Do I Qualify for VA Travel Pay? Guide to VA Travel Reimbursement

Perhaps you require traveling to your Compensation and Pension exam. You may be on your way to pick up a service animal or planning to attend rehabilitative care. Maybe you have recently been assigned a VA disability rating of 30% or more. There may be VA travel pay reimbursement available to you, which can be obtained for various circumstances.

What Travel Costs Does the VA Reimburse?

The Department of Veterans Affairs is authorized to provide eligible veterans, and other beneficiaries related to those veterans, coverage for transportation to and from VA (or VA-approved non-VA) health facilities for examinations, treatment, and care. This includes: 

• Mileage driven to and from appointments
• Bridge, road, and tunnel tolls
• Parking fees
• Medically necessary transportation with a specially equipped vehicle (i.e., ambulance or wheelchair van), if approved by a VA clinician
• Common carrier costs (i.e., plane, train, light rail, ferry, bus, subway, taxi)
• Approved meals and lodging expense

Am I Eligible for VA Travel Pay? 

A veteran is qualified to receive VA benefits for travel expenses if they meet at least one of the following criteria: 

• They have a single or combined service-connected disability of 30% or more, or 
• Travel is for VA-approved care, such as care related to a service-connected condition, a Compensation and Pension exam, rehabilitative care, or obtaining a service animal, or 
• They are receiving VA pension benefits and their income does not exceed VA’s annual pension limit, or 
• They cannot afford travel as defined by VA financial hardship guidelines

Non-Veterans are qualified for travel benefits if they fall into one of the following categories and meet the criteria:

• Allied Beneficiaries, if the country reimburses for travel costs
• Attendants, when they are deemed necessary due to the Veteran’s mental or physical condition
• Beneficiaries of other Federal Agencies, if those agencies reimburse the VA for travel costs 
• Donors or Support Persons traveling in connection with approved VA care
• Caregivers who are part of the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers

How Much Does the VA Pay for Mileage?

The VA reimburses round-trip mileage at 41.5 cents per mile for travel related to approved VA health care appointments. Find out more.

What Is the VA Travel Reimbursement Monthly Deductible?

By law, the VA is required to withhold a small amount before reimbursing you for travel-related expenses. The current (2026) deductible is $3 one-way or $6 round-trip, up to $18 per calendar month. If you surpass the $18 monthly deductible, the VA will pay the full cost of additional eligible travel for the remainder of that month.

Can I Get a Waiver for the VA Travel Reimbursement Deductible?

You may qualify for a deductible exemption (waiver) if you cannot afford the required deductible or if certain benefits apply. You may be automatically exempt if you meet one of the following criteria:

• You are receiving a VA pension 
• You are receiving Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits 
• You are traveling for a Compensation and Pension exam
• You qualify under financial hardship as defined by VA regulations

If you believe you qualify but are still being charged a deductible, you may request a waiver through your local Beneficiary Travel Office.

How Do I Claim VA Travel Reimbursement?

You can request VA travel reimbursement online or by filling VA Form 10-3542 (Veteran/Beneficiary Claim for Reimbursement of Travel Expenses), and submitting it by mail, email or fax, or delivering it in person to your local VA Facility’s Beneficiary Travel Office. The VA recommends using the online Beneficiary Travel Self Service System (BTSSS) to file travel reimbursement claims, as it’s the fastest way to get paid. Before filing your first claim, you will want to take a few steps to ensure the process goes smoothly:

• Keep receipts for all transportation and approved meals and track your mileage.
• Set up direct deposit. While optional, it is quicker than paper checks and the preferred payment method for your reimbursement.
• File your claim on time: within 30 days of the appointment or when you become eligible for reimbursement.

How Do I File a Travel Reimbursement Claim Online?

• Log into BTSS with VA PIV, ID.me or Login.gov. If you don’t have an account, you can create one with ID.me and then sign in.
• Go to your Beneficiary Travel Profile. Review your profile and update any information. If you are a caregiver, you’ll need to select the veteran from your list.
• Create a new claim.
• Add your expenses and receipts. Verify that your appointment information is accurate and attach any receipts or proof of attendance for non-VA appointments. Make sure you choose the correct expense type and enter details for each expense. 
• Submit your claim for review. Once processed and approved, the VA will deposit your reimbursement through electronic funds transfer (EFT) to your bank account, unless you have arranged another payment method. EFT payments are typically issued within 5–7 business days.

FAQs Regarding VA Travel Reimbursements

You can also learn more about claiming VA travel pay and other VA disability benefits through official VA.gov resources and from Hill & Ponton’s in-depth guides to VA benefits and disability ratings. We’re also offering a special newsletter to disabled veterans and their families, with the latest information on VA laws and benefits.