(Washington, DC) –U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) announced the introduction of the Veterans Travel Tax Relief Act of 2011, a bill that helps veterans across Nevada recoup travel expenses for necessary visits to VA health care facilities. 

“Congress has an obligation to fulfill promises made to our military men and women.  Our veterans heroically served our country and made personal sacrifices in the name of freedom.  I am extremely concerned about the cost to veterans who must travel long distances to receive treatment for disabilities sustained while serving their country. The Veterans Travel Tax Relief Act will help take steps towards fulfilling our country’s obligations to Nevada’s veterans,” said Senator Heller. 

Heller’s legislation would allow a veteran who lives farther than 25 miles from the nearest VA Medical Center to receive up to $400 in tax deductions to help compensate travel expenses when receiving treatment or examination for their service-connected disability.  Currently, VA Medical Centers are in Las Vegas, Reno, Sacramento, and Salt Lake City.  This bill will help rural veterans recover the costs of travel for their health care needs.    

“Many veterans throughout Nevada are traveling more than an hour and over great distances in poor health in order to receive primary care. This travel can be costly and strenuous for veterans and their families, especially when they are coping with a disability. This tax break provides some well-deserved relief for these veterans and makes it easier for them to attend appointments necessary for claiming the benefits they earned while serving our country,” added Heller.