, parking, taxi and rideshare (yellow cab, Uber, Lyft), plane fares, ticket costs for public transportation, including train, subway, bus, ferry, or light rail, transportation by a specially equipped vehicle, like an ambulance or wheelchair van, when needed and approved, and meals and lodging (if needed).

In 2022, the VA will reimburse round-trip mileage at 41.5 cents ($0.415) per mile for approved healthcare-related travel.

The VA uses  Bing Maps  to calculate your “door-to-door” mileage, based on the fastest and shortest route from your home to the closest VA or authorized non-VA health facility.

Before the VA can pay you back for travel-related expenses, you must pay a small deductible.

The current deductible is  $3  one-way or  $6  round-trip for each appointment, up to  $18 total each month.

After you pay $18 within one month , the VA will pay the full cost of your approved travel for the rest of that month.

The VA is required by law to charge this deductible and withhold certain amounts from travel reimbursement payments.

*Note: The VA can waive this deductible if you can prove a financial need (see below).

Veterans can apply for a VA travel reimbursement deductible waiver if they meet one or more of the following:

• You are low income (below the VA Pension income threshold)
• You receive VA Pension benefits
• You receive Housebound benefits
• You receive Aid & Attendance benefits

Note:  If you have a 100 percent service connected VA disability rating AND are also receiving Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits, you must request a waiver of the deductible. 

If you believe your annual projected household income is at or below the means test threshold for the current year, you may apply for a VA travel pay deductible waiver for your claims using VA Form 10-10EZR – Health Benefits Update Form.  

How to File for VA Travel Reimbursement Online (2022)

Veterans will need to use a system called “BTSSS VA Travel Pay” to file their claim for VA travel pay online.

Then, click on the “Veteran Travel Claim Entry” logo.

Note:  Caregivers will also select the “I am a Veteran” option.

You can sign in with your DS Logon, My HealtheVet, ID.me, or VA PIV account.

Once you sign in, you’ll get re-directed to the travel portal welcome page.

Check the box to agree to the Terms and Conditions.

Then, click on the “Proceed to Profile Review” button.

Make or change any information, and save any needed updates to your personal, contact, or financial information.

When you’re finished, click on the “Proceed to My Dashboard” button.

Note:  Caregivers will first click “Proceed to My Veteran List,” then select the appropriate veteran name to go to the dashboard for that specific veteran.

There are two ways to do this:

• Option #1: Go to the “My Appointments” area. In the “Associated Appointments” column, click “Create Claim” for the appointment you want to claim for reimbursement.

• Option #2: Go to the “My Claims” area. Click “Create” in the upper right corner. Then, click “Create a Claim” for the appointment you want to claim for travel reimbursement.

This will open the “Initiate a Claim” form.

Confirm or update the address on the page.

Finally, click “Create Claim” and “Add Expenses.”

On the “Claim Expenses” page, check the boxes to choose an expense type and follow the instructions to add information about your expenses.

Click on the “Add Attachments” button to add copies of your expense receipts.

You can always go back to the main screen to view “My Claims” and “My Appointments.”

This is where you can create additional VA travel pay claims and add new appointments.

Review the Beneficiary Travel Agreement Notice and check the box to show your agreement with the terms and conditions.

Then click “Submit Claim.”

Note: You must submit your travel pay claim within 30 days of your appointment!

Brian Reese

Brian Reese is one of the top VA disability benefits experts in the world and bestselling author of You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits You’ve Earned (Second Edition) .

Brian’s frustration with the VA claim process led him to create VA Claims Insider , which provides disabled veterans with tips, strategies, and lessons learned to win their VA disability compensation claim, faster, even if they’ve already filed, been denied, gave up, or don’t know where to start. 

As the founder of VA Claims Insider and CEO of Military Disability Made Easy , he has helped serve more than 10 million military members and veterans since 2013 through free online educational resources.

He is a  former active duty Air Force officer  with extensive experience leading hundreds of individuals and multi-functional teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour to Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO, and he holds an MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, Stillwater, OK, where he was a National Honor Scholar (Top 1% of Graduate School class).

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Veterans Can Be Reimbursed for Travel to Medical Appointments

Did you know the Department of Veterans Affairs will pay your travel expenses to medical appointments?

To be eligible for travel reimbursement, you must be meet at least one of the following requirements:

• Traveling for treatment of a service-connected condition;
• A disabled veteran rated at least 30%;
• Traveling for a scheduled compensation or pension examination;
• Receiving a VA pension;
• With limited income;
• Traveling to receive a VA-authorized service dog.

How Much Travel Will The VA Pay?

The VA will pay you a flat rate of 41.5 cents per mile to use your vehicle. If you take a rideshare, taxi or public transportation, they will reimburse you for the actual cost of travel. They also will reimburse you for tolls, parking and other travel costs.

For anything other than mileage reimbursement, you usually are required to submit copies of receipts. You either can scan these or take a picture with your phone.

Those who get reimbursed for qualifying travel normally also have a deductible amount of $3 for a one-way trip or $6 for a round trip, with a maximum of $18 per calendar month. That means if you travel a round trip of 20 miles to reach your VA appointments, you would be reimbursed $2.30 ($8.30 for a 20-mile round trip, minus the $6 deductible). However, these deductibles can be waived for financial hardship.

The VA also will pay travel reimbursement for an authorized family caregiver, under the VA Family Caregiver Program , or other medically required attendants.

In certain situations, the VA will reimburse you for specialized medically necessary transportation services like an ambulance, if required. For this type of transportation, you need VA pre-approval. Contact your provider for more details. The VA will also pay for lodging in certain situations if required.

The mileage rates and deductibles can change annually, depending on economic factors.

Filing A Travel Claim

The VA is trying to get everyone to file their travel claims online via its new Beneficiary Travel Self Service System, or BTSS . If you have problems filing online, you can file a travel claim at kiosks located in VA medical centers, help desks or patient services offices at many VA hospitals or local clinics. You also can file a hard-copy claim via postal mail.

On their YouTube channel, the Veterans Health Administration says in a video explaining the online filing system that those who file a claim online should see payment in 3-5 business days, while those who file other ways may have to wait up to 45 days for any reimbursement.

Accessing the BTSS system is done using your MyHealtheVet, DSLogin or by creating a verified account with the ID.me system. Once logged into the system, your VA appointments are prefilled, allowing you to submit a claim in just a few clicks.

Those traveling to a disability compensation medical exam often receive mileage checks automatically from the contractor without having to file a claim with the VA, however the contractors' websites often do not let you claim additional fees such as public transit, rideshares, etc.

Is it worth it to spend three hours filing a claim for $2.30? Everyone's situation is different. But if you're regularly dropping $20-$50 on an Uber or parking and spending three hours of your day in medical appointments, it may make things a bit less painful.

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VA travel pay reimbursement rule change

Beneficiary travel 30-day timely filing rule starts june 9, 2023.

Effective June 9, 2023, Veterans and their caregivers must submit claims for beneficiary travel reimbursement within 30 days of the appointment date. The extension previously granted under the national COVID-19 emergency, which allowed for filing travel pay claims more than 30 days after the appointment date, will end on this date.

All community care claims will require proof of attendance and claims may be denied for lack of proof. It is the Veteran or their representative’s responsibility to provide the proof of attendance. Issues may occur when non-VA clinics don’t return the Medical Record Chart Note or other medical records in a timely manner to VA. Please ask your provider to provide this proof of attendance without delay as the 30-day timely filing rule will be in effect starting June 9, 2023.

To file your claim online or learn more about the rules for travel reimbursement, scan the QR code below to access the Beneficiary Travel Self Service System (BTSSS) or visit https://www.va.gov/health-care/get-reimbursed-for-travel-pay/#file-a-claim-for-general-healt .

For reference,  you can review the policy that governs how this impacts beneficiary travel at 42 USC 1320b5(g)(1) and 38 CFR Part 70, subpart A.

For further questions, please contact:

San Francisco VA’s Veterans Transportation Program at 415-221-4810 x 23080 or

Patrick Jones, Mobility Manager, 415-221-4810 x 25169

About Department of Veterans Affairs

Department of Veterans Affairs established 1-800-MyVA411 ( 1-800-698-2411 ) to help Veterans, their family members, caregivers, and survivors understand and access the broad spectrum of VA benefits and services.

Call 1-800-MyVA411 for information about:

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Claims approved for payment within this system are designed to use electronic funds transfer (EFT) to your checking/savings account or VA debit card. If your EFT information is not on file with Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Financial Management System (FMS) your approved payment may be delayed until the information is provided to process your claim or adjustments are made to allow for temporary payment by check. If you currently receive other benefit payments by EFT from the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) your EFT information is not on file with our system unless you have provided it previously to your local VA Medical Center. You can confirm if your EFT information is on file by reviewing your Veteran profile screen. If it is missing please contact your local BT office to update it. They will provide you with the necessary signature forms to have it added.

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When entering claims, please identify the facility responsible for payment as the facility that provided your care or approved your care for care in the community. For example, if you submit a claim for care or services approved at a non-VA facility, you identify the care VA facility that authorized it as facility responsible for payment. In most situations this will be your preferred or home facility. If you receive care at a VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) this location will be available for selection as an associated facility of its larger parent VA Medical Center. You will see it when you select the location of your appointment.  

The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 requires VA to notify you that this information collection is in accordance with the clearance requirements of Section 3507 of this Act. We anticipate the time  expended by Individuals who must complete this form will average 10 minutes. This includes the time it will take to read instructions, gather the necessary facts and fill out the form. No person will be penalized for failing to furnish this information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. This information is collected under 38 CFR 70 and is intended to fulfill the need for Veterans and beneficiaries to claim Beneficiary Travel benefits and for VA to determine the individual’s eligibility for the benefit.

Privacy Act Information: VA is asking you to provide the information on this form under 38 U.S.C. Sections 111 to determine your eligibility for Beneficiary Travel benefits and will be used for that purpose. Information you supply may be verified through a computer-matching program. VA may disclose the information that you put on the form as permitted by law; possible disclosures include those described in the “routine use” identified in the VA systems of records 24VA19 Patient Medical Record-VA, published in the Federal Register in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974. Providing the requested information is voluntary, but if any or all of the requested information is not provided, it may delay or result in denial of your request for benefits. Failure to furnish the information will not have any effect on any other benefits to which you may be entitled. If you provide VA your Social Security Number, VA will use it to administer your VA benefits. VA may also use this information to identify Veterans and persons claiming or receiving VA benefits and their records, and for other purposes authorized or required by law.

Veterans Affairs Beneficiary Travel Program: Questions and Answers

February 7, 2011 – March 25, 2011 R41626

The Department of Veterans Affairs administers a Travel Beneficiary Program to help alleviate the costs of travel to medical appointments for eligible veterans. Travel benefit eligibility for veterans is based on either the characteristics of the veteran, the type of medical appointment, or a combination of the two. Certain people who are not veterans, including family members or others accompanying veterans to appointments and organ donors, are also eligible for the benefit. Travel costs are reimbursed to beneficiaries, usually after a deductible. Costs covered by the program include a per-mile rate for travel in private vehicles, “special mode” (e.g., ambulance) travel in certain circumstances, and in some cases airfare and meals and lodging.

This report offers an overview of the benefit and includes a question-and-answer section with basic information about eligibility, the types of travel covered and how benefits are calculated, and how to apply for the benefit. The report also includes an appendix containing a review of major legislative and regulatory changes to the benefit since its inception in 1940 (P.L. 76-432) through the most recent changes enacted in 2010 (P.L. 111-163). Recent changes are primarily related to mileage reimbursement rates and deductibles. Another appendix details funding for the program between FY2006 and FY2011. Spending for the program has increased by 285% between FY2006 and FY2010, and the number of veterans claiming travel reimbursement has increased by 30% during that time.

Topic areas

Health Policy

Questions and Answers

Who is eligible, eligibility based on veteran characteristics, eligibility based on type of appointment, eligibility based on characteristics and appointment type, non-veteran eligibility, which travel costs are covered, travel by car, special mode transportation, meals and lodging, other costs covered, how are benefits calculated, deductibles, mileage reimbursement rates, how can veterans apply to receive benefits, are there other options for travel assistance, are any groups excepted from the eligibility criteria, can veterans be reimbursed for relocation travel to another geographic area, are there circumstances under which eligible veterans' benefits are not paid, can veterans appeal a travel claim denial.

• Table A -1. Beneficiary Travel Program Legislative and Regulatory History
• Table B -1. Spending for the Beneficiary Travel Program, FY2006-FY2011

Appendix A. Beneficiary Travel Program History

Appendix B. Beneficiary Travel Program Funding

The Department of Veterans Affairs administers a Travel Beneficiary Program to help alleviate the costs of travel to medical appointments for eligible veterans. Travel benefit eligibility for veterans is based on either the characteristics of the veteran, the type of medical appointment, or a combination of the two. Certain people who are not veterans, including family members or others accompanying veterans to appointments and organ donors, are also eligible for the benefit. Travel costs are reimbursed to beneficiaries, usually after a deductible. Costs covered by the program include a per-mile rate for travel in private vehicles, "special mode" (e.g., ambulance) travel in certain circumstances, and in some cases airfare and meals and lodging.

This report offers an overview of the benefit and includes a question-and-answer section with basic information about eligibility, the types of travel covered and how benefits are calculated, and how to apply for the benefit. The report also includes an appendix containing a review of major legislative and regulatory changes to the benefit since its inception in 1940 (P.L. 76-432) through the most recent changes enacted in 2010 ( P.L. 111-163 ). Recent changes are primarily related to mileage reimbursement rates and deductibles. Another appendix details funding for the program between FY2006 and FY2011. Spending for the program has increased by 285% between FY2006 and FY2010, and the number of veterans claiming travel reimbursement has increased by 30% during that time.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a range of benefits to veterans who meet specific eligibility rules. Benefits are provided through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), and the National Cemetery Administration (NCA). The focus of this report is travel benefits offered through VHA to assist veterans in accessing health care by providing reimbursements for some travel costs.

In most cases, veterans must enroll to receive health benefits through VHA. All enrolled veterans are offered a standard medical benefits package 1 ; additional health benefits may be available to veterans based on their veteran status, 2 the presence of service-connected disabilities 3 or exposures, 4 income, 5 and other factors, such as status as a former prisoner of war or receipt of a Purple Heart.

In order to improve access to VA health care services, and because veterans may need to travel significant distances to reach VA medical centers or clinics, Congress authorized VA to reimburse some veterans for travel expenses related to medical appointments as part of the medical benefits package 6 with the passage of P.L. 76-432 in 1940. Since its authorization, the Veterans Beneficiary Travel Program has undergone a number of significant legislative and regulatory changes affecting eligibility and the type of transportation covered, as well as the cost to VA for the benefit. Congress has changed mileage reimbursement rates and veteran deductible costs for this program. 7 The most recent changes to the program were made by the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 ( P.L. 111-163 ). Appendix A provides a summary of legislative and regulatory changes to the program. Benefit changes have affected actual and projected program costs; details on program funding are included in Appendix B .

Not all veterans are eligible for travel benefits, and not all travel costs are covered by the Veterans Beneficiary Travel Program. VA determines eligibility for Veterans Beneficiary Travel Program benefits based on the characteristics of the veteran, the type of medical appointment, or a combination of the two. Travel benefits are also provided for a limited group of non-veterans. Although the benefits are standardized nationally, specific mileage calculations and reimbursements are made individually at VA's 153 hospitals (medical centers) around the country through their business or travel offices. Time limits also apply for requesting reimbursement.

Veterans can receive travel reimbursement if they meet certain criteria, generally related to service connection and income levels. 12

Service Connection Eligibility

"Service connection" refers to disabilities that veterans have incurred or aggravated in the line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service. 13 Travel reimbursement is provided for

• veterans rated 30% or more service-connected for travel relating to any condition.

Income and Pension Eligibility:

Veterans who receive pensions or who would qualify to receive a pension based on income are also eligible for travel reimbursement.

• Veterans receiving VA pension benefits can receive travel benefits for appointments related to all conditions.
• Veterans who do not qualify for pensions (e.g., those who did not serve during a period of war), but with annual incomes below the maximum annual rate for VA pensions, can receive benefits for travel related to all conditions.
• Veterans who can present clear evidence that they are unable to defray the cost of travel can receive benefits for travel related to all conditions.

For two categories of appointment, travel costs are covered for all veterans, without regard to income or service-connected disability status.

• All veterans who travel for Compensation and Pension (C&P) exams have all travel costs covered and do not pay a deductible for the travel.
• All veterans traveling to a transplant center for transplant care have travel costs covered.

Veterans who are rated less than 30% service-connected are eligible for travel reimbursement for appointments that are related to their service-connected condition.

A limited group of non-veterans is also eligible for reimbursement of some travel costs related to medical appointments at VA facilities:

• an attendant of a veteran, if a VA provider determines the attendant is required;
• donors or potential donors of tissue, organs, or parts to a veteran receiving VA-authorized care;
• veterans' immediate family members traveling for bereavement counseling related to the death of the veteran in the active line of duty;
• veterans' immediate family members, guardians, or those in whose home a veteran lives if traveling for consultation, counseling, training, or mental health services relating to a veteran receiving care for a service-connected disability;
• allied beneficiaries, if the travel and reimbursement have been authorized by the appropriate foreign government agency; and
• beneficiaries of other federal agencies, when authorized by that agency.

Travel benefits are provided only for care that is being paid for by VA, and only for care that has been previously scheduled, unless it is emergency care.

In general, for those eligible to receive benefits through the program as described above, VA will provide a per-mile payment for travel by car, reimbursement for "special mode" transportation when justified, and in some circumstances reimbursement for air travel. Veterans must submit requests for reimbursement within 30 days of the travel, although certain cost reimbursements must be requested before the travel takes place. Deductibles apply in most cases.

Eligible veterans who drive in private cars to appointments are reimbursed at a per-mile rate for travel both to the appointment and back home. If two or more eligible beneficiaries are riding in the same car, only one mileage reimbursement will be made (i.e., the reimbursement is provided for costs actually incurred, not per person traveling).

"Special mode" transportation refers to travel in an ambulance, wheelchair van, or other vehicle specially designed for transporting people with disabilities. Other types of transportation, such as subways, trains, airplanes, and privately owned vehicles, are not considered special mode even if they have been adapted or are capable of transporting people with disabilities. To receive benefits for special mode transportation, the veteran must be eligible for the benefit, as described above, and the special mode transportation must be medically required, as determined by a VA clinician. Reimbursement for special mode transportation must be requested prior to the trip, except in the case of medical emergencies. 14

• Special mode transportation from a VA facility to a community emergency facility and back is authorized for reimbursement if the transportation is required because the VA facility could not provide the needed care.
• Special mode transportation to an emergency facility for treatment can be retroactively authorized if the emergency episode of care is approved for VA payment.

The Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 15 clarified that "actual necessary expense of travel includes the reasonable costs of airfare if travel by air is the only practical way to reach a Department facility.'' The veteran's medical condition and any other impediments to the use of ground transportation should be considered in the evaluation of whether travel by air is practical.

VA will reimburse for actual cost up to 50% of the government employee rate for meals and lodging 16 when deemed appropriate by VA based on medical condition, distance required to travel, weather conditions, time of appointment, and other factors. Reimbursement for food and lodging should be requested in advance.

Tolls, parking fees, luggage fees, and costs for travel by taxi or other hired vehicle may be reimbursed if receipts are offered. 17

Travel benefits are distributed as reimbursements for actual costs incurred (with the exception noted above for meals and lodging capped at 50% of government employee rates), and a deductible applies in most cases.

Deductible rates have varied in recent years (see Appendix A ). Current deductible rates are $3 for one-way travel and $6 for round-trip travel, with a monthly cap of $18 (six one-way trips or three round-trips).

Deductible waivers are available for those receiving VA pensions or qualifying based on income, and for those traveling for C&P exams.

Mileage rates have also changed several times in recent years (see Appendix A ). The current reimbursement rate is set at 41.5 cents per mile.

Mileage rate calculation methods vary between VA facilities. Some facilities calculate mileage based on zip codes; others use online mapping tools, such as Mapquest, to determine miles traveled. Veterans are reimbursed based on their current place of residence, whether or not it is the address to which official mail is sent. Generally travel reimbursement is paid only from the place of current residence to the nearest facility that can provide the required care.

Veterans are usually able to apply for travel reimbursement at the VA medical center in which their appointment was held, through a travel office or business office within the facility. Medical centers also establish procedures to provide benefits for eligible veterans traveling to Community Based Outpatient Clinics 18 or other facilities under their jurisdiction.

Claimants must apply in person or in writing within 30 calendar days of completing the travel. Special mode transportation must be preapproved for reimbursement. In cases of emergency that involved special mode transportation, applications for reimbursement must be made within 30 days.

If a veteran does not qualify for travel reimbursement based on eligibility criteria, the veteran may be able to access other resources to assist in funding travel. VA facilities will provide reduced-fare request forms to veterans for submission to bus companies and other transportation providers. The transportation provider determines whether reduced fare will be offered to the veteran.

Veterans may also be able to access transportation assistance or services from non-governmental veterans service organizations, such as the Disabled American Veterans' (DAV) Transportation Network. 19

The only exceptions to the service-connected disability or income qualification eligibility criteria for the benefit are for those traveling for a C&P exam or those traveling to a transplant center for transplant care. Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn veterans, veterans with spinal cord injuries, and other "special groups" must meet standard eligibility criteria to receive the benefit.

Only veterans receiving inpatient VA care and considered to be in a "terminal condition" (expected to live six months or less) are eligible to receive travel benefits to relocate to a health care facility that is not located in the area where they lived when they entered their current facility.

VA will not pay return travel for a beneficiary who has been irregularly discharged. 20 If a veteran arrives at a medical center for non-emergency services without an appointment and receives care or services, VA will approve payment only for return trip costs; if no services are provided, VA will not approve payment for travel.

If a veteran has a travel claim denied, the veteran must be provided with written notice of the decision. Veterans have rights to appeal the decision, which can be filed with the Board of Veterans Appeals. 21

Table A-1. Beneficiary Travel Program Legislative and Regulatory History

Source: Table prepared by Congressional Research Service.

a. Department of Veterans Affairs, "Increase in Mileage Reimbursement Rate and Deductible Amounts in the Beneficiary Travel Program," 73 Federal Register 6291, February 1, 2008.

b. Veterans Administration, "Transportation of Claimants and Beneficiaries," 52 Federal Register 7575-7577, March 12, 1987.

c. VA is required to submit a justification to Congress if mileage rate adjustments result in a decrease.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the costs associated with the Travel Beneficiary Program have risen in recent years due to the increased number of veterans claiming mileage reimbursement, a rise in the average number of claims per veteran, and higher costs per veteran claim. 22 VA showed a 30% increase in the number of veterans claiming reimbursement (estimated at 450,000 in FY2008 and 586,000 in FY2009), and showed the average number of claims per veteran increased from 5.5 to 7.1 during that same period. 23

As shown in Table B -1 , spending for the Beneficiary Travel Program increased by approximately 285% between FY2006 and FY2010. It is estimated that VA will spend approximately $798 million in FY2011. It should be noted that the funding for this program comes directly from the VA health care appropriation. 24

Table B-1. Spending for the Beneficiary Travel Program, FY2006-FY2011

$ in thousands

Source: Table prepared by Congressional Research Service (CRS), based on data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Congressional Budget Submissions (FY2008-11), Medical Programs and Information Technology; see http://www4.va.gov/ budget/ products.asp .

Acknowledgments

This report was written by Lyn Stoesen, formerly a presidential management fellow at CRS.

38 CFR § 70.31 - Deductibles.

(a) VA shall deduct an amount established by the Secretary for each one-way trip from the amount otherwise payable under this part for such one-way trip, except that:

(1) VA shall not deduct any amounts in a calendar month after the completion of six one-way trips for which deductions were made in such calendar month, and

(2) Whenever the Secretary adjusts the mileage rates as a result of the investigation described in § 70.30(a)(1)(iv) , the Secretary shall, effective on the date such mileage rate change should occur, adjust proportionally the deductible amount in effect at the time of the adjustment. If a determination is made that a change is warranted, the new deductible(s) will be published in the notice section of the Federal Register. Current deductible(s) can be found at http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/Library/pubs/BeneficiaryTravel/BeneficiaryTravel.pdf or by contacting the Beneficiary Travel office at the closest VA health care facility.

(b) The provisions under this section for making deductions shall not apply to:

(1) Travel that includes travel by a special mode of transportation ,

(2) Travel to a VA facility for a scheduled compensation and pension examination, and

(3) Travel by a non-veteran.

(c) VA shall waive the deductible under this section when it would cause the beneficiary severe financial hardship. For purposes of this section, severe financial hardship occurs if the beneficiary:

(1) Is in receipt of a VA pension;

(2) Has income for the year prior to the year in which application is made pursuant to § 70.20 that does not exceed the household income threshold determined under 38 U.S.C. 1722(a) (the current income thresholds can be found at http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/Library/pubs/VAIncomeThresholds/VAIncomeThresholds.pdf ); or

(3) Has circumstances in the year the application is made pursuant to § 70.20 that cause his or her projected income not to exceed the household income threshold determined under 38 U.S.C. 1722(a) .

(d) Waivers granted under this section are valid:

(1) Through the end of the calendar year of the application made pursuant to § 70.20 ; or

(2) Until there is a change in the beneficiary 's household income during the calendar year of the application made pursuant to § 70.20 that results in the beneficiary no longer meeting the terms of paragraph (c) of this section.

(e) A beneficiary granted a waiver under this section must promptly inform VA of any household income status change during the waiver period that results in the beneficiary no longer meeting the terms of paragraph (c) of this section.