An underused VA health care benefit is Beneficiary Travel, which provides mileage reimbursement for eligible Veterans traveling to and from approved VA health care appointments. Many Veterans simply don’t realize this benefit exists, or they assume it doesn’t apply to them. Let’s cover the basics.
VA Beneficiary Travel reimburses eligible Veterans for mileage and, in some cases, other travel-related expenses when traveling to VA medical appointments, including Community Care appointments that have been authorized by VA. While this benefit will not cover the full cost of travel, it can help offset fuel expenses— especially for those who live in rural areas and travel long distances for care.
Reimbursement is not automatic. Veterans must submit a travel claim to be paid.
Eligibility rules can get lengthy, but here are the most common qualifying categories:
• Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or higher; or • Veterans traveling for treatment of a service-connected condition; or • Veterans receiving a VA pension; or • Veterans whose income falls below certain VA thresholds; or • Veterans traveling for a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam (at a VA Health facility)
This is not an exhaustive list, but it covers a large portion of Veterans who qualify. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, it’s worth submitting a claim or asking—VA will determine eligibility during processing.
VA reimburses travel at the current federal mileage rate set by VA, which is 41.5 cents per mile (round-trip mileage). Veterans should also be aware that VA generally applies a $3 one-way ($6 round-trip) deductible, up to a maximum of $18 per month, unless the Veteran is exempt from the deductible.
How to Submit a Claim
The preferred method for submitting a travel claim is the Beneficiary Travel Self Service System (BTSSS). BTSSS is an online system available through VA.gov that allows Veterans to submit claims electronically. When paired with direct deposit, BTSSS is the fastest way to receive reimbursement. Paper forms and travel kiosks are less preferred and, in some cases, have been phased out.
For Veterans who are unable or uncomfortable using BTSSS, there is an alternate option: VA Form 10-3542, Beneficiary Travel Claim for Reimbursement. This paper form can still be submitted, but Veterans should expect significantly longer processing times (up to 15 weeks).
If you are enrolled in VA health care and traveling to appointments, don’t leave this benefit unused. Mileage reimbursement won’t make you rich, but it can help reduce the out-of-pocket cost of getting the care you earned.
Brad Anderson and Melissa Crandall, Lake County Veterans Service Officers, 218.834.8326 or cvso@co.lake.mn.us
Karen Christianson, Cook County Veterans Service Officer, 218.387.3639, or karen.christianson@co.cook.mn.us
