1. (a) Travel for veterans and servicemembers.

   1. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, VA shall determine and pay the necessary cost of travel to and from the place of counseling for individuals who are required to receive counseling if—

      1. (i) VA determines that the individual is unable to defray the cost based upon his or her annual declaration and certification; or
      2. (ii) The individual has a compensable service-connected disability.

   2. (2) VA shall not pay for the travel expenses for a veteran who is not residing in a State.

      (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 111)

2. (b) Travel for attendants.

   1. (1) VA will authorize payment of travel expenses for an attendant while the individual is traveling when—

      1. (i) The individual, because of a severe disability requires the services of an attendant when traveling, and
      2. (ii) VA is paying the necessary cost of the individual's travel on the basis of the criteria stated in paragraph (a) of this section.

   2. (2) VA will not pay the attendant a fee for travel expenses if he or she is a relative as defined in § 21.374 of this part.

      (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 111)

3. (c) Payment of travel expenses prohibited for most veterans. VA shall not pay for any costs of travel to and from the place of counseling for anyone who requests counseling under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 30.

   (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 111)

   Cross Reference: 21.374, Authorization for travel of attendants.

[55 FR 28385, July 11, 1990]