Health care

VA Beneficiary Travel Pay

Mileage at 41.5 cents a mile, less a $3 one-way deductible capped at $18 a month, for travel to VA or VA-approved care by a veteran rated 30% or more, traveling for a service-connected condition, on pension, or with low income.

Also called: travel pay, mileage reimbursement, BTSSS, beneficiary travel, special mode transportation.

For: Veteran or service member, caregiver.

Where it applies

Applies in states and territories.

Federal

VA reimburses travel to and from VA health care, and VA-authorized community care, under 38 C.F.R. part 70. A veteran qualifies when they have a VA disability rating of 30% or more, are traveling for treatment of a service-connected condition at any rating, receive VA pension, have income below the maximum annual pension rate, or are traveling for a C&P exam, to get a service dog, or for VA-approved transplant care. Some caregivers and attendants qualify too. VA pays 41.5 cents a mile for the fastest, shortest route from home to the nearest facility that can provide the care. A deductible of $3 each way, $6 round trip, applies up to $18 a month; after that, VA pays the full approved cost for the rest of the month. A veteran who cannot afford the deductible can ask for a waiver, and travel for a service-connected condition or a C&P exam is not subject to it. File within 30 days of the appointment, online through the Beneficiary Travel Self Service System, VA.gov, or the VA app.

Thresholds

Thresholds for VA Beneficiary Travel Pay
Gate	Rule
Rated 30% or more, or another path	A 30% rating qualifies for all care. Travel for a service-connected condition, pension, low income and C&P exams are other paths below 30%.

Documents the source lists

What the official source lists for an application, and where to get each document. It is a reference read from the source, not a full list of what the office may ask for; check with the office or an accredited representative before you apply. Needed means the source asks for it; Helps means the source calls it optional or says it speeds things up.

Needed Receipts for expenses other than mileage, such as approved meals or lodging
Where to get it Keep the receipt for each expense as you pay it.
Listed by VA, File and manage travel reimbursement claims read 2026-10-10
Needed Proof of attendance
For a community care appointment.
Where to get it Ask the community provider for a release note or a letter on its letterhead with the appointment date.
Listed by VA, File and manage travel reimbursement claims read 2026-10-10
Needed Direct deposit set up for travel pay, apart from your other VA benefits
Where to get it A check from the account, or your bank.
Listed by VA, File and manage travel reimbursement claims read 2026-10-10
Needed Veteran/Beneficiary Claim for Reimbursement of Travel Expenses (VA Form 10-3542)
If you file by mail or in person.
Where to get it Download it from VA.gov, or ask a VA regional office or an accredited representative for a copy.
Listed by VA, File and manage travel reimbursement claims read 2026-10-10

Figures

Each figure is dated with the day it was read. A local figure moves whenever the statute or the local ordinance does, so confirm it with the office that grants it before you rely on it. Statute verified gives the day the weekly section check last found the statute standing on the legislature’s own code site; a figure without it rests on a statute the check does not read yet.

Dated figures for VA Beneficiary Travel Pay
Figure	Amount	Read from
Mileage rate	41.5 cents a mile38 C.F.R. 70.30	Reimbursed VA travel expenses and mileage rateRead 2026-10-08
Deductible	$3 one way, $6 round trip, $18 a month cap38 C.F.R. 70.31	Reimbursed VA travel expenses and mileage rateRead 2026-10-08

Sources

Reimbursed VA travel expenses and mileage rateOfficial
Get reimbursed for travel payOfficial
38 C.F.R. 70.10, Eligible personsOfficial

Updated

Last updated 2026-10-08.

What changed then:

First published.

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Disclaimer

VetTOC is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense. Information is for reference only and is not an eligibility determination. Verify with VA, the relevant state or territory, or an accredited VSO.