Sponsors (49)
The bill reduces veterans' out-of-pocket travel costs and speeds reimbursements, but raises VA program costs and may strain administrative capacity unless resources are increased.
Veterans who travel for VA care will receive higher mileage reimbursements when the federal GSA rate increases, reducing their out-of-pocket travel costs.
Veterans who submit proper mileage claims will receive reimbursements within 90 days, improving cash flow and reducing short-term financial strain for patients.
Higher mileage reimbursements tied to rising GSA rates will increase VA spending, which could require budget offsets or trade-offs affecting other veteran services and taxpayers.
The 90-day payment requirement could strain VA claims processing and administrative resources, risking processing errors or delays unless staffing or systems are upgraded.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires VA to match or exceed the GSA per-mile rate for veteran travel reimbursements and to pay valid mileage claims within 90 days.
Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to set the mileage reimbursement rate paid to veterans for use of privately owned vehicles at least equal to the General Services Administration (GSA) mileage rate used for federal employees, and requires mileage-based travel allowance claims to be paid within 90 days after a properly submitted request for any fiscal year in which the VA exercises authority to make such payments. Also updates statutory cross-references in 38 U.S.C. §111 and establishes a short title.
Introduced February 13, 2025 by Julia Brownley · Last progress February 13, 2025