VA TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS: HOW VETERANS CAN GET TO THEIR MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS
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For many Veterans, getting to medical appointments isn’t as simple as hopping in the car, turning the ignition, and heading out.
Some might live hours from the nearest VA hospital, lack a reliable vehicle, or face mobility challenges that make travel difficult. Balancing work, family, and service-related injuries can turn transportation into a major source of stress.
The VA and trusted partner organizations understand these challenges. Programs like the Veterans Transportation Service (VTS), Beneficiary Travel (BT), and support from Disabled American Veterans (DAV) are designed to help Veterans reach care safely and on time, no matter their circumstances.
Here’s how each program works, who qualifies, and how to make the most of the options available — so travel to your appointments is one less thing to worry about.
Veterans Transportation Service (VTS)
The Veterans Transportation Service provides direct rides to VA medical facilities or authorized non-VA appointments. It’s intended for Veterans who may have difficulty accessing care due to mobility issues, distance, or a lack of reliable transportation.
Veterans who qualify:
- Must be eligible for VA health care.
- Must have a scheduled VA-authorized appointment.
- No specific disability rating is required. Eligibility is determined by local VA facility guidelines, which may prioritize Veterans based on factors like disability, age, or need rather than a minimum rating percentage.
How to access VTS:
- Contact your local VA medical center’s transportation office or VTS coordinator.
- Some facilities offer online portals to schedule and track rides.
Driver responsibilities:
VTS drivers are VA staff or partner organizations trained to safely transport Veterans. They ensure timely pick-ups and drop-offs but do not provide medical care during transit.
Notes:
- Rides are based on availability and scheduling at each facility.
- Services are generally for scheduled medical appointments, not personal errands.
Uber Health Connect
Some VA facilities participate in Uber Health Connect, which allows the VA to schedule Uber rides for Veterans at no cost. Unlike a personal Uber, rides are arranged by VA staff through Uber Health, with details provided to the Veteran in advance.
Veterans who qualify:
- Must be eligible for Beneficiary Travel.
- Must have a VA-authorized appointment and a transportation consult.
How to access:
- Contact your local Beneficiary Travel office; in most cases, the VTS handles scheduling Uber Health Connect drivers.
- The VA coordinator books the Uber ride and provides vehicle and driver details.
Driver responsibilities:
Uber Health drivers follow the same protocols as Uber drivers. The VA handles payment, so Veterans do not pay or tip.
Notes:
- Availability varies by VA facility and region.
- This service is supplemental to VTS or BT, not a replacement.
Beneficiary Travel (BT)
Beneficiary Travel helps eligible Veterans get reimbursed for travel costs to VA appointments.
This can include mileage for personal vehicle trips, taxis, buses, trains, planes, or specialized transport such as ambulances or wheelchair-equipped vehicles.
Veterans who qualify:
- 30% or more disability rating.
- Disabilities ratings less than 30% traveling for care for their service-connected condition.
- Receiving VA pension benefits.
- Unable to defray the cost of travel.
- Traveling to a VA facility or C&P exam.
- Certain Veterans in limited emergency situations.
- Beneficiaries of other federal agencies.
- Allied beneficiaries, when authorized by an appropriate foreign government agency.
How to use BT:
- File a claim through the Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System (BTSSS) or submit VA Form 10-3542 within 30 days of travel.
- Keep receipts and documentation for all expenses.
Notes:
- Only travel to the closest appropriate VA facility is reimbursed unless a farther location is medically necessary.
- Companion travel may be reimbursed under certain circumstances.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Transportation
The DAV Volunteer Transportation Network provides free rides to VA medical appointments for Veterans who might otherwise struggle to get there.
Volunteers drive donated or maintained vehicles and coordinate rides through local VA Hospital Service Coordinators (HSCs).
Veterans who qualify:
- Any Veteran with a scheduled VA appointment.
- Those who are able to safely enter and exit the vehicle (ambulatory or with minimal assistance).
- No specific disability rating required.
How to use DAV:
- Contact your local VA Hospital Service Coordinator to schedule a ride.
Driver responsibilities:
- Drivers are volunteers who follow safety protocols to ensure Veterans reach appointments safely.
- Availability depends on volunteer schedules and vehicle capacity.
Notes:
- Rides may not be available everywhere.
- Wheelchair accessibility may vary depending on location and vehicle.
Making Transportation Work for You
Once you know which services you qualify for, getting transportation gets a little easier, but you might still feel a little lost on the next steps you should be taking.
Start by reaching out to your local VA transportation or Beneficiary Travel office as soon as your appointment is scheduled. The sooner they know your needs, the better they can coordinate rides and options.
Be upfront about any mobility or accessibility concerns. Letting the office know what kind of assistance you may need — from wheelchair access to help getting in and out of the vehicle — ensures your ride is safe and comfortable.
Ask about all the services available in your area. Sometimes, combining options, like VTS for part of the trip and DAV volunteer transport for another leg, can make longer trips much easier.
Keep your appointment details and contact information up to date. It’s a simple step that helps ensure your ride is on time, and you don’t miss the care you need.
Overcoming Travel Challenges to Access Care
Whether you’re using Veterans Transportation Service, filing for travel reimbursement through the Beneficiary Travel program, arranging a rideshare through Uber Health Connect, or tapping into volunteer driver services like DAV, there are options built to help Veterans overcome transportation barriers.
Talk with your local VA transportation or Beneficiary Travel office early, clearly express your travel needs, and explore the available service combinations in your area. Your care is worth the effort it takes to get there.
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BY JESSICA GETTLE
Military Spouse & Family Life Writer at VeteranLife
Jessica Gettle is a military spouse of more than a decade, part of the EOD community, and a communications professional with 10 years of experience. She combines her career expertise with a deep, personal understanding of the unique rhythms, joys, and challenges of military life. Driven by a passion...
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Jessica Gettle is a military spouse of more than a decade, part of the EOD community, and a communications professional with 10 years of experience. She combines her career expertise with a deep, personal understanding of the unique rhythms, joys, and challenges of military life. Driven by a passion...
