va community care travel reimbursement

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Thank you for using the Veteran Portal to submit your travel claim to the Beneficiary Travel Self Service System (BTSSS).

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Eft information.

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.

Facility for Payment

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.

• VA Mileage Reimbursement

Traveling to medical appointments, tests, and procedures can get expensive for veterans and their caregivers. The costs of gas, wear and tear on your vehicle, parking fees, and other transportation expenses add up quickly. The VA travel pay reimbursement program provides a vital source of financial assistance to help veterans and qualifying non-veterans cover these travel costs and other qualifying out-of-pocket expenses related to reaching VA health care services. 

• Eligible veterans can receive mileage, parking, and tolls reimbursement at 41.5 cents per mile .
• Covered expenses include public transport, rideshares, and lodging for required overnight stays.
• Eligibility criteria include VA disability rating, receiving a VA pension, or meeting income requirements.
• There’s a deductible for reimbursements, waivable under certain conditions.

If you are a veteran who needs to travel for medical care, you may be eligible for reimbursement of your travel costs. The VA travel pay reimbursement program offers reimbursement for mileage, transportation, lodging, and other travel costs related to medical appointments. For 2023 and 2024, the VA mileage reimbursement rate is 41.5 cents per mile driven in a personal vehicle. Other covered costs include parking, tolls, rideshares, public transit, airfare, and hotel stays when required. 

Learn more about VA mileage reimbursement eligibility guidelines, which expenses are covered, reimbursement rates, and how to file a claim.

• What Is VA Travel Reimbursement?

The VA travel pay reimbursement program provides reimbursement to defray travel costs for veterans and qualified non-veterans traveling for medical appointments. This vital program covers expenses like the following:

• Gasoline for personal vehicles
• Fares for public transportation, including buses, subways, and metro trains
• Rideshare services
• Lodging when overnight stays are necessary
• Parking fees
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and incidentals for multi-day trips

This program covers out-of-pocket costs for transportation, accommodations, or meals related to medical care at VA facilities. You can also seek reimbursement for travel related to non-emergency care at non-VA facilities if you receive VA approval in advance.  

• VA Mileage Reimbursement Rate

Mileage reimbursement is available for distances driven in a personal car. The VA updates mileage rates annually to align with the standard mileage rate published by the Internal Revenue Service. This number estimates the cost to operate a vehicle per mile driven based on factors like fuel prices, maintenance, repairs, and more. 

In 2024, the VA mileage reimbursement rate is 41.5 cents per mile driven, the same rate as in 2023. 

In addition to the per-mile rate, you must meet a deductible before receiving reimbursement payments. The current deductible is $3 one-way or $6 round-trip for each appointment you attend, up to $18 monthly. After you have met the $18 monthly deductible, the VA will cover the rest of the cost of your approved travel for the remainder of the month. 

If you are eligible for VA travel pay reimbursement, the VA waives the deductible if you also meet any of the following criteria: 

• You receive a VA pension .
• You are traveling for a VA compensation and pension exam , or C&P exam.
• You are a veteran with a non-service-connected disability whose income in the prior year was below the maximum annual VA pension rate.
• You are a non-service connected veteran, and your earnings estimate for the current year does not exceed the VA’s maximum yearly pension rate.
• You are a veteran with a service-connected disability whose prior year income falls beneath the VA national income limit for prescriptions and health care benefits.
• You are a veteran with a service-connected disability whose earnings expectations for this year do not exceed the national income health care benefits.

If the VA determines you qualify for a waiver, it will automatically waive your deductible. You can also request a waiver in person or in writing.

A veteran with a 100 percent disability rating can receive special monthly compensation through Aid and Attendance and Housebound Allowance . These benefits do not count as a VA pension for determining a waiver. 

Am I Eligible for VA Travel Reimbursement?

Eligibility for VA travel reimbursement depends on your status as either:

• A veteran receiving VA health benefits
• A non-veteran caregiver

Veteran Eligibility

Veterans are typically eligible if they travel to a VA or VA-approved health care facility in their area for care and meet at least one of the following criteria:

• You have a VA disability rating of 30 percent or higher.
• You are traveling for treatment of a service-related condition, even if their rating is below 30 percent.
• You receive a VA pension.
• You meet certain income requirements.
• You cannot afford to pay for travel as defined in VA guidelines
• You are traveling to get a service dog, receive VA-approved transplant care, or undergo a scheduled VA C&P exam.

Non-Veteran Eligibility

The VA may reimburse certain non-veterans for transportation and related lodging and meals. Caregivers and others can also qualify in some instances if they are one of the following:

• The veteran’s support person or transplant care donor
• The veteran’s family caregiver under the VA Caregiver Support Program who is traveling to support the veteran's care or receive caregiver training
• The veteran’s medically required attendant who is supporting the veteran's care by traveling with them

What Is Covered by VA Mileage Reimbursements?

The VA travel pay reimbursement program helps pay for reasonable costs related to reaching medical appointments at VA facilities. With proper documentation, you can get reimbursement for the following:

• Private Transportation: This includes gasoline costs when driving your car, tolls, and parking fees.
• Public Transportation: Fares for buses, subways, trains, Ubers, Lyfts, and taxis are reimbursable.
• Lodging and Meals: When overnight travel is required, lodging, meals, and any incidentals related to your trip are included.

Claims can include a combination of these expenses. For example, you could get reimbursed for mileage to the airport plus airfare and hotel costs at your medical destination.

The key is that all included costs must directly relate to travel for VA-authorized health care purposes. The VA does not cover things like rental cars, entertainment, alcohol, and extra hotel nights that are not clinically required.  

Qualifying mileage reimbursement covers travel to and from VA health care facilities for the following:

• Regular checkups, appointments, and consultations
• Urgent care or emergency room visits
• Lab tests, diagnostics, medical imaging
• Surgeries and inpatient procedures
• Physical and mental health therapy
• Counseling and support groups
• Pharmacy prescription pick-ups
• Any other VA-approved health services

With proper documentation, the VA may also cover travel to non-VA medical facilities in certain situations, such as travel for emergencies to the closest appropriate medical facility.

How To Apply for VA Mileage Reimbursement

You can submit claims for reimbursement online through eBenefits or by mail using  VA Form 10-3542 . Filing online is typically faster. Here are overviews of each process:

Online Application Steps

• Go to eBenefits and log into your account.
• Select “Apply for Benefits” and choose “Apply for Travel Reimbursement.”
• Enter details on authorized travel, such as dates, purposes, and locations. 
• List odometer readings for mileage claims.
• Input any other costs, such as airfare, parking, or lodging.
• Upload digital receipts and documents. 
• Carefully review and then submit your claim.

Filing by Mail Steps

• Obtain VA Form 10-3542 from your VA facility or online.
• Fill in your personal information and trip details. 
• Attach paper copies of receipts and supporting documents.
• Make a copy of the entire package for your records. 
• Mail the original materials to your VA regional office.

After submission, the VA will review your claim and supporting documents. You will receive status updates and a decision by mail or online through eBenefits. Approved payments are deposited or mailed.

If you have questions about the VA travel pay reimbursement program, contact Veterans Guide. We can also help you appeal a VA disability claim or obtain a higher VA rating for your disability.

Want to Increase Your VA Rating?

Matt Coveney

Matt is a VA-accredited attorney who co-founded NAVDA in 2023. Matt has helped veterans with the VA disability appeals process since he became accredited in 2021.

• Am I Eligible For VA Travel Reimbursement?
• What Is Covered By VA Mileage Reimbursements?
• How To Apply For VA Mileage Reimbursement
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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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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

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• Veterans Benefits Network > VA Claims Forums > VA Health Care Benefits & Issues >

Travel pay rant (denied for authorized community care)

Post Nov 16, 2020 #1 2020-11-16T19:06+00:00

Post Nov 16, 2020 #2 2020-11-16T19:12+00:00

Post Nov 16, 2020 #3 2020-11-16T19:54+00:00

Guldolphin wrote: ↑ Nov 16, 2020 It happens.  Id just appeal it.

Post Nov 16, 2020 #4 2020-11-16T20:47+00:00

Post Nov 16, 2020 #5 2020-11-16T23:05+00:00

Post Nov 16, 2020 #6 2020-11-17T02:06+00:00

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