Frequently Asked Questions on Topics for the Entire Family, for your health and well being and more! FAQs - Beneficiary Travel Frequently Asked Questions Who is eligible for travel? Are OEF/OIF veterans, combat veterans, spinal cord injury (SCI) or any other “special” group of veterans eligible for travel based upon their inclusion in that group? What travel can the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provide? What are current mileage rates for travel? Why are rates different for veterans and VA employees? Can mileage reimbursement or special mode transport be withheld from a travel eligible veteran? What are the deductible amounts? Is the monthly deductible cap for each facility or is it for travel to all VA facilities for health care? Who is required to pay the deductible? Who is eligible for a waiver? How do you determine if a veteran is eligible for the waiver? How is it determined that a veteran requires “Special Mode” transportation? What eligibility requirements must be met? How much discretion does a facility have if a veteran does not meet eligibility standards and extenuating circumstances exist? Is there anything we can do to obtain travel for ineligible beneficiaries? Does VA have authority to provide transportation for Fee Basis or visits when an eligible veteran chooses to use private health insurance to pay for care? What if a veteran chooses to go to his “preferred” facility instead of the closest VA facility that can provide the care? How do we determine mileage for reimbursement purposes? What if a veteran has a PO Box and physically lives elsewhere? Which facility is responsible for travel when a veteran is referred to a Tertiary Care facility, or another facility that can provide the needed care on an outpatient basis? For inpatient treatment? What about veterans who do not meet eligibility criteria? Who is responsible for transport of veterans in a community nursing home (CNH)? What authority does VA have to transport veterans in emergency situations? Can VA pay for transport of an attendant, donor, or other non-veteran? Is VA required to pay for lodging and meals associated with VA travel? Does VA have authority to pay ferry fares; bridge, road, and tunnel tolls; luggage fares; or parking in association with VA travel? Does VA have authority to transfer veterans to where they “grew up”, or where their family resides? How should travel be determined if a veteran changes residence while undergoing VA health care, especially if they are an inpatient? How should Beneficiary Travel at CBOCs or other outlying VA facilities be handled when there isn’t a Travel Office or agent cashier agent cashier on station? How long do beneficiaries have to submit a claim for travel? Without a special mode of transportation: What are the VA authorities for Beneficiary Travel, and where can copies be obtained? Are veterans who work at a VA facility and receive their care there eligible for Beneficiary Travel reimbursement when they have a medical appointment? What about volunteers? Are veterans who travel together all entitled to Beneficiary Travel reimbursement? What about those veterans who take the DAV system or other “free” transportation? If there is a subject you think we need in the FAQ section, please contact us and let us know!