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  The Nation's #1 Independent Veterans Web Site Click here to make VA Watchdog dot Org your homepage VA NEWS FLASH from Larry Scott at VA Watchdog dot Org -- 02-05-2008 #1 |
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The Nation's #1 Independent Veterans Web Site Click here to make VA Watchdog dot Org your homepage VA NEWS FLASH from Larry Scott at VA Watchdog dot Org -- 02-05-2008 #1 |
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VETERANS' MILEAGE DEDUCTIBLE -- The BIG VA has left hospitals in the dark as to what the waiver is and how to get it.
Story below: ------------------------- by Larry Scott and Jim Strickland
Since the VA announced the "new and improved" mileage reimbursement for veterans (along with a higher deductible) we have been receiving many questions about the hardship waiver that vets can claim so they don't have to pay the deductible. Announcement of new mileage rate is here... Jim Strickland's rant about the new rate is
here... The new rate info is as follows: "...from 11 cents per mile to 28.5 cents per mile. The increase goes into effect on Feb. 1...While increasing the payment, VA, as mandated by law, also equally increased the deductible amounts applied to certain mileage reimbursements. The new deductibles are $7.77 for a one way trip, $15.54 for a round trip, with a maximum of $46.62 per calendar month. However, these deductibles can be waived if they cause a financial hardship to the veteran."
The VA document explaining the rate and waiver is
here... In this document you will see this regarding the waiver: "Veterans whose projected income in the year of application will not exceed the applicable VA pension rate may request a waiver from the deductible requirement." As you can see, this will severely limit the number of veterans who can have their deductibles waived. The VA's Pension Rate Table is here... So, here's who will be able to get the waiver: Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR) Category
Amount
Now, added to all of this is the fact that VA hospitals are completely in the dark on this subject. That is NOT their fault...so please be kind to your Travel Clerk when they tell you "I don't know nuthin'." The BIG VA has not yet designed a form for the hospitals to use so veterans may apply for the waiver. When the form is ready, the veteran may ask for it and apply. If qualified, all back deductibles will be repaid to the veteran. Now, about applying. Note the above dollar amounts. And, note the categories below. This is what the VA currently uses to calculate "income" for purposes such as this. This information comes from the Travel Office at a large VA facility. Categories of income and inclusion in above calculation. Earned income (from work), whether declared or not -- YES Any additional taxable income (dividends, interest, etc.) -- YES VA disability compensation -- YES Any additional VA compensation -- YES SSDI -- YES SSI -- NO I have also been told that the VA will forward the veteran's application for waiver to their database people in Atlanta. They will then cross-reference other government databases and make the determination of eligibility. In essence, they will be looking for cheats. A word to the wise: Don't try to fake this. You WILL get caught. We hope this answers all your questions on the matter. -------------------------
Don't forget to read all of today's VA News Flashes (click here) |
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