Veterans Veterans TransportationTransportation

How it works and how you can helpHow it works and how you can help

The IssueThe Issue

• The growing need — more than The growing need — more than just veteransjust veterans

• • Why is this a growing issue?Why is this a growing issue?

• Who does it now?Who does it now?

• Why transit has a roleWhy transit has a role

• Why families are importantWhy families are important

The FactsThe Facts

• Rural communities are home to a Rural communities are home to a disproportionate share of wounded Iraq and disproportionate share of wounded Iraq and Afghanistan veterans – Afghanistan veterans – 2006 Study by the Casey 2006 Study by the Casey FoundationFoundation

• For every fatality in Iraq, there are 16 For every fatality in Iraq, there are 16 wounded or injured soldiers; in Vietnam the wounded or injured soldiers; in Vietnam the ratio was 2.6 injuries for every fatality ratio was 2.6 injuries for every fatality – 2008 VA – 2008 VA StatisticsStatistics

• Nearly 2,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans Nearly 2,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have returned with Traumatic Brain Injuries – have returned with Traumatic Brain Injuries – 2008 VA Statistics2008 VA Statistics

The FactsThe Facts

• 20 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans 20 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans suffer from PTSD – suffer from PTSD – 2008 Rand Corp. study2008 Rand Corp. study

• The suicide rate among veterans is the The suicide rate among veterans is the highest since the Army began keeping records highest since the Army began keeping records in 1980. Records indicate more than 1,000 in 1980. Records indicate more than 1,000 veterans attempt suicide every month veterans attempt suicide every month – 2008 VA – 2008 VA StatisticsStatistics

The VA and Veterans The VA and Veterans ServicesServices

• Working with the VAWorking with the VA

• Veterans Service OrganizationsVeterans Service Organizations

http://www1.va.gov/vso/http://www1.va.gov/vso/

• VISNsVISNs

• CBOCsCBOCs

• DAVDAV

VA and TransportationVA and Transportation

QuestionQuestion: : Does the VA offer compensation for Does the VA offer compensation for travel expenses to and from a VA facility?travel expenses to and from a VA facility?

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

VA and Transportation – VA and Transportation – Part IIPart II

QuestionQuestion: : Do I qualify for travel benefits?Do I qualify for travel benefits?

AnswerAnswer: : You may qualify for beneficiary travel payments if:You may qualify for beneficiary travel payments if:

• • You have a service-connected rating of 30 percent or moreYou have a service-connected rating of 30 percent or more

• • You are traveling for treatment of a service-connected conditionYou are traveling for treatment of a service-connected condition

• • You receive a VA pensionYou receive a VA pension

• • You are traveling for a scheduled compensation or pension examinationYou are traveling for a scheduled compensation or pension examination

• • Your income does not exceed the maximum annual VA pension rateYour income does not exceed the maximum annual VA pension rate

• • You are in an authorized Vocational Rehabilitation ProgramYou are in an authorized Vocational Rehabilitation Program

• • Your medical condition requires an ambulance or a specially equipped van, you are 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 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)for emergencies if a delay would endanger your life or health)

Veterans Integrated Service NetworkVeterans Integrated Service Network

VISN Network FacilitiesVISN Network Facilities

VISN ListingsVISN Listings

• For a complete list of the VISN Network, please go toFor a complete list of the VISN Network, please go to

www1.va.gov/directory/guide/division_flsh.asp?www1.va.gov/directory/guide/division_flsh.asp?dnum=1dnum=1

Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCS)Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCS)

• For a local directory, go here:For a local directory, go here:

http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asphome.asp

Efforts to DateEfforts to Date

• Congressional actionCongressional action

S. 1146S. 1146

• Building PartnershipsBuilding Partnerships

• VetLinksVetLinks

Your StoriesYour Stories

• How are you working with How are you working with Veterans and military bases?Veterans and military bases?

• How would you like to be working How would you like to be working with Veterans and their families?with Veterans and their families?

• What is getting in the way?What is getting in the way?

• What about coordination?What about coordination?