VA to Increase Travel Reimbursement for Rural Veterans

Statement

VA to Increase Travel Reimbursement for Rural Veterans

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE), co-chairman of the House Rural Veteran Caucus, today announced many rural veterans will be eligible for increased mileage reimbursement starting today for travel to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities.

The travel mileage reimbursement rates will more than double from 11 cents per mile to 28.5 cents per mile. It is the first increase in the mileage reimbursement in 30 years.

Veterans may be eligible for VA beneficiary travel benefits if they are traveling for treatment of a service-connected condition, if they receive a VA pension, or if they are traveling for a scheduled compensation or pension examination.

"After traveling the Third District several times this past year, I know firsthand the distances veterans living in my district have to travel just to receive treatment in a VA facility. Veterans in geographically remote areas are finding it increasingly difficult to access the care they require, leading to many delaying the decision to seek care. This was welcome news for everyone working to ensure veterans living in rural areas receive the same access to care as those living in urban areas," Smith said.

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