Two Appointments -- Two Vamcs -- Same Day

[ks1k]

The problem with the language that includes "multiple payments" is that it's left up to the VA to define the details. Naturally, the VA does NOT follow the "most advantageous" statement elsewhere in the mileage reimbursement regs, since they don't even follow it on a single payment. (Using crow flies from a calculated fixed point in a zip code instead of actual road mileage.)

You are, of course, correct Chuck.

I went round and round with the supervisor of the travel section in Gainesville FL over the way they figure mileage.

The short of it was that I had an appointment at their Dermatology Clinic on the other side of Gainesville, in a different zip code, and he insisted that I could only be paid to the VAMC. I pointed out to him that their FAQs stated (1) zip code to zip code, (2) Rand McNally, or (3) Mapquest -- whichever was the most advantageous to the veteran. His reply was that "that is not how we do it." End of story as far as he was concerned.

That seems to be the way many travel sections work. Just do what is easiest for them. Not thinking or common sense required.

[COOL BREEZE]

Also, if you go to the emergency room for a visit, stop by the travel pay section when they are open and you can get paid for that as well. They put it into there system, so it counts as an appointment!!