Question:
I live in Jensen Beach, Florida, my primary doctor is in a clinic in Stuart, Florida and anytime I need specialty work done I am sent to West Palm Beach, Florida. My cardiologist in West Palm Beach says I need an Aorta valve replaced and ordered me to the VA hospital in Miami, Florida. It's 210 miles round trip and I have already made two trips there and will be making many more because the surgery will be done in early September. I have only 10% disability. Since I was ordered to go shouldn't I be paid the mileage?
Jim's Reply:
You share a problem with all of us...our specialty care requires a lot of travel. This isn't only a VA issue since the beginning of the pandemic. Because of staffing issues many civilian hospitals are deferring major procedures like hip and knee replacements, heart and brain surgery and other complex procedures to better prepared facilities.
Yes...you should be paid travel pay. These days we file for that on-line here.
Good luck sir.