VA Travel Pay Reimbursement

Get reimbursed for mileage and travel expenses to VA medical appointments through the Beneficiary Travel program

Quick Facts

Mileage Rate

41.5¢

Per mile (2024 GSA rate — check VA.gov for current year)

Deductible

$3.00

Per one-way trip (some veterans exempt)

Filing Deadline

30 Days

From the date of the appointment

Filing Portal

BTSSS

File Online

Who Is Eligible

You may be eligible for travel reimbursement if you meet any one of the following criteria:

  • You have a VA service-connected disability rating of 30% or higher
  • You are traveling for treatment of a service-connected condition (any rating percentage)
  • You receive a VA pension
  • Your income does not exceed the maximum VA pension rate
  • You are traveling for a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam
  • You are traveling for approved Vocational Rehabilitation (VR&E Chapter 31) appointments
  • You meet certain other exceptions defined by VA (such as having a vision impairment, being a Purple Heart recipient, or being a former POW)
Important: Even if you're unsure of your eligibility, file the claim anyway. The VA will determine eligibility when they process it. You won't be penalized for filing a claim that gets denied.

What Appointments Qualify

  • Appointments at VA medical centers and clinics
  • Appointments at VA-authorized Community Care providers (MISSION Act referrals)
  • Compensation & Pension (C&P) exams
  • VA-approved clinical trials
  • VA Vocational Rehabilitation appointments
  • Beneficiary Travel to pick up prescriptions (in some cases)
  • VA telehealth appointments (if you traveled to an approved site for the telehealth visit)

What Does NOT Qualify

  • Travel to pick up medications at a VA pharmacy (routine pickup, no appointment)
  • Travel for non-VA appointments not authorized by the VA
  • Travel for administrative purposes (e.g., dropping off paperwork)
  • Appointments you missed or canceled

Understanding the Deductible

The standard travel pay deductible is $3.00 per one-way trip ($6.00 round trip). This amount is subtracted from your reimbursement. However, many veterans are exempt from the deductible:

Exempt from the Deductible

  • Veterans traveling for C&P exams
  • Veterans with a service-connected disability rated 30% or higher
  • Veterans traveling for treatment of a service-connected condition
  • Veterans receiving VA pension
  • Veterans whose travel is by special mode of transportation (ambulance, wheelchair van, etc.)

Monthly Deductible Cap

The deductible is capped at $18.00 per calendar month ($3.00 x 6 one-way trips). Once you've reached the cap, no further deductions are taken for that month.

How to File: Method 1 — BTSSS Online (Recommended)

The Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System (BTSSS) is the fastest way to file a travel pay claim. Most claims filed online are processed within 5–7 business days.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Go to BTSSS Portal or access it through VA.gov Travel Pay page
  2. Sign in with your Login.gov or ID.me credentials
  3. Click "Create New Claim"
  4. Select the appointment date from the list of your VA appointments
  5. Confirm or enter your travel start address (typically your home address)
  6. Confirm the facility address (auto-populated from your appointment)
  7. Select travel type (mileage reimbursement for most veterans)
  8. If you have additional expenses (tolls, parking), add them and upload receipts
  9. Review the claim details and submit
  10. You'll receive a confirmation number — save it for your records
Pro Tips for BTSSS:
  • File within 30 days of your appointment for the smoothest processing
  • Make sure your home address is correct in VA records before filing
  • Claims are calculated using the shortest route between your address and the VA facility
  • You can file claims for past appointments going back up to 30 days
  • Check claim status anytime by logging back into BTSSS

How to File: Method 2 — Check-In Kiosk at VA Facility

Most VA medical centers and larger clinics have self-service kiosks in the lobby where you can file a travel pay claim when you check in for your appointment.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Arrive at the VA facility for your appointment
  2. Go to the self-service kiosk (usually near the entrance or waiting area)
  3. Check in for your appointment using your VHIC or last 4 of SSN
  4. When prompted, select "Yes" to file a travel reimbursement claim
  5. Confirm your home address
  6. The kiosk will calculate your mileage automatically
  7. Submit the claim and collect your confirmation receipt
Note: Not all kiosks offer travel pay filing. If yours doesn't, ask at the front desk about filing a claim or use the BTSSS portal after your appointment.

How to File: Method 3 — Paper Form (VA Form 10-3542)

If you prefer paper or don't have internet access, you can file using the Veteran/Beneficiary Claim for Reimbursement of Travel Expenses form.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Pick up VA Form 10-3542 at any VA facility's Beneficiary Travel office, or download it from VA Forms website
  2. Fill out the form completely:
    • Your full name and last 4 of SSN
    • Date(s) of travel
    • Starting address and facility address
    • Purpose of travel
    • Mode of transportation
  3. Attach receipts for any additional expenses (tolls, parking, public transit)
  4. Submit the form to the Beneficiary Travel office at the VA facility where your appointment was held
  5. You can also mail it to the facility's Beneficiary Travel office
Note: Paper claims take significantly longer to process than electronic claims — often 30–45 days. Use BTSSS online when possible.

Special Mode Transportation

In some cases, the VA will arrange or reimburse for special mode transportation. This includes:

  • Ambulance: When medically necessary
  • Wheelchair van: For veterans who cannot travel in a standard vehicle
  • Beneficiary Travel van: VA-operated shuttle services at some facilities (free, no claim needed)
  • Commercial air travel: For veterans who must travel long distances to a VA facility (requires prior authorization)
  • Hired car/rideshare: In limited circumstances when the veteran cannot drive and no other options exist

How to Request Special Mode Transport

  1. Contact the Beneficiary Travel office at your VA facility
  2. Your VA provider may also submit a request on your behalf
  3. Prior authorization is required for most special mode transport
  4. The VA will determine the most appropriate and cost-effective mode of transport

Common Issues and Solutions

Claim Denied

  • Check that you meet eligibility criteria
  • Verify the appointment was a qualifying visit
  • Ensure you filed within 30 days
  • Contact the Beneficiary Travel office to understand the denial reason
  • You can appeal a denied claim

Claim Stuck in "Submitted" Status

  • Normal processing time is 5–7 business days for BTSSS
  • If it's been more than 14 days, contact the Beneficiary Travel office
  • Call the VA at 1-877-222-8387 for claim status inquiries

Wrong Mileage Calculated

  • Verify your home address is correct in your VA profile
  • The VA uses the shortest driving route, which may differ from your actual route
  • If your address is wrong, update it at VA.gov Profile

Community Care Appointment Travel

  • You can file for travel to VA-authorized Community Care appointments
  • File through BTSSS — you may need to manually enter the facility address
  • Keep your Community Care authorization letter as backup

How You Get Paid

Travel pay reimbursement is deposited directly into the bank account you have on file with the VA. If you don't have direct deposit set up, the VA will mail a check.

  • Direct Deposit: Set up or update at VA.gov Direct Deposit
  • Processing Time: Typically 5–7 business days for BTSSS claims, 30–45 days for paper claims
  • Payment Consolidation: Multiple approved claims may be combined into a single payment

Official Resources