You’ve already carried the weight of service—now you carry the added burden of getting to and from medical appointments. Every mile, toll, or train ticket chips away at your budget. It doesn’t seem right, does it?

Thankfully, there’s a benefit many veterans overlook: VA Travel Pay. It’s designed to lighten the financial load that comes with attending your appointments, but if you’re like most veterans, you’ve either never used it—or tried and got lost in the process.

This guide is here to change that. We’re going to break it all down for you—who qualifies, what’s reimbursed, how to apply, and how to get your money fast. No red tape, no confusion—just straight answers.

What Is VA Travel Pay? (VA Travel Reimbursement Program Overview)

You’ve earned more than just respect—you’ve earned support. VA Travel Pay is one of those supports, and it helps cover the cost of getting to VA-approved medical appointments.

What It Covers

When you’re eligible, VA Travel Pay reimburses for:

• Mileage driven in your personal vehicle
• Public transportation fares
• Tolls and parking fees (if necessary for the visit)
• Airfare and lodging (for long-distance VA-authorized care)

These benefits are handled through the Veterans Health Administration and delivered via the Beneficiary Travel program. Whether it’s a quick drive to your primary care visit or a hotel stay for a specialist across the state, VA Travel Pay is built to support your journey.

Types of Appointments Covered

• VA medical care visits
• Authorized non-VA healthcare (community care)
• Compensation & Pension (C&P) exams
• VA-authorized travel for a service animal or necessary attendant

Who Is Eligible for VA Travel Pay?

Just because you served doesn’t mean you automatically qualify—but if you meet certain conditions, this benefit is yours to claim.

General Eligibility Requirements

You may be eligible if:

• You have a VA disability rating of 30% or higher
• You’re traveling for treatment of a service-connected condition
• You receive VA pension benefits
• Your income falls below the VA’s annual threshold

Additional Requirements

• You must be traveling to VA-authorized appointments
• You must file your claim within 30 days
• You’ll need to use approved or reasonable transportation

Not Eligible If:

• Your appointment wasn’t approved by the VA
• You missed the filing deadline
• You used luxury or unapproved transportation methods

How Much Does VA Travel Pay Reimburse?

Understanding the actual dollar amount you’ll receive helps you plan—and helps you keep VA accountable.

Standard Mileage Rate (As of 2025)

• 41.5 cents per mile (check the VA site for updates)
• Applies for round-trip unless only one-way travel was medically necessary

Deductibles

• $3.00 per one-way trip
• $6.00 max per round trip
• Monthly cap: $18.00
• Deductible may be waived if:
  • You’re traveling for a service-connected condition
  • You meet financial hardship criteria

Additional Covered Expenses

• Tolls and parking (with receipts)
• Public transit (bus, train, shuttle)
• Airfare (requires pre-approval)
• Overnight lodging and meals for long-distance care

Sample VA Travel Reimbursement Table

Item	Amount Paid	Reimbursed?
60 miles (RT)	$24.90	✅
Toll Road Fee	$3.00	✅
Public Bus Ticket	$4.00	✅
Hotel (VA approved)	$78.00	✅
Airport Parking	$10.00	❌

How to Apply for VA Travel Pay: Step-by-Step

This is where most veterans get stuck—but don’t worry, the system is finally catching up.

Step 1: Prep Before Your Trip

• Double-check your VA appointment status
• Make sure your banking info is updated for direct deposit
• Save or take photos of your parking, toll, or lodging receipts

Step 2: Use BTSSS (Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System)

• Head to: https://access.va.gov
• Sign in using:
  • DS Logon
  • ID.me
  • My HealtheVet

Once inside, you’ll access BTSSS—the travel pay portal.

Step 3: Submit Your Claim

• Choose the date and type of appointment
• Enter starting location and destination
• Attach any receipts (PDF or image formats accepted)
• Confirm and submit

Step 4: Track It and Get Paid

• Monitor claim status in BTSSS
• Payment typically arrives in 5–10 business days
• If there’s a delay, contact your VA facility’s travel office

Alternative Ways to Submit Your Claim

Not a fan of online forms? No problem—there are other ways to file your VA Travel Pay claim.

Paper Submission

• Download or request VA Form 10-3542
• Fill it out completely and legibly
• Deliver to your local VA travel office in person or by mail

Over the Phone

• Call your VA medical center’s Travel Benefits Office
• They can assist in filing on your behalf
• Keep your appointment details and receipts handy

In-Person Assistance

• Available at many VA medical centers
• Ask for travel claim help at the information desk
• Some facilities offer scheduled claims clinics for walk-ins

How to Get Your VA Travel Pay Faster

You shouldn’t have to wait weeks—or worse, months—for what’s rightfully yours. Here’s how to get reimbursed faster:

• Submit within 24 hours of your appointment
• Avoid paper claims unless absolutely necessary
• Enable direct deposit (link your account on VA.gov)
• Keep your receipts and claim IDs organized
• Don’t wait for reminders—log in and check claim status regularly

VA Travel Pay for Caregivers and Attendants

Sometimes, you can’t go it alone—and the VA recognizes that.

Who Can Be Reimbursed?

• Caregivers or attendants who are:
  • Medically necessary
  • VA-approved in advance
  • Supporting veterans unable to travel independently

What They Can Be Paid For

• Transportation
• Lodging (overnight support)
• Per diem for meals (based on GSA rates)

If you’re unsure whether your caregiver qualifies, reach out to your VA social worker or care team coordinator before you travel.

What to Do If Your VA Travel Pay Claim Is Denied

Denied claims can be frustrating—but they’re not always final.

Common Reasons for Denial

• Travel was not authorized
• Appointment didn’t appear in VA records
• Receipts missing or unreadable
• Filing deadline passed

How to Appeal

• Request reconsideration through BTSSS
• Contact your VA facility’s Patient Advocate
• Submit supporting documentation with your appeal
• Keep copies of everything—emails, receipts, forms

Conclusion:

You gave your time, your energy—some gave far more. VA Travel Pay isn’t charity; it’s a benefit you earned.

Too often, veterans skip the claim or give up after a frustrating experience. But now you have the full roadmap. No more guesswork. No more second-guessing. Whether it’s your first time filing or you’ve done it before, use this guide as your go-to reference.

Your health matters. Your time matters. And yes—your money matters.

FAQ : about VA Travel Pay

How long does it take to receive VA travel pay reimbursement?

Usually between 5 to 10 business days, if submitted online with all proper documentation.

Can I get VA travel pay if I use Uber or Lyft?

Yes, but only if public transit is unavailable and the method is reasonable. Receipts are required. VA approval is recommended beforehand.

What happens if I forget to file within 30 days?

Late claims are usually denied unless you can show a valid reason. Always submit your claim as soon as possible.

Do I have to file a new claim for each appointment?

Yes. A new claim must be filed for each travel day unless multiple appointments occur on the same day.

Can caregivers also receive VA travel pay reimbursement?

Yes, but only if the veteran is approved for a medically necessary attendant and the travel is VA-authorized.