Transportation Benefits Available to New Jersey Veterans
New Jersey is home to hundreds of thousands of veterans, many of whom face ongoing medical needs related to their military service. Getting to VA medical appointments can be a major challenge — especially for veterans with mobility limitations, those who live in rural parts of the state, or those recovering from surgery or serious illness. Fortunately, several programs exist to help NJ veterans access medical transportation, and knowing which benefits apply to your situation can save you significant time and money.
This guide covers the VA Beneficiary Travel Program, community care transportation, the distinction between service-connected and non-service-connected transport eligibility, and how Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) can help you navigate the system.
The VA Beneficiary Travel Program
The VA Beneficiary Travel (BT) Program is the primary VA transportation benefit. It provides reimbursement or direct transportation to eligible veterans traveling to VA-approved medical appointments. There are several ways the benefit is delivered.
Mileage Reimbursement
The most common form is mileage reimbursement for veterans who drive themselves or are driven by a family member to a VA facility. The reimbursement rate is set by the VA and is updated periodically. Veterans must submit Form 10-3542 (Veteran's Claim for Travel Reimbursement) within 30 days of the appointment to receive reimbursement. A deductible applies unless the veteran is exempt based on their service-connected disability rating or financial status.
Scheduled Transportation (Van Service)
Many VA Medical Centers in New Jersey operate or contract scheduled van routes that pick up veterans in outlying areas and bring them to VA facilities. The East Orange VA Medical Center, the Lyons VA Campus, and the VA New Jersey Health Care System each have transportation coordinators who manage these routes. Veterans who cannot drive and live along a scheduled route can request a seat on the van.
Special Mode Transport
For veterans who need more than a standard van seat — such as those who use wheelchairs or stretchers — the VA can authorize Special Mode Transport, which covers the cost of an accessible NEMT vehicle or ambulance transport when medically necessary. Authorization for special mode transport typically requires a physician's order.
VA Community Care Transportation
The VA MISSION Act of 2018 significantly expanded access to care outside VA facilities through the Community Care Program. When veterans are authorized to receive care from community (non-VA) providers, transportation to those community appointments may also be covered under the Beneficiary Travel Program — provided the veteran meets eligibility criteria.
Key points about community care transport: the community care authorization must be in place before the appointment; veterans must still submit a travel reimbursement claim for each community care trip; special mode transport to community care providers requires the same physician order as it does for VA facility transport; and if you are unsure whether your community care provider's appointment qualifies, call the VA travel office before your appointment.
Service-Connected vs. Non-Service-Connected Eligibility
Not all veterans are equally eligible for Beneficiary Travel benefits. The VA uses a tiered eligibility system:
Veterans with Service-Connected Conditions
Veterans with a VA-rated service-connected disability of 30% or greater are exempt from the Beneficiary Travel deductible. Veterans traveling for treatment of a service-connected condition may qualify for reimbursement regardless of income. Veterans rated at 100% service-connected (P&T) are among the highest-priority beneficiaries for transportation assistance.
Veterans Without Service-Connected Conditions or Below 30%
Veterans who do not have a service-connected rating or whose rating is below 30% may still qualify for Beneficiary Travel if they meet income thresholds similar to those used for VA means-tested care eligibility. These veterans will have a deductible applied to each trip unless they qualify for an exemption.
Veterans Receiving VA Pension
Veterans receiving VA Pension benefits are generally eligible for Beneficiary Travel regardless of their service-connected rating percentage.
Veterans Service Organizations That Can Help
Navigating VA transportation benefits can be confusing. Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) accredited by the VA can provide free assistance in understanding and accessing your benefits. Key VSOs active in New Jersey include:
- American Legion (NJ Department) — Has posts throughout the state with trained service officers who can help with VA claims and transportation access.
- VFW New Jersey State Council — Veterans of Foreign Wars posts offer transportation assistance programs and service officer guidance.
- Disabled American Veterans (DAV) — DAV operates a national transportation network specifically for veterans. DAV volunteer drivers provide free rides to VA appointments in many NJ counties.
- New Jersey Division of Veterans Services (DVS) — The state DVS office can connect veterans with county-level transportation programs funded through the NJ Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
- AMVETS, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and Vietnam Veterans of America — All have NJ chapters with service officers who can help veterans understand transportation entitlements.
What to Do When VA Transportation Falls Short
VA transportation programs are valuable but not always seamless. Scheduled vans may not serve your area, special mode transport authorization can take time, and community care transport reimbursement involves paperwork. When you need reliable transport now — for a VA appointment, a community care provider visit, or a non-VA medical appointment — private NEMT can fill the gap.
Delta Medical Transportation proudly serves veterans across New Jersey. We offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles, experienced drivers, and flexible scheduling to accommodate VA appointment times and community care visits. Contact us to discuss transportation options, or visit our accessible transport services page for details on our fleet and capabilities.
Key Resources for NJ Veterans Seeking Transportation
- VA Beneficiary Travel: 1-855-574-7286
- VA NJ Health Care System Travel Office: 908-647-0180 ext. 4450
- NJ Division of Veterans Services: 609-530-6961
- DAV Transportation Network: 1-833-833-0107
- NJ 211 (statewide resource hotline): Dial 2-1-1