On December 16, 2003 the Veterans Benefits Act of 2003 was signed into law. This law states that Spina Bifida benefits have been extended to the natural child of a service member if the service member served in Korea during the period September 1, 1967 - August 31, 1971. The veteran must have served in the active military, naval or air service and have been exposed to an herbicide agent during such service in or near the Korean demilitarized zone.
If you are the birth child of a Vietnam veteran and you have been diagnosed with spina bifida you may already be receiving monetary allowances, vocational training or rehabilitation due to your condition. Did you know that you might also be entitled to VA-financed healthcare benefits?
To be qualified you must be diagnosed with spina bifida as the VA defines it, basically, as all forms or manifestations of spina bifida (except spina bifida occulta), including complications or associated medical conditions related to spina bifida.
Healthcare benefits you would receive under this program are limited to those necessary for the treatment of your spina bifida and related medical conditions. You should however, be aware that this program is NOT a comprehensive healthcare plan and does not cover medical services unrelated to spina bifida.
Benefits
In general, the program covers most healthcare services and supplies that are medically
or psychologically necessary for the treatment of conditions related to spina bifida.
While some services require specific advance approval or preauthorization, the following
services are specifically excluded from coverage
care unrelated to spina bifida
care as part of a grant study or research program
care considered experimental or investigational
drugs not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for commercial marketing
services, procedures or supplies for which the beneficiary has no legal obligation to pay, such as services obtained at a health fair
services provided outside the scope of the provider's license or certification
services rendered by providers suspended or sanctioned by a federal agency
If you are a female Vietnam veteran with a child who has a birth defect or you are a child of a female Vietnam veteran with a birth defect, you or your child may be eligible for VA-financed health care. This program is very similar to the Spina Bifida program in scope and will pay for services and supplies related to any birth related condition determined to exist.
VA Health Administration Center
CWVVV Healthcare Benefits
PO Box 469065
Denver CO 80246-9065
VA Spina Bifida Healthcare Benefits Handbook
The VA Spina Bifida Healthcare Benefits Handbook contains important information on VA spina bifida healthcare benefits. You are highly encouraged to read it carefully prior to using your spina bifida benefits.
