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Va And Mileage Allowance

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  • HadIt.com Elder

I recently questioned why two mileage payments were short.

When all was said and done, the VAMC (in another city) is using the 5 digit zip code as input to some sort of computerized program, instead of mapquest or other "VA acceptable" mileage.

Naturally the 5 digit zip code covers a large area, and typically results in much less than the actual mileage.

I seem to remember that the mapquest mileage was considered acceptable by the VA.

"http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/Library/FAQs/BeneTravelFAQ.asp#currentmileage

How do we determine mileage for reimbursement purposes?

VA has not established use of a single reference. Mileage can be determined using authoritative guidance such as Rand McNally or MapQuest; or zip code to zip code as determined at the local VA health care facility, whichever gives the greater benefit to the veteran."

Obviously a policy of shortchanging the veteran provides the "greater benefit to the veteran" in VA think!

Comments?

Edited by Chuck75
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  • HadIt.com Elder

Chuck - that's true. They screw the veteran, everytime!!! Their excuse is "it's up to each medical center to make their own policy."

pr

A quick check showed that the VA is using something that in this case mostly agrees with "as the crow flies", rather than anything near road mileage.

As the crow flies actually produced a distance of one mile more than the VA's figure. ??????

Again, the VA says (in writing no less) one thing, and does another!

http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/Library/FAQs/BeneTravelFAQ.asp#currentmileage

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  • HadIt.com Elder

At my White River Jct, VT, medical center they've been using the post office zip code. Many vets live beyond the Post Office and therefore lose money. I don't know if those closer to the VA, than from the PO, get actual mileage. Just another way to screw the vet.

pr

Edited by Philip Rogers
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  • HadIt.com Elder

I guess I am going to ask the VA to purchase me a Helicopter to travel as the crow flies.

Vets and veterans groups need this to go to court to straighten these crooks out.

Basser

A Veteran is a person who served this country. Treat them with respect.

A Disabled Veteran is a person who served this country and bears the scars of that service regardless of when or where they served.

Treat them with the upmost respect. I do. Rejection is not a sign of failure. Failure is not an option, Medical opinions and evidence wins claims. Trust in others is a virtue but you take the T out of Trust and you are left with Rust so be wise about who you are dealing with.

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I think that if the VA medical Centers would use the zip plus four then it would narrow it down to the vets house from the Hospital.

That way vets that live on the "other side of the zip code" would get a fair shake on travel pay.

But then they would raise the first part deductions to cover that error.

Just my opinon, but as it was always said at Fort Wood "check your common sense at the gate" and pick it up on the way out.

Kilo 4/12 VIET NAM
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HQ 1/10 LeJune
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Great Lakes Brig - Corrections
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Semper Fi Everything stays the same until it changes

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