Disabled Veterans Transportation Benefits
Most disabled vets know that they’re entitled to VA healthcare services, whether that means treatment for their service-connected conditions or broader healthcare services. But many don’t know about or don’t take advantage of the transportation benefits that can help a veteran get to and from medical appointments, testing, and hospitals.
What is the Transportation Program (VTP)?
The VTP provides assistance for veterans to and from VA healthcare facilities and other VA-authorized medical appointments. The exact details of the options available and eligibility vary depending on location. So, the best source of detailed information about the options available for you is the VA facility or authorized facility you need to visit.
Here’s an overview of the services available.
Veterans Transportation Service (VTS)
VTS is a network of transportation providers and options coordinated by the VA and a variety of organizations and governmental entities that serve veterans. VTS transports veterans to and from medical facilities in multi-passenger vans. You can find the nearest VTS office here.
Travel Reimbursement
The VA also offers eligible veterans and caretakers reimbursement for mileage or for travel expenses. To qualify, a veteran must be traveling to a VA healthcare facility or a VA-authorized appointment at another facility and meet one of a long list of other criteria, including traveling for treatment of a service-connected condition, having a VA disability rating of at least 30%, being unable to afford transportation for medical care, receiving a VA pension, meeting income requirements, or traveling for certain specifically listed purposes.
The VA also provides grants to organizations that provide transportation to veterans in a small number of “highly rural” areas.
Other Solutions for Disabled Veterans
VA disability benefits, including healthcare, monetary compensation, and assistance in traveling to and from medical appointments provide an important safety net for veterans who are partly or totally disabled. It’s important to ensure that you’re familiar with all of the VA benefits available to you. It’s also important to be aware that you may qualify for other types of benefits, such as Social Security disability (SSD). Many disabled veterans are eligible to receive both veterans disability benefits and SSD at the same time, which can significantly increase the total benefits received. Whether you’re applying for or appealing a denial of VA disability benefits or SSD, or are receiving VA disability benefits and want to pursue SSD, the advocates at Disability Help Group are here to support you with our extensive knowledge and experience. To learn more about how we can help, call 800-800-3332 right now, or fill out our contact form here.
