The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides monetary allowances, vocational training and VA-financed health care benefits to the children of Vietnam veterans diagnosed with spina bifida. For the purpose of this program, spina bifida is defined as all forms or manifestations of spina bifida (except spina bifida occulta), including complications and associated medical conditions related to spina bifida.

 

Children must have been conceived after the date on which the veteran first entered the Republic of Vietnam during the period beginning on January 9, 1962, and ending on May 7, 1975.

 

Monthly Monetary Allowance
Spina bifida benefits are based on eligibility determinations made by the Denver VA Regional Office. VA will determine the current level of disability upon receipt of both medical and lay evidence and a completed Application for Spina Bifida Benefits (VA Form 21-0304). The completed form and competent medical evidence should be returned to:

 

Vocational Training
VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service is available if it is reasonably feasible for the eligible child to Vocational Training VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service is available if it is reasonably feasible for the eligible child to achieve a vocational goal. The applicant must be a child:
• To whom VA has awarded a monthly allowance, and
• For whom VA has determined that achievement of a vocational goal is feasible.

Medical Benefits
Eligibility for VA spina bifida health carebenefits is limited to Vietnam veterans’ birth children diagnosed with spina bifida and awarded VA spina bifida benefits. In general, the program covers mosthealth care services and supplies that are medically or psychologically necessary forthe treatment of spina bifida and relatedmedical conditions.

NOTE: Health care benefits available under this program are limited to that necessary for the treatment of spina bifida and related medical conditions. Beneficiaries should be aware that this program is not a comprehensive health care plan and does not cover medical services unrelated to spina bifida. Beneficiaries are advised tomaintain their comprehensive health care plan for unrelated health care needs. Detailed program material addressingcovered and non-covered services and supplies, preauthorization requirements,and claim filing instructions will be automaticallyfurnished to all program beneficiariesafter the Denver VA Regional Office awards benefits.

Provider Options
Beneficiaries may select the provider of their choice as long as the provider is appropriately licensed/certified and is practicing within the scope of that license/certification. An alternative source to VA-financed health care is cost-free health care available through the Shriners Hospitals for Children-a nonprofit charitable corporation offering comprehensive services to children under the age of 18. Some services require preauthorization.

The services that require preauthorization include:
• Attendants
• Dental services
• Mental Health Services
• Durable Medical Equipment (DME) in excess of $300

Assistance
Eligibility & Application Information
by phone...... ......................... 1-888-820-1756
by e-mail...............birthdefects@vba.va.gov website.
www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/benefits/herbicide

Health Care Benefits Information
by phone............................... 1-888-820-1756
by e-mail................................ spina .in q@me d.va .gov
by FAX................................... 1-303-331-7807
website....................................www.va.gov/hac
by mail................................... Department of Veterans Affairs Health Administration Center

Spina Bifida Health Care Benefits
PO Box 469065
Denver CO 80246-9065