Some Veterans to See Another Travel Reimbursement Increase
WASHINGTON (Dec. 29, 2008) - Service-disabled and low-income veterans
who are reimbursed for travel expenses while receiving care at
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities will see an increase in
their payments beginning January 9.
A recently passed law allows VA to cut the amount it must withhold from
their mileage reimbursement. The deductible amount will be $3 for each
one-way trip and $6 for each round trip -- with a calendar cap of $18,
or six one-way trips or three round trips, whichever comes first. The
previous deductible was $7.77 for a one-way trip, and $15.54 for a round
trip, with a calendar cap of $46.62.
"I'm pleased that we can help veterans living far from VA facilities to
access the medical and counseling help they deserve, especially in the
current economic climate," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James
B. Peake. "Together with the increased mileage rate approved last
month, we can further reduce the financial hardship some veterans
undergo to use our superior health care."
In November, Peake announced VA's second increase in the mileage
reimbursement rate during 2008, from 28.5 cents to 41.5 cents a mile.
Service-disabled and low-income veterans are eligible to be reimbursed
by VA for the travel costs of receiving health care or counseling at VA
facilities. Veterans traveling for Compensation and Pension
examinations also qualify for mileage reimbursement. VA can waive
deductibles if they cause financial hardship.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Some Veterans to See Another Travel Reimbursement Increase
