Updated at 1:20 p.m., Thursday, January 31, 2008
Veterans seeking healthcare get hike in mileage pay
By DENNIS CAMIRE
Advertiser Washington Bureau
"This improvement has been too long delayed," said Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawai'i, chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. "The increase to 28.5 cents per mile will be a relief to thousands of veterans around the country."
The VA estimates that more than 1 million veterans across the country will be eligible for the new rate, which is up from the old rate of 11 cents a mile set in 1977.
"Increasing the mileage reimbursement is one more step by VA to help veterans access the heathcare they deserve," said VA Secretary James B. Peake.
