Disabled veterans receive mileage reimbursement increase

[Ed Ely]

Release No. 02-03-08

Feb. 14, 2008

WASHINGTON (AFRNS) – More than a million eligible
veterans will see their mileage reimbursement more
than double starting tomorrow, for travel to Department
of Veterans Affairs medical facilities.

The increase helps veterans -- especially those living
in rural areas -- offset some of the gasoline costs for
traveling to VA health care facilities, said Secretary of
Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.

"Increasing the mileage reimbursement is one more step
by VA to help veterans access the health care they
deserve," said Secretary Peake.

The 2008 appropriations act provided funding for VA to
increase the beneficiary travel mileage reimbursement
rate from 11 cents per mile to 28.5 cents per mile. The
increase became effective Feb. 1.

After little more then a month on the job, Secretary Peake
used his authority to establish the first increase in the
mileage reimbursement in 30 years, fulfilling a pledge he
made during his Senate confirmation hearing in December.

While increasing the payment, VA, as mandated by law,
also equally increased the deductible amounts applied to
certain mileage reimbursements. The new deductibles
are $7.77 for a one way trip, and $15.54 for a round trip,
with a maximum of $46.62 per calendar month; however,
these deductibles can be waived if they cause a financial
hardship to the veteran. (Courtesy of VA)

FYI

Ed

[vashooter]

Good that Pittance for our gas was a joke. Almost like an insult when you arrived..... here is your travel check!! Floyd