Beneficiary Travel Self Service System (BTSSS)

BTSSS is an online, self-reporting system that eliminates delays created by paper forms and the kiosks. An updated profile is required to file a claim online and to process previously submitted kiosk and paper claims. Filing travel claims electronically with BTSSS and using direct deposit result in the fastest payment possible.

Benefits of using BTSSS

• Access 24 hours a day, every day
• Fast payments
• Direct deposit
• Track claims at any time

In order to file a travel claim, you'll need to sign in or create an account with either ID.me or Login.gov. 

Already have your Login.gov or ID.me? Get started with BTSS, click HERE.  

NOTE: We moved to Login.gov or ID.me for added security on our MyHealtheVet accounts as well. If you need assistance with  either of them, check out this story with helpful tips: va.gov/sheridan-health-care/stories/tips-for-creating-your-logingov-or-idme-account-for-myhealthevet/ 

Eligibility for general health care travel reimbursement

For Veterans

As a Veteran, you may be eligible for reimbursement if you meet the requirements listed here.

This must be true:

You’re traveling for care at a VA health facility or for VA-approved care at a non-VA health facility in your community.

And at least one of these must also be true:

• You have a VA disability rating of 30% or higher, or
• You’re traveling for treatment of a service-connected condition, even if your VA disability rating is less than 30%, or
• You receive a VA pension, or
• You have an income that’s below the maximum annual VA pension rate, or
• You can’t afford to pay for your travel, as defined by our guidelines, or
• You’re traveling for one of these reasons: A scheduled VA claim exam (also called a compensation and pension, or C&P, exam), to get a service dog, or for VA-approved transplant care 

For caregivers

We may pay for transportation and related lodging and meals for non-Veterans if the person meets any of these requirements.

At least one of these must be true:

• The person is your family caregiver under the National Caregiver Program traveling to receive caregiver training or to support your care, or
• The person is your medically required attendant traveling with you to support your care, or
• The person is your transplant care donor or support person

We may also pay for care for an allied beneficiary when the appropriate foreign government agency has authorized their care, or for the beneficiary of another federal agency when that agency has approved their care.

Types of expenses we reimburse for general health care travel

General health care travel reimbursement covers these expenses for eligible Veterans and caregivers:

• Regular transportation, such as by car, plane, train, bus, taxi, or light rail
• Approved meals and lodging expenses

What to do before you file your first claim

• Set up direct deposit. We can then deposit your reimbursement into your bank account.
  Learn how to set up direct deposit for VA travel pay reimbursement
• Keep your receipts for all transportation and approved meals or lodging. And track your mileage to and from appointments.
  Find out what expenses we pay for and current mileage rates
• Be sure to file your claim on time. You must file within 30 days of the appointment or of when you become eligible for reimbursement. File a new claim for each appointment.
  Learn how to file a travel pay claim online