VA Travel Pay

Eligibility for VA travel pay depends on factors such as your service-connected disability rating, the reason for the appointment, your income and whether the care was approved by the VA. Veterans with higher service-connected ratings, and those traveling for care related to a service-connected condition, are commonly eligible. Travel for approved community care appointments may also qualify. Because the rules have several parts, check your eligibility with the VA's travel office or your service officer before assuming you do or do not qualify. Rules and mileage rates change periodically.

The program generally reimburses mileage for travel to and from approved appointments, sometimes minus a deductible depending on your eligibility. In some circumstances, it may also cover costs such as public transportation, tolls, parking or lodging, particularly when a veteran must travel long distances for specialized care or needs to stay overnight between treatments. Special transportation, such as a wheelchair van or ambulance, may be covered when medically necessary and approved in advance. Keep receipts for everything, even if you are not sure it qualifies, since receipts are hard to recreate later.

Travel reimbursement claims usually need to be filed within a set period after the appointment, so it is best to submit them soon after each visit. Many veterans can file online through the VA's travel claim system, while others file at the facility. Keep a simple log with the date, destination, miles driven and any costs paid. If you are traveling to a distant specialist through community care, ask in advance whether lodging or other costs may be covered and what documentation the VA will need.

1. 1

   Ask the VA travel office whether you are eligible for beneficiary travel pay.

2. 2

   Keep a trip log with dates, miles driven and receipts for tolls, parking and lodging.

3. 3

   Submit a travel claim soon after each appointment using the VA's online system.

4. 4

   Ask before a long-distance trip whether lodging or special transport can be approved.