WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today applauded the decision by the Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs to increase the reimbursement rate for disabled veterans traveling to VA facilities to receive health care.  Effective today, the rate was increased from 28.5 cents to 41.5 cents per mile.

“This increase is a huge benefit to Mississippi’s veterans, especially those in rural areas who travel many miles to reach VA facilities,” Wicker said.  “Increased energy costs and economic challenges have only added to the financial burden felt by many disabled veterans.  This reimbursement increase should help alleviate that burden while helping ensure these veterans have access to the health care they deserve.” 

Funding for the increase was included in the FY 2009 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill approved by Congress in September.

Sen. Wicker is an Air Force veteran and is a member of the Veterans’ Affairs and Armed Services Committees.