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Veterans Transportation

As the number of wounded veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan increases, transportation becomes a critical issue. Rural communities house many of these veterans, often leading to challenges in accessing care. With 20% suffering from PTSD and alarming suicide rates, families play a vital role in their support. The VA offers travel benefits under specific criteria, but many veterans are unaware of their eligibility. This underscores the need for community partnerships and better transportation solutions to aid veterans and their families effectively.

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Veterans Transportation

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  1. Veterans Transportation How it works and how you can help

  2. The Issue • The growing need — more than just veterans • Why is this a growing issue? • Who does it now? • Why transit has a role • Why families are important

  3. The Facts • Rural communities are home to a disproportionate share of wounded Iraq and Afghanistan veterans – 2006 Study by the Casey Foundation • For every fatality in Iraq, there are 16 wounded or injured soldiers; in Vietnam the ratio was 2.6 injuries for every fatality – 2008 VA Statistics • Nearly 2,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have returned with Traumatic Brain Injuries – 2008 VA Statistics

  4. The Facts • 20 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans suffer from PTSD – 2008 Rand Corp. study • The suicide rate among veterans is the highest since the Army began keeping records in 1980. Records indicate more than 1,000 veterans attempt suicide every month – 2008 VA Statistics

  5. The VA and Veterans Services • Working with the VA • Veterans Service Organizations http://www1.va.gov/vso/ • VISNs • CBOCs • DAV

  6. VA and Transportation Question: Does the VA offer compensation for travel expenses to and from a VA facility? Answer: If you meet specific criteria you are eligible for travel benefits. In most cases, travel benefits are subject to a deductible. Exceptions to the deductible requirement are: 1) travel for a compensation and pension examination; and 2) travel by an ambulance or a specially equipped van. Because travel benefits are subject to annual mileage rate and deductible changes, we publish a separate document detailing these amounts each year. You can obtain a copy at any VA health care facility.

  7. VA and Transportation – Part II Question: Do I qualify for travel benefits? Answer: You may qualify for beneficiary travel payments if: • You have a service-connected rating of 30 percent or more • You are traveling for treatment of a service-connected condition • You receive a VA pension • You are traveling for a scheduled compensation or pension examination • Your income does not exceed the maximum annual VA pension rate • You are in an authorized Vocational Rehabilitation Program • Your medical condition requires an ambulance or a specially equipped van, you are unable to defray the cost, and the travel is pre-authorized (authorization is not required for emergencies if a delay would endanger your life or health)

  8. Veterans Integrated Service Network

  9. VISN Network Facilities

  10. VISN Listings • For a complete list of the VISN Network, please go to www1.va.gov/directory/guide/division_flsh.asp?dnum=1

  11. Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCS) • For a local directory, go here: http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp

  12. Efforts to Date • Congressional action S. 1146 • Building Partnerships • VetLinks

  13. Your Stories • How are you working with Veterans and military bases? • How would you like to be working with Veterans and their families? • What is getting in the way? • What about coordination?

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