VA Reimbursement Rate to Rise Once Again

Press Release

VA REIMBURSEMENT RATE TO RISE ONCE AGAIN

Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-11) announced that the mileage reimbursement rate for veterans traveling to VA medical facilities will climb from 28.5 to 41.5 cents per mile.

This action follows a mileage reimbursement rate increase from 11 to 28.5 cents in January 2008. Both came as a result of historic VA funding increases passed by Congress last year, the largest funding increase in the Department's 77-year history. Before these recent moves, mileage reimbursement for veterans had been frozen at the 1979 level: 11 cents per mile.

"We owe it to our veterans to provide them the best care possible," Rep. McNerney said. "This increased mileage reimbursement rate will provide help to our veterans. For veterans forced to travel long distances to seek treatment, especially important in these difficult economic times, it could mean the difference between receiving health care or going without."

Service connected veterans, veterans receiving VA pensions, and veterans with low incomes are eligible for the reimbursement, which went into effect earlier this week.

If any veterans eligible for mileage reimbursement encounter difficulty claiming it, or have other trouble obtaining benefits, they encouraged to contact one of Congressman McNerney's offices for assistance.

Source