VA travel pay reimbursement helps eligible veterans and caregivers get reimbursed for travel expenses related to approved healthcare appointments. If you’ve spent money on transportation, meals, or lodging to receive VA care, you may be eligible to get that money back.
How VA Travel Pay Works
VA travel pay reimbursement covers:
- Regular Transportation – This includes travel by car, plane, train, bus, taxi, or light rail.
- Approved Meals and Lodging – Some veterans may qualify for reimbursement of food and lodging expenses related to their medical travel.
How to File a VA Travel Reimbursement Claim
You can file a claim online using the Beneficiary Travel Self Service System (BTSSS). If you’re filing for the first time, read through the eligibility criteria below.
Learn more about VA travel reimbursement eligibility
Caregivers may be eligible for travel reimbursement if they:
- Are a family caregiver under the VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.
You can also file a paper claim using VA Form 10-3542 and submit it by mail or in person at your local VA facility.
Find your nearest VA healthcare facility
Get more details on VA Travel Reimbursement
You may be eligible if you meet at least one of these conditions:
- You have a VA disability rating of 30% or higher.
- You’re traveling for treatment of a service-connected condition, even if your VA rating is below 30%.
- You receive a VA pension.
- Your income is below the maximum annual VA pension rate.
- You can’t afford to pay for travel based on VA guidelines.
- You’re traveling for a VA-approved exam, service dog training, or transplant care.
Learn more about VA travel reimbursement eligibility
Travel Reimbursement for Caregivers
Caregivers may be eligible for travel reimbursement if they:
- Are a family caregiver under the VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.
- Are a medically required attendant traveling with the veteran.
- Are a transplant donor or support person.
Filing a Travel Claim
Before filing, make sure you:
- Set up direct deposit so VA can transfer reimbursement to your bank account.
- Keep receipts for all transportation, meals, and lodging.
- Track your mileage to and from appointments.
- File your claim within 30 days of your appointment.
You can also file a paper claim using VA Form 10-3542 and submit it by mail or in person at your local VA facility.
Find your nearest VA healthcare facility
Special Transportation Reimbursement
If you need transport by ambulance, wheelchair van, or another special vehicle, you may qualify for Special Mode Transportation reimbursement. To qualify, you must:
- Be eligible for General VA travel reimbursement.
- Have a VA healthcare provider determine that you medically require special transportation.
- Have pre-approval from VA (unless it’s an emergency).
Need Help With Your Claim?
- Call your VA healthcare facility’s Beneficiary Travel contact.
- Call the BTSSS helpline at 855-574-7292 (available 8 AM – 8 PM ET).
Get more details on VA Travel Reimbursement
By following these steps, you can make sure you’re reimbursed for eligible travel expenses. If you found this guide helpful, share it with other veterans who might need this information!
Final Thoughts
Understanding the VA travel reimbursement process can help you recover costs associated with getting to your medical appointments. Be sure to file promptly and keep all necessary documentation to ensure smooth processing.
If you found this guide helpful, consider sharing it with fellow veterans. Let’s support each other!
