A Form 28-0968: VR&E Mileage Reimbursement Guide

A Form 28-0968: VR&E Mileage Reimbursement Guide – If you are a veteran or service member participating in the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program—also known as Chapter 31—you may qualify for reimbursement of travel expenses, including mileage, when attending authorized appointments. VA Form 28-0968 (Claim for Reimbursement of Travel Expenses) is the official form used to request these payments.

This guide explains eligibility, how to complete and submit the form, important deadlines, covered expenses, and practical tips to help you receive your reimbursement quickly and accurately.

What Is VA Form 28-0968?

VA Form 28-0968 is the specific VA form for VR&E claimants to request reimbursement of travel expenses related to their rehabilitation program. The current version is VA Form 28-0968 (JUN 2024), which supersedes all previous versions.

It covers mileage (calculated on a round-trip basis from your residence to the authorized location) as well as certain other expenses such as tolls, parking, and—in limited cases—meals and lodging when travel exceeds 12 hours and prior approval is obtained.

Download the official form here:
Download VA Form 28-0968 (PDF)

This form is not the same as VA Form 10-3542 (used for general VA health care beneficiary travel). Using the wrong form can delay or prevent reimbursement.

Who Qualifies for Reimbursement Using VA Form 28-0968?

You may be eligible if you are applying for or already receiving VR&E services and your travel meets one of these conditions under 38 CFR 21.370–21.376:

You are scheduled for an initial evaluation, reevaluation, or counseling appointment (including personal or vocational adjustment counseling) and the one-way distance from your residence is 50 miles or more.
You are participating in an approved rehabilitation or employment services program and travel is required and approved by your case manager (within or outside your Regional Office jurisdiction).
You require an attendant to accompany you due to the severity of your service-connected disability.

Note: Routine case management appointments generally do not qualify unless they involve vocational exploration or adjustment counseling. Always confirm eligibility with your VR&E case manager before traveling.

Key Differences: VA Form 28-0968 vs. VA Form 10-3542

Many veterans confuse these two forms:

VA Form 28-0968 — For VR&E (Chapter 31) program participants only. No monthly deductible mentioned. Submitted to VR&E Intake Center or your local VR&E office. Certified by your VR&E case manager.
VA Form 10-3542 — For VA health care appointments. Often filed online via the Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System (BTSSS). Subject to deductibles ($3 one-way / $6 round-trip, up to $18 per month). Different eligibility rules.

If your travel is for a VR&E appointment, use VA Form 28-0968.

How to Fill Out VA Form 28-0968 (Step-by-Step)

The form has clear sections. VR&E staff completes the authorization and certification portions; you complete the claimant information and voucher sections.

Section I – Claimant’s Identification Information
Enter your full name, VA file number, current mailing address, phone number (with area code), and optional email address. Check the box if you agree to receive electronic correspondence from VA.

Section II – Authorization to Report (Mostly completed by VR&E staff)
Your case manager will indicate the reason for reporting (Initial Evaluation, Reevaluation, Counseling, Training, or Attendant Travel), the issuing VR&E office, reporting date, authorized period, authorized mileage rate (in cents per mile), and meal/lodging rate if applicable. They will also sign as the authorizing official.

Section III – Voucher for Mileage Allowance

Enter the complete “Travel From” and “Travel To” addresses.
Record the total round-trip miles traveled.
Calculate the amount claimed using the authorized mileage rate provided by your case manager.
Indicate whether you are also claiming non-mileage expenses (tolls, parking, lodging, meals, or other).
If yes, itemize each expense in the provided boxes and attach original receipts.

Statements and Certifications
Read the certification carefully. You must certify that you are the only person claiming this travel, have not been reimbursed previously for the same trip, and that the information is true and correct. Sign and date the form.

Authorizing Official’s Certification
Your VR&E case manager must certify that you reported for the authorized services on the specified date(s) and sign the form.

Tip: Complete the form neatly in ink (or fill it electronically if possible). Double-check all calculations and attach required receipts.

Where and How to Submit VA Form 28-0968?

You can submit the completed form in two main ways:

In person to your local VR&E office of jurisdiction.
By mail to:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Intake Center
P.O. Box 5210
Janesville, WI 53547-5210

Some VR&E offices may accept submission through secure messaging or other approved channels—ask your case manager for the preferred method.

Mileage Rate and Other Reimbursable Expenses

The authorized mileage rate is entered on the form by your VR&E case manager (Item 12). It follows VA policy under 38 U.S.C. § 111 and related regulations. Confirm the current rate with your counselor, as it can change.

Other expenses that may be reimbursed (with receipts and, where required, prior approval):

Tolls, parking, and ferry fares
Actual cost of public transportation (bus, train, taxi) when more economical than driving
Meals and lodging only when travel + appointment time exceeds 12 hours and prior approval was granted (use GSA per diem rates as a guide)

Official resource: GSA Per Diem Rates

The 30-Day Deadline – Do Not Miss It

You must submit your completed VA Form 28-0968 (including all receipts) within 30 days from the date you completed your travel. Failure to meet this deadline will result in forfeiture of the reimbursement.

Plan ahead: Schedule your appointment, attend, obtain certification from your case manager, gather receipts, and submit promptly.

Practical Tips for a Successful Claim

Confirm travel authorization and eligibility with your VR&E case manager before making the trip.
Use the shortest practical route when calculating mileage and keep a record (map printout or app screenshot).
Request prior written approval for any meals or lodging.
Make copies of the entire completed form and all receipts before submitting.
Ensure your VA direct deposit information is up to date for fastest payment via Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT).
If you have an attendant traveling with you, clearly note this on the form and provide supporting documentation if requested.
Track your submission and follow up with your case manager or the VR&E Intake Center if you do not receive confirmation or payment within a reasonable time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using VA Form 10-3542 instead of 28-0968 for VR&E travel.
Missing the 30-day submission window.
Failing to obtain case manager certification of attendance.
Submitting without required receipts for non-mileage expenses.
Incorrect round-trip mileage calculations or using an outdated form version.
Not updating direct deposit information, which delays payment.

How Payments Are Processed?

Approved reimbursements are paid directly to your bank account through Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT). Make sure your direct deposit information is current in your VA.gov account or by contacting VA. Processing times vary but are generally faster when the form is complete, certified, and submitted promptly with all documentation.

Here are official sources for additional information:

Frequently Asked Questions About VA Form 28-0968

Can I file this form online?
Currently, VA Form 28-0968 is a paper form that must be submitted in person or by mail. Check with your VR&E case manager for any updates on electronic submission options.

What if my travel is for both VR&E and a medical appointment?
Use the correct form for the primary purpose of the trip. When in doubt, ask your VR&E counselor or the Beneficiary Travel office.

Is there a deductible like with health care travel pay?
No monthly deductible is specified for VR&E travel reimbursement on this form. Confirm with your case manager.

How long does it take to get paid?
Payment timelines vary. Having a complete form, proper certification, and direct deposit set up helps speed up processing.

Can I get reimbursed for travel before I am formally in the VR&E program?
Eligibility is generally limited to those applying for or already receiving VR&E services. Your case manager can advise on specific situations.

For the most accurate and personalized guidance, contact your assigned VR&E case manager or reach out through Ask VA or by calling 1-800-827-1000.

This information is based on official VA sources, including the current VA Form 28-0968 (JUN 2024) and program regulations. Rules and rates can change, so always verify details with your VR&E counselor or official VA channels before traveling or submitting a claim.