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Veterans Transportation. How it works and how you can help. The Issue. The growing need — more than just veterans • Why is this a growing issue? Who does it now? Why transit has a role Why families are important. The Facts.
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Veterans Transportation How it works and how you can help
The Issue • The growing need — more than just veterans • Why is this a growing issue? • Who does it now? • Why transit has a role • Why families are important
The Facts • Rural communities are home to a disproportionate share of wounded Iraq and Afghanistan veterans – 2006 Study by the Casey Foundation • For every fatality in Iraq, there are 16 wounded or injured soldiers; in Vietnam the ratio was 2.6 injuries for every fatality – 2008 VA Statistics • Nearly 2,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have returned with Traumatic Brain Injuries – 2008 VA Statistics
The Facts • 20 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans suffer from PTSD – 2008 Rand Corp. study • The suicide rate among veterans is the highest since the Army began keeping records in 1980. Records indicate more than 1,000 veterans attempt suicide every month – 2008 VA Statistics
The VA and Veterans Services • Working with the VA • Veterans Service Organizations http://www1.va.gov/vso/ • VISNs • CBOCs • DAV
VA and Transportation Question: Does the VA offer compensation for travel expenses to and from a VA facility? Answer: If you meet specific criteria you are eligible for travel benefits. In most cases, travel benefits are subject to a deductible. Exceptions to the deductible requirement are: 1) travel for a compensation and pension examination; and 2) travel by an ambulance or a specially equipped van. Because travel benefits are subject to annual mileage rate and deductible changes, we publish a separate document detailing these amounts each year. You can obtain a copy at any VA health care facility.
VA and Transportation – Part II Question: Do I qualify for travel benefits? Answer: You may qualify for beneficiary travel payments if: • You have a service-connected rating of 30 percent or more • You are traveling for treatment of a service-connected condition • You receive a VA pension • You are traveling for a scheduled compensation or pension examination • Your income does not exceed the maximum annual VA pension rate • You are in an authorized Vocational Rehabilitation Program • Your medical condition requires an ambulance or a specially equipped van, you are unable to defray the cost, and the travel is pre-authorized (authorization is not required for emergencies if a delay would endanger your life or health)
VISN Listings • For a complete list of the VISN Network, please go to www1.va.gov/directory/guide/division_flsh.asp?dnum=1
Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCS) • For a local directory, go here: http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp
Efforts to Date • Congressional action S. 1146 • Building Partnerships • VetLinks
Your Stories • How are you working with Veterans and military bases? • How would you like to be working with Veterans and their families? • What is getting in the way? • What about coordination?