RE: http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,161138,00.html

OK, I'M A DISABIBLED SERVICE CONNECTED VET THAT HAS BEEN DRIVING 55 MILES ONE WAY AT LEAST 2 TIMES A MONTH FOR OVER 2 YEARS NOW JUST FOR APPOINTMENTS THE V.A. MAKES FOR ME FOR LAB WORK AND OTHER DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS , MY QUESTION IS DO I HAVE MILEAGE COMING DUE TOO ME NOW FOR HAVING TO DRIVE THAT FAR???

My last trip to the VA hospital in Durham NC cost me $42.00 for a tank of gas. I got $27.00 back from the VA. I have another appointment on the 15th of this month. Hope I get the new rate. That way I can break even.

Does anyone understand what is meant by deductibles? Whats being deducted?

I have been 100% disabled (service connected) Since Jan 16,1975. Until 1985 we recieve full milage, for hospital visits. then they started deducting the first 40 miles each way. I belive 100 % service connected veterans should get full milage payment. I have to travel over 100 miles each way. I average 15 to 25 trips a year.

quote:

Originally posted by 8558447:
OK, I'M A DISABIBLED SERVICE CONNECTED VET THAT HAS BEEN DRIVING 55 MILES ONE WAY AT LEAST 2 TIMES A MONTH FOR OVER 2 YEARS NOW JUST FOR APPOINTMENTS THE V.A. MAKES FOR ME FOR LAB WORK AND OTHER DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS , MY QUESTION IS DO I HAVE MILEAGE COMING DUE TOO ME NOW FOR HAVING TO DRIVE THAT FAR???

As I read this, you are entitled to $15.81 per round trip - $.0285 * 55 *2 = $31.35 less the deductible of 15.54 = $15.81

Further, after you make enough trips in one month (for you about 3) so that the sum of the deductibles exceeds $46.62, you won't be tagged for the deductible for any more trips you take in that month.

Hope someone can confirm/correct my understanding.

Hurray for the increase, but wouldn't you know that they would also have to increase the deductible. So what kind of finacial hardship would you have to prove to get the deductible waived. I have a 50% disability rating for lower back injuries, and unable to find work or get hired with preexisting medical conditions for certain types of jobs that require lifting. So does this qualify me for the waiver? It is bad enough that I have to travel 200 miles round trip, and for the price of gas it pretty much eats up the travel pay and then sum. I was talking to one of the VA reps at my last appointment and I was told that X-ray and other minor appointment will not qualify for travel pay, to get the travel pay it would have to be connected to another appointment for the same day that does qualify for travel reimbursement. So I guess that the VA needs to make a list of all types of appointments that qualify and doesn't qualify for reimbursement so the veteran can schedule appointments appropriately to ensure they will get there travel pay.

The mileage increase is way overdue but the new deductables are BS. I am a 100% service connected combat veteran. Using the new calculations I have to drive a vehicle that gets over 25 miles to the gallon just to break even. My disability compensation does not permit me to buy a vehicle that would get that kind of mileage. The kicker to these new guidlines is the "round trip" deductable. It didn't exist prior to this new legislation. How do you go to a VA facility one way unless you die there. Just another way to get money back and reduce the benefit.

Wow, I didn't know they compensate you for your miles at all

Does anyone know the guidelines in getting reimbursement of travel?

Yes, Dennisbuckley, we have always had a travel deductible, but it WAS only $6.00, which was quite enough in my book! I am so excited that they have increased the pay also, but that deductible is extreme! I don't really see how we will be getting all that much of a raise, thanks!
Also, I agree, how do you make a one way trip to the hospital??? Does anyone know??

I travel over 400 miles one way to the VA Hospital to see the Drs. one to two times per month . This travel pay really does not make up for the price of gas for me . I will get the first half of the travel pay before leaving to come home , then travel another 56 miles one way after I get home to get the other half , and then drive back another 56 miles to get home . I am getting the shaft big time .

I did not know that there is such type of entitlement. How can I apply for one? Where to get the form(s)? I, too, want to get compensated for the miles I travel to and from the VA hospital. Appreciate any feedback.

VET05

Can someone please tell me why there is a "deductible" on the travel pay? Doesn't make sense to me. Why not just adjust the rate to allow for the "deductible, whatever is is" and pay the net rate.

My question is, I am retired military. I travel to Bethesda many times in a year to see doctors. My travel from home one way is 150 miles. What expenses ti I get to deduct???
Richard Schmeck
MSG USA Ret

http://www.vawatchdog.org/index.htm

ALLOT of info here CHECK IT OUT!!!!!

I think it is about time for a increase.


To you vet asking about how do you get the travel pay...If you go to theva hospital for a service connected appt. you just have to go to the travel pay window and get your money.Now if you are sent there for a va comp appt there is no deductable...After a certin connecrion rating you get paid the travel for any appt. that qualifies for pay. some one said you dont get it for xray trips...But I think at 30% disability rating you get paid to go even for non service connected visits...Hope I helped more than confused...its 3am so I may not be telling this the best way lol...good luck and from one vet to the rest of you vets Thanks

I've been reading these & I'm at 100% also. But here's the fine line. If you have a local VA clinic, after 4 trips in one month, they's pay you a tidbit. But nobody knew, so nobody really got paid. But, if your local facility can't handle / or have the means to take care of you as needed, then you get your travel pay, IF IT'S 50 MILES & OVER. THEY MAY ARGUE THAT POINT, JUST TELL THEM TO READ THE FRICKIN' REGS & THEY'LL PROBABLY SHUT UP...but they won't. Just go to the travel office , they make a voucher & go collect from the cashier. They always took out the first six dollars from your total due you. Naturally, it was a two-way trip. I go from Gary IND to Chgo, IL & put in my pocket $2.36 .... With that I stop off at Micky D's on the way home.
The first three trips/ in one calendar month , they take out six dollars/ per visit. On the fouth visit to the hospital, I would get paid the entire amount. But you'll never go four times a month. Now, they are just emphasising the fact of round trip. I figured it all out & I'd get $1.00 more plus a bit of change. It all boils down to the same ol' sh!!!!. It sounds good, but we are still getting ripped off. BUT, IF THE VA SENDS YOU FOR A COMP & PENSION EXAM, THEN THERE ARE NO DEDUCTIBLES & YOU'LL GET PAID THE ENTIRE TRAVEL PAY MILEAGE.................
I TRAVEL 38 MILES ONE WAY TO CHGO., BUT MY CLINIC IN CROWN PT CANNOT SERVE ME W/ THE EQUIPMENT NEEDED W/ MY DISABILITY. IF THEY SEND YOU ON A REQUIREMENT., I BELIEVE THAT'S THE ONLY TIME WHEN UNDER 50 MILES IS NOT NECESSARY.... CALL YOUR STATE AT 800-827.1000, 'cause your local Service Officers are not the brightest bulbs in the pack.........Most take up desk space.....

wow they barley double the per mile rate but double the deductible?!~**!! Only the VA could come up with this. My husband has been service connected for 19 years and 100% for 8 of those years. He's been traveling 35 miles each way the past 11 years and his benefit was a whopping .77 cents so now we'll get $4.06-woohoo!!! Of course I am a vet but not disabled and receive care but I get charged more for a co-pay on visits and prescriptions than I do if I go to a non-VA doctor using my ChampVA insurance... six or 1/2 dozen ethier way... just a bunch of paperwork.