requirements for va travel pay

The Ultimate Guide to VA Travel Reimbursement

Last Updated‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎

Claire Szewczyk

Table of Contents

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 2024, 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 (2024) 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. 

First, 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.

Next, sign into the claims 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.

Then, 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.” 

Next, create a claim.

You can do this one of two ways:

• In the “My Appointments” area, in the “Associated Appointments” column, select “Create Claim.”
• In the “My Claims” area, select “Create a 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
• Choose an expense type and information about each expense

Finally, submit your 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.

Claire Szewczyk is a Digital Content Coordinator for Hill & Ponton, PA in Florida. She was a former US Airforce civilian employee, who worked at Hill Air Force Base, in Layton, UT as a flight testing administrator. She has also spent several years working with the Department of Veterans Affairs audiology programs in Salt Lake City, UT and Pocatello, ID. She enjoys working with the Veteran population and keeping them up to date with information they need the most.

More Articles

News and advice about the VA, disability ratings and benefits.

VA Disability Rating for Sick Sinus Syndrome 

VA Compensation for Hypertension – Updated 2024 Guide

Can a Grown Child of a Veteran Get Benefits?

Testimonials, supporting veterans nationwide.

Thank you to the firm of Hill & Ponton!! Brian Hill and his staff were able to get my 100% disability with the VA for my exposure to herbicides in Thailand. I have been fighting for this for many years and kept getting denied, after consulting with Hill & Ponton I decided to let them help me and it was the best decision I could have made. I found their professionalism to be outstanding.

– Chip P.

North Carolina

They got my disability rating after I was denied twice. They knew exactly how to format and submit the claim. I was rated 50%, Hill & Ponton weren’t done, they found other medical that related to exposure and submitted additional claims. I could not have received a disability rating without Hill & Ponton. If you need help, choose Hill & Ponton.

– Thomas D.

The service provided by Hill and Ponton was exemplary. The lawyers and staff took care of every aspect with respect and understanding of the clients needs. In my case, as a new widow, they patiently walked me through each step. They kept me informed of the progress. I cannot say enough about the service they provided. Thank you Brian and staff.

– Judith K Zitzewitz

As a Vet you may have filed a disability claim, and if you want to win your claim you need to call Hill and Ponton. I didn’t know what to do about my condition or status until I made the call. At H&P they not only took my case, but made me feel like family. They changed my life and they will change your life too. It’s true! In my opinion you can’t do better and you won’t regret it!

– Paul K

About Hill & Ponton

Learn about the VA disability law firm, champions for veterans since 1986.

VA Travel Pay – Reimbursement, Eligibility, How to File, and More

If you’re like the millions of other Vets in the nation, you’re probably traveling a lot for healthcare. No matter what you’re seeking help for or how long your commute is, VA travel pay can usually help you get reimbursed for the difference. Sound good? Learn more about it below!

Read next: Your Guide to Using My HealtheVet for Veteran Healthcare Needs

What Is VA Travel Pay?

VA travel reimbursement is money that the VA gives you to cover the cost of travel relating to approved healthcare visits for patients and caregivers. You can receive reimbursement for transportation, approved meals, and approved lodging expenses.

In this day and age, gas prices are skyrocketing, bus costs are expensive, plane tickets are astronomical, and every other form of transportation isn’t getting any cheaper. Luckily, this form of VA reimbursement is here to make sure you don’t go broke just for trying to stay healthy.

Do I Qualify For VA Travel Pay?

VA travel pay eligibility is for Veterans and their caregivers who are “traveling for care at a VA health facility or for VA-approved care at a non-VA health facility in your community.”

Additionally, to receive VA travel pay, at least one of the following statements must be true:

• Your VA disability is at 30% or higher.
• You’re traveling for a service-connected health issue (even if your rating is under 30%).
• You receive a VA pension.
• Your income is less than the maximum annual VA pension rate.
• You cannot afford your travel expenses.
• You’re traveling to get a service dog, for VA-approved transplant care, or for a scheduled VA claim exam.

For caregivers, at least one of the following statements must be true if they’re providing care for a Veteran or non-Veteran:

• “The person is your family caregiver under the National Caregiver Program traveling to receive caregiver training or to support your care.
• That individual is your medically required attendant traveling with you to support your care.
• The person is your transplant care donor or support person.”

VA Travel Pay Deductible

If you’re looking for payment for travel related to healthcare, keep in mind that, like your health insurance, you’ll be required to pay a deductible before being paid for any travel expenses.

Currently, the deductible for a one-way trip for an appointment is $3, whereas a round-trip appointment will cost you $6. The payment won’t go above $18 power month.

But why charge a deductible at all? According to the VA, this is a requirement, as they must withhold a certain amount of money from travel reimbursement payments. This money goes toward assisting with travel and medical care for other Veterans.

For many Veterans with low incomes, they may not have to make this payment. Reach out to your local beneficiary office to see if they may be willing to waive the deductible.

How To Get VA Travel Pay

Before you earn your travel pay, you have to set a few things up. First, you’ll need to create a VA travel pay login via Veteran Travel Claim Entry (the VA travel pay portal). You can start the process here .

Then, you’ll want to use one of the following existing login platforms or create an all-new login for one of the platforms to get started:

• VA PIV Card
• My HealtheVet

However, there are more options you can choose from, which can be seen on their category page .

Setting Up a Direct Deposit

After logging in or creating an account, you need to set up direct deposit for easy pay. You can do this by filling out VA Form 10091 , for which you’ll need your bank’s name, address, and routing number in addition to your own account number (and whether it’s checking or savings), address, and social security number.

Then, you can fax your completed form to 512-460-5221 or bring it in person to your local beneficiary travel office.

After submitting your form, log in to your travel claim profile and double-check that the information for your direct deposit is correct. If it’s not, you can click “Request Profile Updates” to make any necessary changes.

If you’re using BTSSS VA travel pay for reimbursement, check out this video from the VA to get started with direct deposit and payments:

Keep Track of Receipts

When you’re traveling for healthcare expenses, make sure you get a copy of all your receipts and keep them in a safe location. Additionally, track your car’s mileage by writing down the mileage before and after your trip and calculating the difference.

Additionally, the mileage reimbursement rate is 41.5 cents per mile.

Other eligible costs you should keep receipts for include:

• Road tolls.
• Taxi fares.
• Plane tickets.
• Bus, subway, or train tickets.
• Meals and lodging, in specific cases.

Filing a Claim With the VA Travel Pay Form

Once you’ve completed the steps above, it’s time to file your claim.

To file your VA travel pay claim, you’ll need to log in to your Veteran Travel Claim Entry account as before. From there, you’ll submit your receipts and mileage.

Keep in mind that you must submit a claim within 30 days of the expense to be eligible for reimbursement. Furthermore, if you try to file a claim outside of that window, you will not be paid for your travel expenses.

How To Check on VA Travel Pay

You might also want to know how to check on VA travel pay after you’ve filed your claim. You can visit your account for VA travel pay online to check on the status of your payment or call your local beneficiary office .

Once your VA travel pay reimbursement has been approved, it will be automatically deposited through your bank account via an electronic funds transfer (EFT), and there will be no need for further action from you.

VA Travel Pay Problems

Unfortunately, there are issues users may run into from time to time. This includes reports of Veterans not being notified of the submission deadline and policy changes during the pandemic era.

To avoid common problems, be sure to file your claim within 30 days of incurring the expenses. Otherwise, the VA is likely to deny reimbursement as the extensions during COVID-19 expired on June 9, 2023.

Additionally, there have been multiple reports of issues using the VA’s online travel reimbursement system accepting claims due to the inability to properly fill out the form. For example, a healthcare professional or facility not being listed online.

Despite the BTSSS aiming to handle 90% of the claims from Veterans effectively, government oversight reports show that these goals have not been met.

Developed by Liberty IT Solutions, which is now a subsidiary of Booz Allen Hamilton, Veterans, and staff alike continue to experience VA travel pay problems using BTSSS.

Measures to improve these issues are already underway, including the use of kiosks using a different app, VetLink, that is being tested at various VA sites throughout the country, including Charleston, South Carolina.

If you are experiencing issues, call the toll-free VA travel pay problems phone number Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET at 1 (855) 574-7292 (TTY: 711) for assistance.

While VA travel pay reimbursement options are less than perfect, they do exist. Therefore, be sure to document your expenses, be prepared for filing over the phone should you experience issues online, file within 30 days, and reach out for help as soon as possible to avoid being denied.

Suggested read: Hazardous and Toxic Materials PACT Act Expansion Starts March 5, 2024

• VA travel pay reimbursement, VA. Accessed March 2024. https://www.va.gov/health-care/get-reimbursed-for-travel-pay/
• Goals Not Met for Implementation of the Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System, CIGIE. Accessed March 2024. 

*Updated by Buddy Blouin 3/1/2024

About Kassidy Barber

Kassidy Barber is the Assistant Editor for VeteranLife.com and MyBaseGuide.com. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. She's been working as a writer, editor, QA specialist, and SEO professional for more than four years.

SUGGESTED ARTICLES

Karshi Khanabad Air Base Toxic Exposure Veterans Benefits

August 16, 2024

Spencer Collart Died a Hero, Now He’s Receiving an Award

America at War: From Independence to Now

August 15, 2024

The Legacy of Famous Amos Is More Than Just Cookies

Military Working Dog: Their Tasks, History, and How to Adopt

Behind the Uniform: Essential Resources for Veteran Business Owners

August 14, 2024

Welcome to BTSSS!

Veterans portal.

The Internet Explorer (IE) browser has been detected and is no longer supported by Microsoft Dynamics/Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System.

Please use another browser (e.g., Chrome, Edge or Safari) and try again.

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

In order to access the BTSSS interface you must log in using:

If you are a JAWS user, please refer to the JAWS Job Aid before using BTSSS.

Announcements

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.

• Military Discounts
• Military & Veteran Discount List
• Gym and Health Club Discounts
• Apple Military Discount
• Amazon Prime Discounts
• Amex for Military Members
• Veterans Day Free Meals and Discounts

• 10 Veterans Benefits You May Not Know About
• Five Top Military Spouse Benefits
• Medal of Honor: Benefits, History and Facts
• Purple Heart Benefits
• Do You Qualify for Veterans Benefits
• Tricare Plans
• Military Life Insurance

• Best VA Lenders
• VA Loan Calculator
• VA Loan Limits by County
• VA Home Loan Guide
• 2024 BAH Rates
• 2024 BAH Calculator
• 2024 BAS Rates
• Monthly Housing Allowance Calculator

Money & Finance

• Military Pay Calculator
• Military Pay Dates
• 2024 Military Pay Charts
• 2024 Military Pay Raise
• VA Disability Rates
• VA Disability Calculator

• Veteran Friendly Employers
• Military Spouse Employment Preference
• Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS)
• Security Clearance Jobs After the Military
• Military Transition Programs
• Transition Assistance Program
• Veteran Readiness and Employment
• Unemployment Compensation for Ex-servicemembers (UCX)

• Veteran Friendly Colleges
• Online Colleges with Military Discounts
• Veteran Friendly Colleges Guide
• Military Spouse Career Advancement (MyCAA) Scholarship Program
• Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) for the GI Bill
• Forever GI Bill
• Free Tuition for Spouses and Dependents
• GI Bill Payment Dates

• How to Get a Veterans ID Card
• Veterans ID Cards by State
• Military ID Cards
• Military Calendar
• State Veteran’s Benefits
• How To Read DD Form 214
• DEFCON Levels
• Military Rank and Insignia Charts

• VA Disability

Navigating VA Travel Reimbursement: A Comprehensive Guide

Written by Jeff Ousley

The VA pays eligible veterans and caregivers for mileage and other travel expenses to and from approved healthcare appointments. Here is what you need to know about eligibility, amounts, how to file a claim, and more.

» MORE: Find Out What You Qualify For: Free Medical Evidence Evaluation for VA Disability

Before Filing Your First Claim

Take these steps before you file your first claim:

Set up direct deposit . The VA can then deposit your reimbursement into your bank account.

Keep your receipts for all transportation and approved meals or lodging. It’s also important to track your mileage to and from appointments. Go here to see what expenses the VA covers.

File your claim on time. You must file within 30 days of your appointment or when you become eligible for reimbursement. You must file a new claim for each appointment.

» MORE: Get the VA Disability Rating You're Entitled To: Start with a Free Evaluation Today

Eligibility Requirements

If you’re a veteran, you may be eligible for reimbursement if you’re traveling for care at a VA health facility or for VA-approved care at a non-VA health facility in your community.

In addition, at least one of these must also be true:

• You have a VA disability rating of 30% or higher
• You’re traveling for treatment of a service-connected condition, even if your VA disability rating is less than 30%
• You receive a VA pension
• You have an income that’s below the maximum annual VA pension rate
• You can’t afford to pay for your travel, as defined by VA guidelines
• You’re traveling for one of these reasons: a scheduled VA claim exam (also called a compensation and pension, or C&P, exam), to get a service dog, or for VA-approved transplant care 

If you’re a caregiver, you may be compensated for transportation, lodging, and meals if you meet these requirements:

• The person is your family caregiver under the National Caregiver Program traveling to receive caregiver training or to support your care
• The person is your medically required attendant traveling with you to support your care
• The person is your transplant care donor or support person
• Caregivers who are a part of the National Caregiver Support Program

The VA may pay for the following:

• Mileage to and from your appointment
• Bridge, road, and tunnel tolls
• Taxi and 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
• Meals and lodging when needed in some cases – you may be reimbursed for the actual cost, up to 50% of the local government employee rate

The VA may also pay for care for an allied beneficiary when the appropriate foreign government agency has authorized their care or for the beneficiary of another federal agency when that agency has approved their care.

If your VA healthcare provider decides you need to travel to another VA facility for care, you’ll be reimbursed the cost of travel to that facility. For a non-VA health facility, you’ll only be reimbursed for travel if approved in advance, except in specific emergencies.

» MORE: Unlock Your VA Disability Benefits: Improve Your Rating

Mileage Reimbursement Rate

As of 2024, the VA pays 41.5 cents per mile for approved, health-related travel. The VA uses Bing Maps to calculate mileage based on the fastest and shortest route from your home to the closest VA or authorized non-VA health facility that can provide the care you need.

This distance is often called “door to door.” They pay round-trip mileage for your scheduled appointments but may only pay return mileage for unscheduled visits.

» MORE: Maximize Your Veteran Benefits: Get Accurate VA Disability Ratings

Monthly Deductible

Before you are reimbursed for expenses, you must pay a small deductible.

The current deductible is $3 one-way or $6 round-trip for each appointment, up to $18 monthly. After you pay $18 within one month, the VA will pay the total cost of your approved travel for the rest of that month.

The deductible helps to pay for travel or medical care for other veterans. The VA is required by law to charge the deductible.

The agency must withhold specific amounts from travel reimbursement payments. However, in some cases, the VA may waive this deductible.

» MORE: Get Accurate VA Disability Ratings: Start Today

How to File a Claim

General healthcare travel reimbursement covers regular transportation expenses (such as by car, plane, train, bus, taxi, or light rail) and approved meals and lodging expenses for eligible veterans and caregivers.

You can file a claim online through the Beneficiary Travel Self Service System (BTSSS). You’ll access this system through the AccessVA travel portal to file a claim.

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

• My HealtheVet

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

You can view YouTube VA videos on how to use BTSSS here .

You should receive your payment within 3 to 5 business days. If you need time to gather receipts or other information, you can save your claim and come back later to edit it.

But you’ll still need to submit it within 30 days of your appointment.

The VA will deposit your reimbursement through electronic funds transfer (EFT) unless other payment arrangements have been made with you. 

VA Reimbursement FAQs

Can i file a claim by mail, email, or in person.

You can also file your claim by mail, fax, email, or in person at the VA facility where you received care . To do this, you must fill out a Veteran/Beneficiary Claim for Reimbursement of Travel Expenses VA Form 10-3542 .

When you submit a claim, read the statements and certifications carefully before signing, dating, and submitting your form. If you mail your claim, the VA considers the postmark date the submission date.

Can I get reimbursed for traveling to get treatment at a special disability rehabilitation center?

You may be eligible for reimbursement if you need in-patient care or get temporary lodging approved by VA. Special disability rehabilitation centers include clinics that provide care for spinal cord injuries, vision loss or blindness, or prosthetics rehabilitation.

Am I still eligible for reimbursement if I travel with another veteran or use a free transportation service?

Traveling with another veteran makes you eligible for reimbursement if you meet at least one of these requirements:

• You’re the owner of the vehicle used for travel
• You share a vehicle, like a taxi, with other veterans and pay your own fare
• You pay another veteran to take you to an appointment

You’ll need to provide a receipt for your expenses, and if you’re eligible, the VA will pay the mileage rate or actual expense, whichever is less.

If you use a free transportation service, you’re only eligible for reimbursement for any travel you may have had to get to and from your home to where you were picked up or dropped off by the service. Free transportation services may include the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) system, VA Veterans Transportation Service (VTS), or other no-cost city or state transportation.

What if I need transport by ambulance, wheelchair van, or another special type of vehicle?

These types of transport are covered under special mode transportation reimbursement. You may be eligible for reimbursement if you’re a veteran traveling for care at a VA health facility or for VA-approved care at a facility in your community.

In addition, all of these must also be true:

• You’re eligible for general healthcare travel reimbursement
• A VA healthcare provider determines your medical condition requires an ambulance or a specially equipped van for travel
• The VA approved your travel in advance unless the travel is for an emergency situation where a delay would threaten your life or health. If you need emergency transportation, notify the VA within 72 hours after transport.

What if my current mailing address is a PO box, or I change my home address while receiving care?

You must establish an official place of residence so the VA can determine your reimbursement amount. You may be asked to provide documentation to confirm your address.

You’ll be reimbursed for your return trip home if you change your address while receiving care. The VA will base your reimbursement on the distance between your new home and the VA health facility closest to your new home that could have provided the needed care.

How Can I Get Help With My Claim?

Call your VA health facility’s Beneficiary Travel contact .

Visit the AskVA website to search Frequently Asked Questions or ask questions online.

You can also call the BTSSS toll-free call center at 855-574-7292 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

 The VA has a comprehensive guide if you need further instructions. 

Most Popular VA Disability Articles

2024 VA Disability Rates

• 2024 VA Disability Calculator

2024 VA Disability Pay Dates

How to apply for VA Disability Pay

2024 Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA)

2024 VA Pension Rates

2024 DIC Benefits and Rates

VA Disability Back Pay

Can I Work With a 100% Military Disability Rating?

Jeff Ousley is a mortgage credit specialist and Air Force veteran. He’s passionate about providing the best possible advice and finding smart solutions to help people achieve their dream of homeownership.

VA Disability Topics

Popular Articles

Post-9/11 GI Bill Guide: Benefits, Eligibility, and Payment Rates

2025 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) Rates

2025 Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) Rates

2025 Military Pay Charts

What military pay in 2025 could look like.

• VA Loan Guide
• BAH and VA Loans
• VA Loans and Disability Rating
• VA Loan Limits

Calculators

• 2024 Military Pay Calculator
• Military Time Converter

Dates to Know

• 2024 Military Pay Dates
• 2024 Military Reserve Pay Dates
• 2024 USAA Military Pay Deposit Dates
• 2024 Retired Military and Annuitant Pay Dates
• Federal & Training Holidays
• Banks That Deposit Military Pay Early
• How to Get a Veteran ID Card
• Veteran ID Cards by State
• Veteran’s Benefits by State
• How to Get Your DD-214
• 2024 Reserve and National Guard Drill Pay

Veterans: Get the VA Disability Rating You Deserve

Sponsored by Trajector

Copyright © 2024 Three Creeks Media, LLC

Veteran.com is a property of Three Creeks Media. Neither Veteran.com nor Three Creeks Media are associated with or endorsed by the U.S. Departments of Defense or Veterans Affairs. The content on Veteran.com is produced by Three Creeks Media, its partners, affiliates and contractors, any opinions or statements on Veteran.com should not be attributed to the Dept. of Veterans Affairs , the Dept. of Defense or any governmental entity. If you have questions about Veteran programs offered through or by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, please visit their website at va.gov. The content offered on Veteran.com is for general informational purposes only and may not be relevant to any consumer’s specific situation, this content should not be construed as legal or financial advice. If you have questions of a specific nature consider consulting a financial professional, accountant or attorney to discuss. References to third-party products, rates and offers may change without notice.

Advertising Notice: Veteran.com and Three Creeks Media, its parent and affiliate companies, may receive compensation through advertising placements on Veteran.com. For any rankings or lists on this site, Veteran.com may receive compensation from the companies being ranked; however, this compensation does not affect how, where, and in what order products and companies appear in the rankings and lists. If a ranking or list has a company noted to be a “partner” the indicated company is a corporate affiliate of Veteran.com. No tables, rankings, or lists are fully comprehensive and do not include all companies or available products.

Editorial Disclosure: Editorial content on Veteran.com may include opinions. Any opinions are those of the author alone, and not those of an advertiser to the site nor of Veteran.com.

Information from your device can be used to personalize your ad experience.

We are privately owned and not affiliated or endorsed by any government agency.

Veterans Affairs

Social Security

Food, Health & Housing

Education & Jobs

Best of Veterans Affairs

• 10 Point Veterans Preference: What It Is and How It Works
• Can The VA Take Away 100 Permanent And Total Disability?
• HUD to Provide $46 Million to Help Homeless Veterans
• 50+ Veteran PTSD Statistics by Era, Service, and More

Best of Social Security

• High-Speed Broadband Arrives in Rural Louisiana
• CMS Improves Management of CHIP Coverage for Children
• CMS Announces New Payment Model for Medicare Prescriptions

Veteran Tools

Smart va disability calculator.

• Find Your Rate on the 2024 VA Disability Pay Chart
• May 10, 2024 is Military Spouse Appreciation Day
• Veterans Benefits

How Does VA Travel Pay Work?

If you have a service-connected disability or if you are traveling for a VA medical appointment, you may be eligible for reimbursement.

Written by admin

Updated May 11, 2023

As a veteran , knowing all the benefits available to you from the VA is essential. One of these benefits is VA Travel Pay. In this article, we will explore what VA travel pay is, when the VA will reimburse travel costs, what expenses are covered, and how to file a claim for reimbursement.

What is VA travel pay?

VA travel pay is a benefit that the Department of Veterans Affairs provides to veterans who are traveling for a VA medical appointment. The VA will reimburse the veteran for the cost to travel to and from the appointment, as well as any lodging and meals that were necessary for the duration of the trip.

When will the VA reimburse travel costs?

It may vary from person to person, but if you travel for your VA medical appointments, you should be reimbursed after 3 to 5 business days. The claim must be filed and submitted within 30 days of your appointment to receive travel reimbursement. Note that the VA will not pay for any travel unrelated to a VA medical appointment.

Will the VA cover gas for car travel as well as airfare?

The answer to both of these is yes! If the veteran drives to their disability medical appointment, they will be reimbursed for the mileage. If the veteran chooses to fly, they will be reimbursed for the cost of the airline ticket.

What expenses are covered, and how much money can I get back?

The VA will reimburse the veteran the cost of transportation both to and from their VA medical appointment. This can include the cost of gas if the veteran drives to their appointment or the cost of an airline ticket if the veteran flies, and public transportation fees if the veteran chooses to take a bus or a train. In addition to transportation costs, the VA will also reimburse for any necessary lodging and meals.

The amount of money a veteran can receive in reimbursement depends on several factors, including the distance traveled and the mode of transportation. For example, if a veteran drives to their appointment, they will be reimbursed based on the current mileage reimbursement rate, which is 41.5 cents per mile for travel as of 2022. As for the airline expense, it will be the cost of the airline ticket itself.

Will it be a full reimbursement?

The VA will reimburse the veteran for the actual cost of transportation to and from their VA medical appointments. However, the amount of reimbursement may not cover the full cost of the trip. For example, the VA may not cover those additional costs if the veteran chooses to drive to their appointment and takes tolls or has parking fees.

What qualifies a vet for VA Travel Pay?

To qualify for VA travel pay, a veteran must be enrolled in the VA Health Care system and must meet one of the following criteria:

• Have a service-connected disability rated at 30% or more
• Be traveling for a scheduled compensation or pension exam related to a service-connected disability.
• Be receiving VA pension or compensation
• Have a low-income
• Be traveling for a VA-approved purpose

Filing Your Claim

To file for VA travel pay reimbursement, you will need to follow these steps:

• Gather the necessary documentation: Before you can start the process, make sure you have all the required documentation, including your orders, receipts, and any other documents proving traveling expenses.
• Fill out the necessary forms: The VA form 10- 3542, Veteran/Beneficiary Claim for Reimbursement of Travel Expenses, is the form you will need to fill out so you can request your claims. You can obtain a copy of this form from the VA website or go to your local VA facility.
• Submit your claim: Once you have completed the necessary forms and documentation, you can submit your claim to the VA. You can either do this online, through the VA’s benefits portal or by mailing your claim to the VA facility that serves your area.
• Follow-up: After submitting your travel reimbursement claim, you should receive a confirmation from the VA indicating that your claim has been received. If you do not hear back from the VA within a reasonable amount of time, you may want to follow up with them to ensure that your claim is being processed. If you mail your claim, you should hear back within 7 to 10 business days.

How do I prove a trip is health-related?

If you are seeking to prove that a trip is health-related, here are some ways to prove it:

• Schedule a trip with a VA medical provider: The first step is to schedule an appointment with a VA healthcare provider. They can evaluate your condition and determine if a trip is necessary for your health. The VA may require you to have an evaluation at one of their medical centers, or they may allow you to see a private healthcare provider.
• Obtain a statement from your healthcare provider: If your healthcare provider determines that a trip is necessary for your health, they can provide a statement proving why. The statement should include your medical condition, the treatment plan, and why the trip is necessary.
• Provide documentation: You must provide documentation of your trip to the VA. This documentation should include the travel dates, the trip’s purpose, and any other traveling expenses incurred.
• Submit the documentation to the VA: Once you have all the necessary documentation, you can submit it to the VA for review. The VA will then evaluate your case and determine if the trip is health-related.

What if the VA denies my request for mileage compensation?

If the VA denies your request for mileage compensation, you may have the option to appeal the decision. First, you should review the reasons for the denial of compensation and gather any additional documentation or information that furthers your claim. You can then consider filing a former appeal, typically involving a written form, and submitting any additional evidence supporting your claim. The VA will review your appeal and make a determination that could include the reconsideration of the first decision.

Benefits.com Advisors

With expertise spanning local, state, and federal benefit programs, our team is dedicated to guiding individuals towards the perfect program tailored to their unique circumstances.

• Learn More About Us

Rise to the top with Peak Benefits!

Join our Peak Benefits Newsletter for the latest news, resources, and offers on all things government benefits.

Restless Legs Syndrome VA Rating: Understanding VA Benefits

What Does a VA Deferred Claim Mean For Me?

Social Security Disability 5-Year Rule Explained

Related articles, how to get a va rating for flat feet.

Written by Benefits.com Advisors

Updated July 25, 2024

Can a Veteran Go to Any Hospital

Updated July 24, 2024

Why Would the VA Evidence Intake Center Send Me a Letter

Understanding va benefits: educating veterans exposed to jet fuel, understanding chapter 35 benefits for veterans.

Written by Tyler Abbott

Updated May 21, 2024

Updated May 30, 2024

© 2024 Benefits.com All Rights Reserved

• Privacy Policy
• Unsubscribe
• Do Not Sell My Information

• Ask VetsFirst
• VA Resources
• Health Care & Benefits
• VetsFirst Q&A
• Transition Assistance Information
• Eligibility Checklist
• United Spinal Association

VA’s Beneficiary Travel Program Launches New Online Portal for Reimbursement Claims

Beginning November 2, 2020, Veterans, caregivers, and beneficiaries who are eligible for reimbursement of mileage and other travel expenses to and from approved health care appointments can now enter claims in the new Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System (BTSSS). BTSSS simplifies the current claim submission process for beneficiaries and ensures timely processing and payment of travel reimbursements.

• Submit claims online 24/7, 365 days a year
• Track the status of submitted claims
• Reduce processing time for submitted claims
• Use self-help tools to make claim submissions fast and easy
• Visit AccessVA , select submit a travel claim, and logon using a DS Log on account.

A DS Logon is an ID issued by DoD that will allows Veterans and caregivers to access many VA and DoD sites with one user username and password. Need a DS Log on?

Veterans and caregivers may be eligible for travel pay. A list of eligibility requirements can be found on the VA Travel Pay Reimbursement webpage.

VA is phasing in a new web-based portal to submit and process beneficiary travel claims beginning July 2020 and continuing through November 2020. The new portal, the Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System (BTSSS), is VA’s preferred method to receive travel reimbursement claims. Once implemented, BTSSS will phase out claims submitted through the facility kiosks. However, in-person claims and hard-copy submissions will still be available. BTSSS is available through the AccessVA website .

The BTSSS automates the claims process to ensure timely processing and payment of travel reimbursement claims. With BTSSS, turnaround time to evaluate and settle a claim is less than 5 days. BTSSS allows Veterans and caregivers to submit claims 24/7, 365 days a year from a computer or mobile device. It also allows users to electronically track the status of a claim request.

BTSSS is available through the AccessVA webpage. To submit a claim, Visit AccessVA , select submit a travel claim, and logon using a DS Log on Level 2 account. A DS Logon is an ID issued by DoD that will allows Veterans and caregivers to access many VA and DoD sites with one user username and password. Need a DS Log on?

The current claims submission processes are 100% manual. BTSSS will significantly reduce human intervention for each reimbursement claim request and improve tracking, reporting, and the auditing capability for all stages of the claims process.

There are several sources of help to file a claim. Eligible Veterans and caregivers may get help from a travel clerk at the facility or refer to the BTSSS user’s guide at https://www.va.gov/health-care/get-reimbursed-for-travel-pay .

Beneficiary Travel Help Desk for Veterans and caregivers: 1-855-574-7292.

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

VA Travel Reimbursements Explained

This benefit in most cases is meant to veterans who may have difficulty attending appointments, and should further encourage those with serious conditions or financial hardship to continue to seek healthcare and monitor their condition. It goes without saying that if you are eligible for these benefits, you should most certainly pursue your claim.

Eligibility for Travel Pay Reimbursements

In order to claim these benefits, VA insists that you meet certain conditional, situational, or financial requirements. Compared to requirements set up to receive other benefits, these are fairly straightforward, and are outlined by VA as follows:

• You must be a veteran, and
• You have a VA disability rating of 30% or higher, or
• You’re traveling for treatment of a service-connected condition, even if your VA disability rating is less than 30%, or
• You receive a VA pension, or
• You have an income that’s below the maximum annual VA pension rate, or
• You can’t afford to pay for your travel, as defined by our guidelines, or
• You’re traveling for one of these reasons: A scheduled VA claim exam (also called a compensation and pension, or C&P, exam), to get a service dog, or for VA-approved transplant care.

Reimbursements for travel, lodging, and meals may also be eligible to non-veterans acting in a caregiver role. Certain circumstances may require that a caregiver is present for the veteran’s healthcare, and as such, VA extends this benefit to them as long as one of the following conditions are met:

• The person is your family caregiver under the National Caregiver Program traveling to receive caregiver training or to support your care, or
• The person is your medically required attendant traveling with you to support your care, or
• The person is your transplant care donor or support person.

VA will also “pay for care for an allied beneficiary when the appropriate foreign government agency has authorized their care, or for the beneficiary of another federal agency when that agency has approved their care.”

Get Help With Your Claim

Your health care should be your top priority, so VA travel reimbursements are not benefits you want to miss out on. If you are struggling to file a claim for reimbursement or need help setting up an appeal, whether for travel benefits or any other disability benefits, VA Disability Group is here to help. Give us a call at 844-VET-LAWS or contact us online to ensure that your claim is a strong as it can be and will get you the benefits you deserve.

VA Disability Group PLLC is open and actively monitoring all received communications. We continue to communicate with current and prospective clients daily. We also continue to receive all mailed documentation.

• Cover Letters
• Jobs I've Applied To
• Saved Searches
• Subscriptions

Marine Corps

Coast guard.

• Space Force
• Military Podcasts
• Benefits Home
• Military Pay and Money
• Veteran Health Care
• VA eBenefits
• Veteran Job Search
• Military Skills Translator
• Upload Your Resume
• Veteran Employment Project
• Vet Friendly Employers
• Career Advice
• Military Life Home
• Military Trivia Game
• Veterans Day
• Spouse & Family
• Military History
• Discounts Home
• Featured Discounts
• Veterans Day Restaurant Discounts
• Electronics
• Join the Military Home
• Contact a Recruiter
• Military Fitness

Veteran Travel Reimbursement Headaches Prompt VA to Pursue New Options for Claims Filing, Processing

Elizabeth Oomps, wife of retired Marine Maj. Lloyd Oomps, accompanied her husband to a medical appointment Nov. 7 at the Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic in Cambridge, Maryland, 96 miles from the couple's home in picturesque Onancock, Virginia.

Immediately following the visit, she popped a paper travel claim into the facility's depository and waited for the reimbursement. When it hadn't come by Dec. 29, she struggled with the VA's online travel reimbursement system to attempt to refile the claim, and when that didn't work, made a few phone calls.

That's when she learned that her husband would not get reimbursed for gas and mileage, because the electronic claim wasn't submitted within 30 days of his appointment.

Read Next: Air Force Identifies 25-Year-Old Cyber Specialist as Airman Who Set Himself on Fire in Front of DC Embassy

"I didn't know about the 30 days," Elizabeth Oomps said in an email last month to Military.com. "This is SO UNFAIR, and even [though] I have tried EVERYTHING to show that we didn't know about the 30 days, they will not pay the mileage."

Between the end of a pandemic-era flexibility for veterans to submit travel claims at any time, the challenges posed by the VA's app-based travel claims system for some veterans, and the removal of filing kiosks that relied on an older system from medical facilities, veterans continue to have trouble filing travel reimbursement claims, with some simply giving up and paying out of pocket.

Military.com has received dozens of complaints over travel reimbursement claims. Iraq War Army veteran Crystal Miller, who works as a veterans service officer, told Military.com she had surgery in March 2023 and tried multiple times to input appointments into the electronic system. But since the locations she attended -- a mobile site and a non-VA neurosurgeon -- weren't in the system, it didn't work.

"I got paid for none of them. I actually just cried at the hoops they expect veterans to jump through to get their mileage reimbursement," Miller said in an email.

The Veterans Health Administration rolled out the Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System, or BTSSS, in November 2020 to replace a long-standing system accessible through stand-alone kiosks at VA medical facilities or by submitting paper claims.

The system, developed by Liberty IT Solutions, now part of Booz Allen Hamilton, was designed to solve claims automatically, without human involvement, at least 90% of the time and was to be used by veterans without them requiring assistance at least 80% of the time.

But a VA OIG review published last year found that just 17% of claims filed from February 2021 through July 2022 were automatically adjudicated, "well short of ... the goal of 90%."

And it found that veterans and staff were having difficulties using the system. The OIG calculated that veterans used the web-based portal for only about 49% of total claims and said travel employees had implemented workarounds to deal with the new program or used the old system to approve claims.

In response to the watchdog's report, the VA decided to integrate a claims filing system into the patient check-in process and announced it would develop a program that will let staff more efficiently handle paper claims.

Under Secretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal said Monday during a press conference that the VA also is taking a top-down look at travel reimbursements to make the system more user-friendly and provide different options for filing claims, a process that will take "a couple of months."

"I've been hearing a lot about this, and we just have to make this process easier. Right now, it is not easy enough for too many veterans to be able to file a claim on time and get reimbursement," Elnahal said.

Currently, the VA has several ways to submit claims and accelerate payments. In addition to the BTSSS, veterans can use the VA.gov app when they check in for their medical appointments -- a system put in place by the end of last year.

And it has piloted a modified claims kiosk system based on another app, called VetLink, at the Charleston, South Carolina, VA Medical Center. That system will be tested in more locations this year, at select sites in South Carolina, Kansas City and the Southwest, according to VA spokeswoman Gina Jackson.

"Both of these enhancements offer direct integration with BTSSS, streamlining the claims submission process for the veteran and allowing the opportunity for the claim to be automatically adjudicated," Jackson said in an email.

Veterans also are able to file paper claims at their local VA medical centers, although Oomps found that process to be less than reliable.

"Even though I can prove (and VA does not dispute) that I drove my husband to this appointment, he would NOT BE PAID due to having entered the date into the labyrinthine and arcane website that I could not access until December after an expired 30-day limitation," Oomps said.

According to the VA, the department suspended what was a 30-day deadline for filing VA travel reimbursement claims at the start of the pandemic -- an allowance that ended on June 9, 2023, following the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

The VA announced that change, along with five other impacts on VA services and benefits, in a news release in May 2023 . It is unclear whether VA medical centers notified patients directly or whether veterans received any message on the change.

Related : VA Has Come a Long Way in Serving Female Veterans, But More Could Be Done, New Report Says

Patricia Kime

You May Also Like

Blinken will meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and President Issac Herzog.

The former head of Germany’s foreign intelligence agency, BND, August Hanning, who said that the attack on the Nord Stream...

The increased security comes a month after the assassination attempt on Trump during a rally near Butler, Pennsylvania.

Ukrainian strikes could further complicate Moscow's attempts to replenish its forces in Kursk and evacuate civilians.

Military News

• Investigations and Features
• Military Opinion

Select Service

• National Guard

Most Popular Military News

Command Sgt. Maj. Veronica Knapp was dismissed "due to a loss of trust and confidence in her leadership," a spokesperson for...

Command Sgt. Maj. Harold "Ed" Jarrell, the top enlisted leader for the Army's 1st Information Operations Command, was...

Capt. Bradley Geary, the then-leader of the command that runs the Navy SEAL BUD/s training program, is now facing a board of...

Fort Sill in Oklahoma and Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri will get two additional basic training units each -- able to train an...

The attacks, spearheaded by Trump's VP pick Sen. JD Vance, claim Walz ducked a Guard deployment to Iraq and lied about his...

Latest Benefits Info

• GI Bill Q&A: How It Works
• Post-9/11 GI Bill Frequently Asked Questions
• The GI Bill Can Pay for Testing
• VA Fertility Benefits for Military Veterans
• The Next Deadline for Backdated PACT Act Payments Is Coming Soon. Here’s What You Need to Know

More Military Headlines

The shooting is being investigated by San Antonio police.

• Top Enlisted Leader of 173rd Airborne Brigade in Italy Fired After Sexual Assault Allegations
• About Half of the Troops Who Deployed on the Gaza Aid Pier Mission Are Home Now
• The Army Sacks Another Senior Enlisted Leader in the Washington, DC, Area
• Shootings Reported at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Between Guards and Passing Vehicle
• Family of Airman Fatally Shot by Florida Deputy Decry Delay in Criminal Charges
• 4-Star Commander Denies Request to Wear Boonie Hats at Nellis Air Force Base Amid Standards Push
• The Navy Runs Out of Pants for Its Working Uniform – Won't Get More Until October
• USS Kidd, a Big Louisiana Tourist Attraction, Moves to Dry Dock for Major Makeover

Military Benefits Updates

• Fertility Benefits for Active-Duty Service Members
• Marines and Sailors Ordered to Brush Up on Appropriate Political Activity Amid Heated Election
• On 12th Anniversary of Marine Vet Austin Tice's Disappearance, Lawmakers Push to Bring Him Home
• Trucking Company Owner Pleads Guilty After Crash that Killed Marine Vet Bikers
• Coast Guard to Begin Enforcing Restricted ‘Security Zones’ in Water Surrounding Mar-a-Lago
• Since Key Bridge Collapse, Several Ships Have Experienced Trouble in Maryland Waters
• Coast Guard Announces Newest Icebreaker Will Head to Juneau as Healy Suffers Major Fire

Entertainment

• Michael Bay Docuseries 'Born Evil' Examines the Crimes of Navy Vet and Serial Killer Hadden Clark
• A Marine Corps Veteran Goes to War with Corrupt Local Cops in 'Rebel Ridge'
• 'Zero Day': New 10-Part Series Imagines What a Chinese Invasion of Taiwan Might Actually Look Like