Dental Eligibility
Are You Eligible For Outpatient VA Dental Care?
Veterans often have questions about whether or not they can get dental care at the VA. Federal law limits the dental benefits provided by the VA. Our dentists are committed to providing quality care to eligible veterans. This article answers some common question about who may qualify for outpatient VA dental care.
Who is eligible for routine outpatient dental care?
· Veterans who receive money for a service-connected dental disability or those who are 100% service connected for any condition.
· Veterans who were prisoners of war.
· Veterans recently discharged from active duty that did not have their dental treatment completed before discharge, can receive one-time treatment if their DD-214 shows dental treatment was not completed. An application must be received by the Dental Service within 180 days of separation from active duty. Veteran must bring DD-214 to the Dental Service when applying for dental care.
Who is eligible for emergency dental care?
· Veterans with an outpatient dental emergency, such as severe pain, infection, trauma, or significant bleeding may receive an evaluation free of charge. Treatment for patients not otherwise eligible is limited to treating pain or treating a dental condition that endangers the patient's life or health. These patients will be billed for the treatment and referred to the private sector for routine care needs. The present fee for emergency care is over $200.00 per visit.
If I received routine dental care while I was in the service are my teeth service connected?
· No. Only those veterans that have been rated under the 9900 series of the schedule for rating disabilities are service connected for routine care, and only if rated 10% or greater.
Do any other veterans receive outpatient dental care?
· Veterans who have a very serious medical condition, which could be complicated by certain dental problems, may receive necessary limited dental care to improve the dental condition. Examples include patients undergoing heart transplant or valve replacement surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. These patients need to be under treatment with a VA physician and referred to Dental by consult.
· Veterans receiving outpatient medical care may receive limited dental care if the dental condition is determined by their VA medical and dental care providers to be complicating a medical condition currently under treatment by the VA. Patients must be referred by their treating physician. Be aware that this does not automatically make you eligible for routine care, and treatment may be limited.
· Veterans approved for a VA vocational rehabilitation program that are referred by their rehabilitation counselor may receive basic dental care necessary to enable them to enter or remain in their rehabilitation training.
If I am not eligible for routine dental care from the VA can I get information about reduced fee dental services available in the community?
· Yes. Stop by one of our dental clinics and ask for a list of reduced fee dental services at the Jamaica Plain or Brockton campuses.
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