2008 Veteran's Travel Reimbursement Increased Again

On November 17, the United States Department of Veteran Affairs announced that the travel expense reimbursement would be increased from 28.5 cents to 41.5 cents per mile for all eligible veterans. This is a significant increase considering that it was raised less than a year ago.

Many in Congress have seen the need for such increases for years and it is a breath of fresh air that they are acting on this need so aggressively. In January of 2008, the travel reimbursement was raised from 11 cents to 28.5 cents per mile. In less than 12 calendar months, Congress has approved a well needed increase in this benefit by more than 260 percent!

In a news release by the VA, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, James Peake said, "We owe it to our veterans to give them the best care possible. The increase will once again provide assistance to our veterans, especially in these difficult economic times, to help offset gasoline costs and to assist veterans with access to the VA's world-class health system."

This benefit increase went into effect on November 17, 2008. Qualifying individuals include those with service connected injury/disabilities, veteran's receiving VA pensions, and veteran's that have low incomes. These individuals, while traveling to receive from the VA health care, a compensation or pension examination, vocational rehabilitation, or other counseling for Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance that the VA requires. All qualifying trips must be to a scheduled appointment at a VA facility, VA approved facility, or other facility that an individual has been referred to by the VA.

Additional Benefits to Come

On January 9, 2009, the deductibles applied to reimbursement claims will also be reduced. Currently the deductibles are $7.77 for a one-way trip and $15.54 for a round trip, with a monthly cap of $46.62. The deductibles will be reduced to $3.00 for a one-way trip and $6.00 for a round trip, with a monthly cap of $18.00. Additionally, these deductibles can be waived if the veteran shows that it would cause financial hardship.

Applying for Benefits

Benefits can be applied for immediately at the nearest VA medical office. Typically, veterans will apply for the travel expense at the same facility they are traveling to. You can also reach the VA's reimbursement program's office at 877-222-8387.

It is obvious that the U.S. Government, specifically congress is looking out for the veteran's of our military. In a system that, unfortunately, allows many veterans to fall through the bureaucratic cracks of government, making it possible to receive medical care is the least our government and we can do for our veterans.

Resources:

Dept of Veteran Affairs - Health Care

Gov Benefits.gov - Benefit Details

VA News Release - November 17, 2008