The short answer
Getting to and from your medical appointments is just as important as the care you receive there. If you cannot get to the clinic, you cannot get the help you need. For many Veterans, a lack of reliable transportation is a major barrier to staying healthy. But there is help available.
Several programs exist to help Veterans get to their VA appointments. The most important one to know is the DAV Transportation Network, a free service run by volunteers that gives rides to Veterans. The VA also has its own travel pay reimbursement program for eligible Veterans. The key is to know about these options and plan ahead to use them.
Why Transportation Is Part of Your Health Plan
After leaving the military, it is up to you to build a new routine that keeps you healthy and strong. Experts at the VA Whole Health program encourage Veterans to be the "captain of your own care." A big part of being the captain is managing the logistics. That means not just scheduling an appointment, but also figuring out how you will get there and back.
Thinking about transportation ahead of time is a form of discipline. As author and retired Navy SEAL Jocko Willink teaches, you have to remove excuses that get in the way of your goals. Arranging a ride in advance removes a huge excuse for missing an appointment. It turns a potential crisis, like your car breaking down, into a problem you have already solved. Making sure you have a ride is an act of taking control of your health and well being. It is a critical step in making sure you get the consistent care you have earned.
Free Rides from DAV: The Transportation Network
One of the best resources for Veterans is the DAV Transportation Network. This program is a partnership between DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and the VA. Volunteers drive vans or cars to pick Veterans up and take them to their VA medical appointments, all for free.
This service can be a lifeline. Consistent care often depends on reliable rides. Here is what you need to know:
- It is run by volunteers. The drivers are people who volunteer their time to help fellow Veterans. This means availability can vary from place to place.
- You must schedule in advance. This is not an on demand service like a taxi. You need to contact the Hospital Service Coordinator at your local VA medical facility to sign up and schedule your ride. Do this as far in advance as possible.
- Coverage varies. The network is strong in many areas, but it does not cover the entire country. It can be especially difficult to find rides in some rural areas. The only way to know what is available in your area is to call your local coordinator.
Never assume a ride will be available at the last minute. Call and get registered with your local coordinator today, even if you do not have an immediate need. That way, you will be ready when you do need a ride.
VA Travel Pay Reimbursement
In addition to the DAV network, the VA itself offers help with transportation costs through its Beneficiary Travel program. This is not a ride service, but a reimbursement for costs you have already paid.
Eligibility for this benefit can be complicated. It often depends on your VA disability rating, your income level, or if you are traveling for a specific type of appointment, like a C&P exam. The program might reimburse you for the mileage on your personal car, or in some cases, it may cover pre-approved expenses like a bus, train, or even a flight.
Because the rules for eligibility and reimbursement can change and have many details, we cannot give you specific advice. The best source of information is always the VA itself. You should visit VA.gov and search for "beneficiary travel" or "Veteran travel pay" to get the most current and accurate information. You can also speak with a travel clerk at your VA medical center.
Dealing with health care and logistics can be stressful. If you are in crisis, call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net.
Next step
Be proactive. Do not wait until you have an appointment and no way to get there. Call your local VA medical center and ask to speak with the Hospital Service Coordinator. Ask them about the DAV Transportation Network and any other local transportation options they recommend. You can find your local VA facility's phone number on VA.gov.
Helping The Brave provides education and resource information. It is not VA and does not provide accredited claims representation. This article is general information, not legal or medical advice.