Travel Pay on Your Phone: How to File VA Mileage in Minutes

Finally! There’s an app for that…

This isn’t just gas money; it’s a powerful acknowledgment of every mile you dedicate to your health. Previously, filing for VA travel reimbursement involved tedious forms and long waits. Now, with the VA Health & Benefits app, you are equipped with the new 'Travel Claim' feature, allowing you to claim mileage reimbursement from your phone in just a few taps.

Now, let’s look at how this update can simplify your experience and make a real difference.

What’s New

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs now lets Veterans submit mileage-only claims through the Health & Benefits app, making reimbursement easier for those traveling to VA or VA-approved medical appointments.

This update demonstrates VA’s commitment to empowering you with better access to your benefits. By replacing paper or web systems with a faster, mobile-first solution, you’re now able to move through the claim process with greater confidence and speed.

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Who Qualifies

You may qualify for travel pay if you visit a VA medical center or a VA-authorized appointment and meet at least one of these conditions: you have a service-connected disability rated at 30% or higher, you are traveling for treatment of a service-connected condition, you receive a VA pension or fall below the VA pension income threshold, or you are traveling for a scheduled VA claim exam.

You qualify for travel pay reimbursement if:

• You’re traveling for treatment of a service-connected condition.
• You receive a VA pension, or your income is below the VA pension threshold.
• You’re traveling for a scheduled VA claim exam.

Right now, reimbursement is 41.5 cents per mile for personal vehicle travel. You usually need to file your claim within 30 days of your appointment, and a small deductible applies before payments start.

How to File Your Claim in Minutes

1. Download or Update the App: Download the VA Health & Benefits app to your phone, or update it if you already have it. Sign in with your VA credentials using ID.me, Login.gov, or DS Logon.
2. Find Your Appointment: After your VA or VA-approved appointment, open the app. If you are eligible, you will see a 'Submit Travel Claim' prompt next to your appointment.
3. Confirm Mileage: The app automatically calculates your mileage based on your home address and the VA facility. Check the route and make sure it is correct.
4. Add Expenses (If Applicable): If you qualify for extra reimbursements like tolls or parking, enter those amounts.
5. Verify Direct Deposit Info: Make sure your payment information is correct. If you already get VA benefits by direct deposit, your details are probably saved.
6. Submit and Track: Check your information, tap submit, and track your claim in the app. Most payments are deposited within a few business days after approval.

Tips for Faster Reimbursement

• File your claim within 30 days of your appointment to stay eligible.
• Keep your app updated to get the latest claim features.
• Check that your appointment is marked as complete before filing your claim.
• If you do not see the claim option right away, try refreshing or reopening the app.

A Change For the Better

If you need ongoing care, those miles represent your time, determination, and effort. Now, you can easily file travel pay from your phone, reinforcing your right to dignity, efficiency, and direct access to the benefits you have earned.

This update shows VA’s focus on accessibility and innovation. It helps make routine processes like mileage reimbursement simpler and faster for those who served.