Section A: traveler's information
The claimant's name, SSN and date of birth, the claimant's status, and for a caregiver, attendant or donor, the Veteran's name, SSN and date of birth.
10-3542
Veteran/Beneficiary Claim for Reimbursement of Travel Expenses
- Agency
- VA
- Revision
- May 2025
- Fillable fields
- 26
- Pages
- 2
- Official source
- VA form page
- Checked
- October 20, 2026
VA Form 10-3542: Veteran/Beneficiary Claim for Reimbursement of Travel Expenses
VA Form 10-3542 is the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran/Beneficiary Claim for Reimbursement of Travel Expenses. VA's form page says to use it when you want to ask VA to pay you back for travel expenses related to your health care. The claimant can be a Veteran, a caregiver, an attendant, a donor or another claimant.
The form is two pages. Page 1 has Section A, the traveler's information, Section B, the trip information, and Section C, the statements and certifications with the signature. Page 2 lists who is eligible for reimbursement, nine instructions, and the burden and Privacy Act statements. VA's page says the request can also be submitted online instead of on paper. You can fill out the PDF free in your browser on this page and download the result without an account.
What's on VA Form 10-3542
Section B: trip details
The address travel began from, the date the trip began and ended, how you traveled (car, train, bus, taxi), and whether return travel was to the same address.
Section B: other expenses and facility
Whether you are claiming expenses other than mileage, such as tolls, parking, lodging or meals, itemized on lines A to D with a receipt for each, and the treating facility's name and optional address.
Section C: statements and certifications
A penalty statement, a certification that you incurred a cost for the travel and have not been paid for it or received free transportation, and the claimant's signature and date.
Page 2: eligibility and instructions
A list of ten groups the form says are eligible for reimbursement of travel expenses, nine numbered instructions, and the VA burden and Privacy Act statements.
How to file VA Form 10-3542
- 1
Fill in Section A
Enter the claimant's details and check one status. The form says to complete the Veteran's details in Item 3 if Caregiver, Attendant or Donor is checked.
- 2
Describe the trip
Give the starting address, the dates, how you traveled each way and the treating facility in Section B.
- 3
Itemize other expenses
The instructions say receipts are required for allowable non-mileage expenses, such as tolls, parking, ferry fares, meals, lodging and public transportation, and that prior approval is required for meals and lodging.
- 4
Add proof for community care visits
The instructions say claims for travel to VA-authorized appointments with non-VA providers in the community are to be submitted with documentation that care was received, such as a work or school release note.
- 5
Sign Section C
Read the penalty statement and certification, then sign and date the claim.
- 6
Submit within 30 calendar days
Submit it in person or by mail to the VA health care facility where care was provided, or online. The instructions give 30 calendar days of travel completion for submission or postmark.
Why fill Form 10-3542 on indox
You get the real form, filled in a browser tab, with nothing standing between you and the finished PDF.
- Fill the form right in your browser, no software to install
- Free to fill and free to download, with no account
- The official blank straight from the VA, not a copy someone retyped
- Works on a phone, tablet or computer
Where to send it and getting help
In person or by mail
The instructions say the form may be submitted in person or mailed to the VA health care facility where care was provided. Facility addresses are at http://www.va.gov/directory.
Online
VA's form page says you can submit your request online instead of filling out and sending the paper form. The form also lists https://eauth.va.gov/accessva.
Time limit
The form says the application must be submitted online, in person, or postmarked within 30 calendar days of travel completion. It allows submission beyond 30 days when the claim is a result of a change in Beneficiary Travel eligibility.
Payment
The form says eligible claims are processed for payment at the current authorized rate, subject to any applicable deductibles, and paid by electronic funds transfer (EFT) unless other arrangements have been made. VA's page links to its current mileage reimbursement rate and direct deposit setup.
Help
For assistance in completing the form, the instructions say to call 1-877-222-VETS (8387).
Edition
The footer reads VA FORM MAY 2025 10-3542, matching the May 2025 revision date on VA's form page. OMB Control No. 2900-0798 expires 11/30/2027.
Related forms
Who uses VA Form 10-3542?
Section A asks the claimant to check one status, and the instructions add who may complete the form.
Official sources and the blank
Do it all with indox
No tool matches that search.
Questions about Form 10-3542
Can I file a VA travel reimbursement claim online?
Yes. VA's form page says you can submit your request online instead of filling out and sending the paper form.
How long after travel can a claim be filed?
The form says the application must be submitted online, in person, or postmarked within 30 calendar days of travel completion, with an exception when the claim is a result of a change in Beneficiary Travel eligibility.
Are receipts needed?
The instructions say receipts are required for allowable non-mileage expenses, such as tolls, parking, ferry fares, meals, lodging and public transportation. Prior approval is required for meals and lodging.
Who besides a Veteran can file this form?
Section A lists caregivers under the National Caregiver Program, attendants medically authorized by VA, VA transplant care donors and other claimants. The instructions say a legal representative of the claimant may also complete it.
Where does a paper claim go?
The instructions say it may be submitted in person or mailed to the VA health care facility where care was provided.
How is reimbursement paid?
The form says payment will be made by electronic funds transfer (EFT) unless other arrangements have been made.
What proof is needed for community care appointments?
The instructions say documentation that care was received from the community provider, such as a work or school release note or a document on the provider's letterhead showing the date the appointment was completed.