76-432 in 1940. Since its authorization, the Veterans Beneficiary Travel Program has undergone a number of significant legislative and regulatory changes affecting eligibility and the type of transportation covered, as well as the cost to VA for the benefit. Congress has changed mileage reimbursement rates and veteran deductible costs for this program. The most recent changes to the program were made by the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 ( P.L. 111-163 ). Questions and Answers

Not all veterans are eligible for travel benefits, and not all travel costs are covered by the Veterans Beneficiary Travel Program. VA determines eligibility for Veterans Beneficiary Travel Program benefits based on the characteristics of the veteran, the type of medical appointment, or a combination of the two. Time limits also apply for requesting reimbursement. Non-veteran Eligibility

A limited group of non-veterans is also eligible for reimbursement of some travel costs related to medical appointments at VA facilities:
an attendant of a veteran, if a VA provider determines the attendant is required; donors or potential donors of tissue, organs, or parts to a veteran receiving VA-authorized care; veterans' immediate family members traveling for bereavement counseling related to the death of the veteran in the active line of duty; veterans' immediate family members, guardians, or those in whose home a veteran lives if traveling for consultation, counseling, training, or mental health services relating to a veteran receiving care for a service-connected disability; allied beneficiaries, if the travel and reimbursement have been authorized by the appropriate foreign government agency; and beneficiaries of other federal agencies, when authorized by that agency. Travel by Car

Eligible veterans who drive in private cars to appointments are reimbursed at a per-mile rate for travel both to the appointment and back home. Special Mode Transportation

"Special mode" transportation refers to travel in an ambulance, wheelchair van, or other vehicle specially designed for transporting people with disabilities. How Are Benefits Calculated? Are There Circumstances Under Which Eligible Veterans' Benefits Are Not Paid? Appendix A. As shown in Table B -1 , spending for the Beneficiary Travel Program increased by approximately 285% between FY2006 and FY2010.
The Department of Veterans Affairs administers a Travel Beneficiary Program to help alleviate the costs of travel to medical appointments for eligible veterans. Travel benefit eligibility for veterans is based on either the characteristics of the veteran, the type of medical appointment, or a combination of the two. Certain people who are not veterans, including family members or others accompanying veterans to appointments and organ donors, are also eligible for the benefit. Travel costs are reimbursed to beneficiaries, usually after a deductible. Costs covered by the program include a per-mile rate for travel in private vehicles, "special mode" (e.g., ambulance) travel in certain circumstances, and in some cases airfare and meals and lodging.
This report offers an overview of the benefit and includes a question-and-answer section with basic information about eligibility, the types of travel covered and how benefits are calculated, and how to apply for the benefit. The report also includes an appendix containing a review of major legislative and regulatory changes to the benefit since its inception in 1940 (P.L. 76-432) through the most recent changes enacted in 2010 (P.L. 111-163). Recent changes are primarily related to mileage reimbursement rates and deductibles. Another appendix details funding for the program between FY2006 and FY2011. Spending for the program has increased by 285% between FY2006 and FY2010, and the number of veterans claiming travel reimbursement has increased by 30% during that time.