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:
Certain non-Veterans may receive travel at VA expense:
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.