(a) General. VA shall authorize transportation services necessary for a veteran to pursue a vocational training program under this temporary program. Transportation services include:

(1) Transportation for evaluation, reevaluation or counseling authorized under §21.376 of this part;

(2) Inter- and intraregional travel which may be authorized under §21.370 (except for (b)(2)(iii)(B)) and §21.372 of this part;

(3) Special transportation allowance authorized under §21.154 of this part;

(4) Commuting to and from training and seeking employment as authorized under paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 1524(b))

(b) Reimbursement. Payment of transportation services authorized by VA shall normally be made in arrears and in the same manner as tuition, fees and other services authorized under this program.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 1524(b))

(c) Transportation payment. A veteran may be reimbursed for the costs of commuting to and from training and seeking employment if he or she requests such assistance and VA determines after careful examination of the veteran's situation, and subject to the limitation contained in paragraph (d) of this section, that the veteran would be unable to pursue training without such assistance. VA may:

(1) Reimburse the facility at which the veteran is training if the facility provides transportation or related services;

(2) Reimburse the veteran for his or her actual commuting expense.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 1524(b))

(d) Limitations. Payment of commuting expenses may not be made for any period:

(1) Except during the period of training and the first three months of employment services;

(2) When a program participant is employed;

(3) In which a program participant is eligible for, and entitled to, payment of commuting costs through other VA and non-VA programs;

(4) In which it becomes feasible for the veteran to commute to school with family, friends or fellow students.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 1524(b))

(e) Amount which may be paid. VA will reimburse the veteran for his or her actual cost, not to exceed $70 per month. Necessary supportive documentation must be submitted with each request for reimbursement. Payment will be made monthly or at longer intervals as may be agreed to in the IWRP.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 1524(b))

(f) Nonduplication. A veteran eligible for reimbursement of transportation services under this section and §21.154 of this part may only receive the benefit provided under §21.154 of this part.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 1524(b))