Instructions and FAQs for Completing Travel Reimbursement Request

Per national VA Beneficiary Travel regulations contained in 38 CFR, Part 70, all requests for reimbursement of travel expenses must be received by VA Travel staff within thirty calendar days from the date care was received.

You can submit your request for travel reimbursement via any one of FIVE methods:

• Method #1: Use any kiosk machine located in the VA, Medical Center in La Jolla or in our Community Based Outpatient Clinics.
• Method #2: Use the VA travel claims website: www.access.va.gov
• Method #3: Drop your completed paper form in the travel claims box in the travel lobby of the VA Medical Center in La Jolla.
• Method #4: Mail to the VA at the following address: VA Medical Center, Attn: Beneficiary Travel (136C), 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161
• Method #5: Fax to the VA at

Fill out this same form that's stapled to this sheet (VA Form 10-3542). Ask your provider's office for documentation on their office letterhead providing the following requirements:

• Statement showing the Veteran's full name.
• the date the Veteran completed the appointment(s).
• The address of the provider's office.

• Wording showing the appointment was completed.

  Please do not attach an appointment schedule. The key is that the documentation must show the appointment was completed in order for VA to provide reimbursement. Telephonic inquiries cannot satisfy this requirement. Please do not have your provider send it in separately. It has to come with your completed travel reimbursement request form submitted by the Veteran. 

You can have a P.O. box address in the VA system. However, travel reimbursement is calculated based on your residential address. Please be advised you may be required to provide proof of residential address under certain circumstances before reimbursement can be provided.

You must have used the transportation in connection with going to or coming from VA authorized healthcare. You must have a paper receipt showing the amount paid and date of purchase. VA reimburses at a nationally mandated rate of $41.5 cents per mile traveled, up to and not to exceed the amount paid for the pass or the ride. Claims lacking receipt cannot be processed.

Reimbursement for lodging and meals can only be provided if pre-approved by the VA San Diego Beneficiary Travel Dept. prior to the commencement of travel. Receipts must be provided. Claims must be received within thirty calendar days from the date care was received. Reimbursement is calculated at VA prescribed per diem rates. Reimbursement for MTS, NCTD, Taxi, Uber or Lyft, parking tolls, baggage and parking fees all require paper receipt to be included with your claim.