Our view: Veterans Deserve Permanent Bump in Reimbursement

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Our view: Veterans Deserve Permanent Bump in Reimbursement

Twenty dollars and 65 cents may not seem like a lot of money.

But for a Norwich veteran needing specialty outpatient or inpatient health care, that $20.65 could provide the tank of gas he or she would need to travel to the VA West Haven campus for that treatment.

Last week, James Peake, secretary of Veterans Affairs, increased the mileage reimbursement rate for disabled veterans to 28.5 cents per mile -- more than double the previous 11 cent reimbrsement rate. It was the first increase in the reimbursement in 30 years.

The VA operates six outpatient clinics throughout the state, including ones in New London and Windham, that provide general care. But for specialty care, veterans must travel to one of two of the state's main VA facilities in Newington and West Haven.

At the old rate, the 118-mile round-trip visit to West Haven from Norwich would have resulted in $12.98 reimbursement. Under the new rate, the reimbursement is now $33.63. Considering the cost of a gallon of gasoline, the increase is long overdue.

Pushed by Courtney

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, was among the congressional members supporting the increase. Not surprising since the 2nd Congressional District is home to more veterans than any other congressional district in the state. Courtney supported the amendment that added the extra $120 million for travel expenses in this year's Veterans and Military Construction Appropriations Bill, and later urged Secretary Peake to implement the increase immediately. The new rate took effect Friday.

It is, however, only a one-year increase that will expire at the end of the fiscal year if the same level of funding is not included in next year's appropriations bill -- and future appropriations bills that.

The high cost of gasoline is not a one-year hike that is likely to begin falling next year -- and highly unlikely to ever decline to 1988 levels again, the last time the reimbursement rate was raised.

Congress and the VA acted wisely in providing this small increase to veterans who deserve the extra help. But Congress and the VA need to make this permanent so it is not subject to annual budget battles.

Twenty dollars and sixty-five cents isn't a lot, but for a disabled veteran who needs -- and deserves -- the medical care that can only be provided at the two main campuses, it isn't asking for much either.

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