Travel Benefits for Disabled Veterans: What Programs Cover Your Costs

What disabled veterans can get for travel

Disabled veterans have access to several travel programs that reduce or cover transportation costs. The main options are the Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC) discounts with airlines and rental car companies, the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) which can help with travel to medical appointments, and state-specific veteran travel benefits that vary widely. Some programs reimburse mileage to VA medical facilities, while others offer hotel discounts or free transportation to specific locations.

The programs you can use depend on your service-connected disability rating, which the VA assigns during your initial claim review. A rating of 0% to 100% determines what you access. You do not need to be receiving VA disability compensation to may have access to for some benefits — some are available to all honorably discharged veterans, while others require an active VA disability rating.

The fastest way to find what applies to you is to contact your local VA regional office or call the Veterans Benefits Hotline at 1-800-827-1000. They can tell you which programs you currently meet the requirements for and what documentation you need to use them.

Key Takeaways

• The Veterans Health Identification Card gives you discounts with major airlines, rental car companies, and some hotels, and you can request one through VA.gov or your VA medical center.
• Mileage reimbursement to VA medical facilities covers round-trip travel at a set rate per mile, and you claim it after your appointment through your VA facility.
• State veteran travel programs vary significantly — some cover transportation to state veteran homes or cemeteries, while others offer fuel vouchers or lodging assistance.
• Disabled veterans with a 50% or higher rating may may have access to for additional programs like the Aid and Attendance benefit, which can include travel-related expenses.
• You will need your VA disability rating letter and proof of service to access most programs, so keep these documents accessible.

Airline and rental car discounts through the VHIC

The Veterans Health Identification Card is a physical card issued by the VA that shows your military service and disability status. Major airlines including United, American, Southwest, and Delta offer military discounts to VHIC holders, typically 5% off base fares. Rental car companies like Hertz, Avis, and Budget also provide discounts ranging from 5% to 10% depending on the company and your rental dates.

To get a VHIC, you can request one online through VA.gov if you have an account, or visit your nearest VA medical center in person. The card is free and usually arrives within two to three weeks. You do not need to have a disability rating to receive one — all honorably discharged veterans can request a VHIC. When you book travel, mention that you hold a VHIC and ask about veteran discounts at the time of reservation, as discounts are not always automatically applied.

Keep in mind that these discounts are offered by the companies themselves, not the VA, so the discount amount and which routes or dates may have access to can change. Call the airline or rental company directly to confirm the current discount before you book, rather than assuming the online rate includes it.

Mileage reimbursement for trips to VA medical appointments

If you travel to a VA medical facility for a service-connected condition, the VA will reimburse you for mileage at a rate set each year. The rate applies to round-trip travel from your home to the facility. You do not need to drive yourself — if someone else drives you, you can still claim the mileage for that trip. The reimbursement covers the actual miles traveled, not a flat fee.

To claim mileage, ask your VA facility for a mileage reimbursement form after your appointment, or request one before you travel. You will need to provide the date of your appointment, the facility you visited, and the number of miles traveled. Some VA facilities allow you to submit claims online through your patient portal, while others require a paper form. The reimbursement is typically processed within four to six weeks and paid directly to you by check or electronic transfer.

The mileage rate varies by year — it is usually between 40 and 60 cents per mile, but you should confirm the current rate with your VA facility before you travel so you know what to expect. If you stayed overnight because the appointment required it, ask whether the facility covers lodging as well, as some do for appointments that cannot be completed in a single day.

State veteran travel programs and benefits

Many states offer travel benefits to disabled veterans that are separate from federal VA programs. These vary significantly by state and may include free or reduced-cost transportation to state veteran homes, state veteran cemeteries, or state-run medical facilities. Some states offer fuel vouchers, lodging assistance, or subsidized bus or train passes for veterans with disabilities.

To find what your state offers, contact your state's Department of Veterans Affairs or veteran services office. You can locate this office through the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs website or by searching "[your state] veteran services." When you contact them, have your VA disability rating letter and discharge papers ready, as most state programs require proof of both service and disability status.

State programs often have different rules than federal ones — some may require you to have a specific disability rating, while others serve all disabled veterans regardless of rating. A few states offer programs only to veterans living in the state, while others extend benefits to veterans who relocated. Ask specifically whether the program covers travel for medical appointments, travel to veteran facilities, or travel for other purposes like attending veteran events or visiting state cemeteries.

Aid and Attendance benefits and travel-related costs

Veterans with a service-connected disability rated at 50% or higher, or those rated at 30% or higher with specific conditions, may may have access to for the Aid and Attendance benefit. This is a monthly payment that can be used for various expenses, including some travel costs. The benefit is not restricted to specific uses, so you can use it to cover transportation, lodging, or other expenses related to travel for medical care or personal reasons.

To determine whether you may have access to, contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 or visit your local VA regional office. You will need to provide medical evidence that your condition requires aid and attendance — meaning you need help with daily activities or are housebound. The monthly amount varies based on your living situation and family status, but ranges from several hundred to over a thousand dollars per month.

If you already receive this benefit, you do not need to report how you spend it. If you are applying for it, be aware that the process can take several months, and you may need to submit additional medical documentation. Some veterans may have access to for Aid and Attendance retroactively, meaning the VA may pay you for months before your approval date, so it is worth applying even if you have not received the benefit before.

Travel to VA medical facilities outside your region

If your local VA facility cannot provide the care you need, the VA may authorize travel to another VA medical center or to a non-VA provider. When travel is authorized, the VA covers mileage reimbursement or may arrange transportation directly. You must have prior authorization from your VA facility before you travel — traveling without approval means you will not be reimbursed.

To request authorization, contact your VA facility's patient advocate or your primary care provider and explain why you need to travel for care. They will review your case and either approve travel to another VA facility or authorize care at a non-VA provider near you. The authorization process usually takes one to two weeks, so plan ahead if possible.

If the VA authorizes a non-VA provider, ask whether they will cover transportation costs as part of the authorization. Some authorizations include travel coverage, while others cover only the medical care itself. Get the authorization in writing before you travel so you have proof if you need to submit a reimbursement claim later.

Discounts and programs for family members traveling with disabled veterans

Some travel discounts extend to family members traveling with a disabled veteran, though the rules vary by company and program. Airlines sometimes allow one companion to receive a discount when traveling with a veteran who has a high disability rating or requires assistance. Rental car companies occasionally offer discounts to family members of disabled veterans, but this is less common than veteran-only discounts.

Hotel chains including Best Western, Choice Hotels, and Marriott offer military discounts that may apply to family members booking rooms for a disabled veteran. These discounts are typically 10% off the base rate and do not require proof of disability — only military service. When you book, mention that you are traveling with a veteran and ask what discount applies.

For travel to VA medical appointments, if a family member drives the disabled veteran, the veteran can still claim mileage reimbursement. The family member does not receive separate reimbursement, but the veteran's mileage covers the round trip regardless of who drove. If the veteran requires a personal care attendant to travel, ask your VA facility whether they cover the attendant's travel costs as well, as some do for medically necessary trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a certain disability rating to use these travel benefits?

It depends on the program. The VHIC is available to all honorably discharged veterans regardless of disability rating. Mileage reimbursement to VA medical facilities is available to all veterans receiving VA care. State programs vary — some serve all disabled veterans, while others require a specific rating. Aid and Attendance requires a 50% or higher rating. Contact your VA regional office to confirm which programs you can use based on your current rating.

Can I get reimbursed for travel to a private doctor instead of a VA facility?

Only if the VA has authorized you to see that provider. You must have prior authorization from your VA facility before you travel. If authorized, the VA may cover mileage or arrange transportation. Travel to a private doctor without authorization will not be reimbursed. Contact your VA facility's patient advocate to request authorization if your local VA cannot provide the care you need.

How do I claim mileage reimbursement if I flew to my appointment instead of driving?

Mileage reimbursement applies only to ground transportation. If you flew, you cannot claim mileage. However, if the VA authorized your travel, ask whether they will cover your airfare or reimburse you for the actual cost of your ticket. Some authorizations include airfare coverage, but you must have approval before you book.

What if I live far from the nearest VA facility — do I get extra reimbursement?

No, reimbursement is based on the actual miles you travel at the set rate per mile. If you live 200 miles from the nearest VA facility, you are reimbursed for 400 miles round trip at the current rate. The distance does not increase the per-mile rate, but it does increase your total reimbursement. If travel is a significant hardship, ask your VA facility about Aid and Attendance or other programs that might help cover costs.

Can I use my VHIC discount if someone else books my flight for me?

Yes, but you will need to provide your VHIC information to the person booking. The discount is tied to your card, not to who makes the reservation. When the person booking calls the airline, they should mention that the traveler holds a VHIC and provide your card number or military ID number. Confirm with the airline that the discount has been applied before the booking is finalized.