WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Frank A. LoBiondo (R-2nd) on Jan. 31 applauded the new Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James Peake for establishing the first increase in the mileage reimbursement for eligible veterans in 30 years.
Provided under the Fiscal Year 2008 Omnibus Appropriations, the increase from 11 cents per mile to 28.5 cents per mile takes effect Feb. 1.
“As South Jersey veterans can attest, there is a sacrifice of time and personal resources to drive to the VA Medical Center in Wilmington. While I continue to work to bring additional health care services to South Jersey, eligible veterans should be given fair reimbursement when required to seek extensive treatment not available locally,” said LoBiondo. “I applaud Sec. Peake for his quick action to ease the hardship for our veterans.”
According to the VA’s announcement, the secretary’s decision equally increases the deductible amounts applied to certain mileage reimbursements.
The new deductibles will be $7.77 for a one way trip, $15.54 for a round trip, with a maximum of $46.62 per calendar month. However, these deductibles can be waived if they cause a financial hardship to the veteran.
Peake was nominated by the President in October 2007 to replace outgoing VA Secretary James Nicholson. Secretary Peake was confirmed by the full Senate in December 2007.
