Congressman Ruben Hinojosa is pleased to announce that some veterans will see an increase in the travel reimbursement they receive when traveling to VA medical facilities.

A new law that goes into effect Jan. 9 changes the deductible for service-disabled and low-income veterans mileage reimbursement.

The previous amount deducted allowed for a calendar cap of $46.42, including $7.77 for a one-way trip, and $15.54 for a roundtrip.

Through the recent measure, the amounts deducted will be significantly decreased; $3 for a one-way trip, $6 for a round trip, and a calendar cap of $18.

“Our veterans in South Texas deserve equal access to healthcare after they have served unselfishly for our country,” Hinojosa said. “Many in the Rio Grande Valley know how difficult it is to receive adequate medical care, and although the clinics in McAllen and Harlingen provide excellent care to many of these veterans, there are times when they must travel to VA facilities in San Antonio and beyond.

“While the ultimate goal is to have a fully operating VA Hospital in the Rio Grande Valley, the mileage reimbursement will help in ameliorating the burden placed on our service-disabled and low-income veterans who must travel hundreds of miles for care.”

Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs Dr. James B. Peak had previously announced in November that the reimbursement rate increased from 28.5 cents to 41.5 cents a mile in 2008. Currently, veterans who are service disabled or low-income are eligible to receive reimbursement for travel to VA medical facilities for counseling or healthcare.

Additionally, veterans traveling for compensation and pension examination also qualify for mileage reimbursement.