WASHINGTON – Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) today commended the recent increase in travel reimbursement payments for veterans, many of whom are forced to travel long distances to receive care at official Veterans Affairs medical facilities.

“Our veterans who travel to receive care should not face financial hardship simply to get the healthcare they need,” said Capito.  “These new increases will more than double the reimbursement rates for veterans and their families.  Many of our state’s veterans live in rural areas far from a VA medical facility, and this increased reimbursement will provide much-needed relief in the face of increased gas prices and travel costs.”

Beginning this month, the per mile reimbursement rate for travel to and from Veterans Affairs medical facilities will increase from 11 cents to 28.5 cents per mile.  These increases were made possible through the consolidated appropriations act passed by congress in December, which provided an additional $3 billion to support the Department of Veterans Affairs. 

Capito recently testified before the House Committee on Veterans Affairs to promote legislation she introduced to create alternative treatment options for veterans suffering from combat-related traumatic brain injuries (TBI).  Because only four VA facilities are currently capable of treating TBI, many veterans are forced to travel excessive distances to receive care.

Her bill would create a pilot program and partnership between the VA and local medical professionals to make care for these veterans more readily available in their local areas. 

“Even without the hassle of long-distance travel, TBI places significant stress on our veterans and their families,” noted Capito.  “We must find creative solutions and do everything possible to make sure that treatment is readily available”

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