Questions you may have about filing your claim

 

Can I file a claim by mail or in person?

Yes. You can also file your claim by mail or in person at the VA facility where you received care. To do this, you’ll need to fill out a Veteran/Beneficiary Claim for Reimbursement of Travel Expenses (VA Form 10-3542).

Get VA Form 10-3542 to download

Read the statements and certifications carefully. Then sign and date your form. Mail or take your completed form and receipts in person to the VA facility where you received care. If you mail your claim, we consider the postmark date the date of submission.

Find your VA health facility

Can I get reimbursed for traveling to get treatment at a special disability rehabilitation center?

You may be eligible for reimbursement if you meet at least one of the requirements listed here.

One of these must be true:

• You need in-patient care, or

• You’re getting temporary lodging approved by VA

Note: Special disability rehabilitation centers include facilities such as clinics that provide care for spinal cord injuries, vision loss or blindness, or prosthetics rehabilitation.

If I travel with another Veteran or use a free transportation service, am I still eligible for reimbursement?

If you travel together with another Veteran

You’re eligible for reimbursement only if you meet at least one of these requirements.

At least one of these must be true:

• You’re the owner of the vehicle used for travel, or

• You share a vehicle, like a taxi, with other Veterans and pay your own fare, or

• You pay another Veteran to take you to an appointment

You’ll need to provide a receipt for your expenses. If you’re eligible for reimbursement, we’ll pay the mileage rate or actual expense, whichever is less.

If you use a free transportation service

You’re only eligible for reimbursement for any travel you may have had to get to and from your home to where you were picked up or dropped off by the service.

Free transportation services may include the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) system, VA Veterans Transportation Service (VTS), or other no-cost city or state transportation.

What if I need transport by ambulance, wheelchair van, or other special type of vehicle?

These types of transport are covered under special mode transportation reimbursement. You may be eligible for reimbursement if you meet the requirements listed here.

This must be true:

You’re a Veteran traveling for care at a VA health facility or for VA-approved care at a facility in your community.

And all of these must also be true:

• You’re eligible for general health care travel reimbursement, and

• A VA health care provider determines that your medical condition requires an ambulance or a specially equipped van for travel, and

• We’ve approved your travel in advance, unless the travel is for an emergency situation where a delay would threaten your life or health. If you need emergency transportation, notify us within 72 hours after transport.

For more information, talk with your VA health care team.

How can I get help with my claim?

Call your VA health facility’s Beneficiary Travel contact.

Find the travel contact for your facility

Or call our BTSSS toll-free call center at 855-574-7292 (TTY: 711). We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET.

What happens after I file my claim?

We’ll deposit your reimbursement through electronic funds transfer (EFT), unless we’ve made other payment arrangements with you.

More information about VA travel pay reimbursement

• VA online travel pay reimbursement claim instruction videos (YouTube)

Get video instructions on how to use the Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System (BTSSS).