VA Vet Choice Update 84 ► Program Eligibility Mileage Change

VA Vet Choice Update 84 ► Program Eligibility Mileage Change

Many veterans are unaware of recent VA changes to policies, programs and procedures that have a major effect on their benefits. For instance, to expand eligibility for the Veterans Choice Program, VA will determine eligibility for the Veterans Choice Program based on the distance between a veteran’s place of residence and the nearest VA medical facility using driving distance rather than straight-line distance. This change has been published in the Federal Register for reference if needed. The change from straight-line to driving distance roughly doubles the number of eligible veterans eligible for the program. VA sent letters to the newly eligible veterans to let them know they are now eligible for the Veterans Choice Program under this new expansion policy. If a veteran does not remember receiving a Veterans 21 Choice Card or has other questions about the Choice Program, they can call 866-606-8198. Additionally, VA changed the mileage calculation for beneficiary travel. The change will ensure consistency in VA’s mileage calculations across the two programs. For clarification of VA changes, veterans are advised to contact their Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or local VAMC. [Source: USVCP | August 31, 2018 ++]