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Spina Bifida
Spina Bifida / Children of Women Vietnam Veterans (CWVV)
On December 16, 2003 the Veterans Benefits Act of 2003 was signed into law.
This laws 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 served in the active
military, naval or air service and was exposed to an herbicide agent during
such service in or near the Korean demilitarized zone.
Overview
In addition to monetary allowances, vocational training and rehabilitation, the
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) also provides VA-financed healthcare benefits
to Vietnam veterans' birth children 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 or associated
medical conditions related to spina bifida.
Healthcare benefits available under this program are limited to those necessary for
the treatment of spina bifida and related medical conditions. Beneficiaries should
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
Assistance
Eligibility/Application Information: 1-888-820-1756
Healthcare Benefits Information/Registration
VA Spina Bifida Healthcare Benefits Handbook
The VA Spina Bifida Healthcare Benefits Handbook contains important information on VA spina bifida healthcare benefits. Beneficiaries are encouraged to read it carefully prior to using their spina bifida benefits.
VA Spina Bifida Policy Manual
More Information
There is additional information on the web about spina bifida. We suggest these links.
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