[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 22 (Friday, February 1, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Page 6291]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-1641]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Increase in Mileage Reimbursement Rate and Deductible Amounts in 
the Beneficiary Travel Program

AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This notice is to inform the public of the Secretary's 
decision to increase the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 
Beneficiary Travel program mileage reimbursement rate and deductible 
amounts under 38 U.S.C. 111 for travel of eligible beneficiaries in 
connection with VA health care and for other purposes. Effective 
February 1, 2008, the beneficiary travel mileage reimbursement rate is 
increased from 11 cents to 28.5 cents based upon mileage traveled to or 
from a Department facility or other place in connection with vocational 
rehabilitation, counseling required by the Secretary pursuant to 38 
U.S.C. chapter 34, ``Educational Assistance'' or chapter 35, 
``Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance'' or for the 
purpose of examination, treatment or care.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tony A. Guagliardo, Director, Business 
Policy, Chief Business Office (16), VA Central Office, 810 Vermont 
Avenue, NW., Washington, D.C. 20420, (202) 254-0406. (This is not a 
toll-free number)

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 111, ``Payments 
or allowances for beneficiary travel'' the Secretary has authority to 
establish rates for payment of mileage reimbursement for certain 
eligible beneficiaries. Funding for beneficiary travel mileage 
reimbursement comes directly from the annual health care appropriation 
and General Operating Expenses covers the chapter 34 and chapter 35 
reimbursement. Funds expended for beneficiary travel decrease those 
available for direct medical care. Accordingly, due to the steady rise 
in patient workload and the associated increased demand for VA medical 
care resources, the beneficiary travel mileage reimbursement rate has 
not been changed since 1978. The 2008 Appropriations Act provided 
funding in VA's health care appropriation to increase the beneficiary 
travel mileage reimbursement rate to 28.5 cents per mile, which is the 
current reimbursement rate for Federal employees if a Government-owned 
vehicle is available. The Secretary has thus made the decision to 
increase VA's beneficiary travel mileage reimbursement rate to 28.5 
cents per mile. In making this decision, the Secretary also reviewed 
and analyzed other factors including the increase in the cost of 
depreciation of vehicles, gasoline and oil, maintenance, accessories, 
parts, and tires, insurances and taxes; the availability of and time 
required for public transportation; and the other mileage allowances 
authorized for Federal employees.
    Title 38 U.S.C. 111(c)(5) requires VA to adjust proportionately the 
beneficiary travel mileage reimbursement rate deductibles for travel in 
relation to examination, treatment or care (currently $3 one way; $6 
round trip, with a maximum of $18 per calendar month) effective on the 
date of a beneficiary travel mileage reimbursement rate change. 
Therefore, based on the increase of the beneficiary travel mileage 
reimbursement rate the deductible is adjusted proportionately to $7.77 
per one way trip; $15.54 for a round trip; with a maximum deductible of 
$46.62 per calendar month. These deductibles may be waived in 
accordance with 38 CFR 17.144(b) when their imposition would cause 
severe financial hardship.

    Approved: January 24, 2008
James B. Peake,
Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
[FR Doc. E8-1641 Filed 1-31-08; 8:45 am]
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