VA Benefits for Children with Spina Bifida (Vietnam, Korea, Thailand)

Benefits For Spina Bifida Linked To Agent Orange | Veterans Affairs Skip to Content An official website of the United States government Here’s how you know The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site. The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you're connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and sent securely. Talk to the Veterans Crisis Line now Family and caregiver benefits Health and disability benefits CHAMPVA benefits Apply now Submit other health insurance File a CHAMPVA claim Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers Apply now El Programa de Asistencia Integral para Cuidadores de Familia Solicite ahora (en inglés) Benefits for spina bifida linked to Agent Orange Benefits for children of women Vietnam Veterans In this section Benefits for spina bifida linked to Agent Orange Spina bifida is a spinal cord birth defect that can be caused by a parent’s past contact with Agent Orange. If you’re the child of a Veteran who served in Vietnam, Thailand, or in or near the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and you have spina bifida, you may be able to get VA benefits. Find out if you’re eligible and how to apply. Eligibility for spina bifida benefits You may be eligible for compensation (payments), health care, and job training benefits if you meet these requirements. One of these must be true: Your biological mother or father served in the Republic of Vietnam or in Thailand for any length of time between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, or Your biological mother or father served in a unit in or near the DMZ for any length of time between September 1, 1967, and August 31, 1971 And both of these must be true: You were diagnosed with a form of spina bifida other than spina bifida occulta, and You were conceived after your parent first entered the Republic of Vietnam, Thailand, or the DMZ during the qualifying time periods Note: Your parent’s character of discharge and length of service don’t affect your eligibility for benefits related to spina bifida. Benefits you can get You may be eligible for these benefits: Compensation (monthly payments) Review the current birth defect compensation rates Health care benefits through the Spina Bifida Health Care Benefits Program (SBHCBP) Learn about spina bifida health care benefits Job training (called Veteran Readiness and Employment, or VR&E) Learn more about VR&E Note: You can only use your VR&E benefits between ages 14 and 31. How to apply for benefits You’ll need to fill out an Application for Benefits for Certain Children with Disabilities Born of Vietnam and Certain Korea Service Veterans (VA Form 21-0304). You’ll also need to submit this evidence: Your birth certificate or another document showing the biological relationship between you and your Veteran parent, and Service records that prove your Veteran parent served in Vietnam, Thailand, or in or near the DMZ during the qualifying dates listed above, and Medical records with the diagnosis of spina bifida You can apply by mail, in person, or with the help of a trained professional. Option 1: By mail or fax Mail your completed form and supporting evidence to this address: Department of Veterans Affairs Claims Intake Center PO Box 4444 Janesville, WI 53547-4444 Or you can fax them to . If you’re outside the U.S., fax them to 1- . Option 2: In person Bring your completed form and supporting evidence to a VA regional office near you. Find a VA regional office near you Option 3: With the help of a trained professional You can work with a trained professional called an accredited representative to get help applying for benefits. Get help applying for benefits If you already have an accredited representative or a power of attorney and you need to update their information, call us at (TTY: 711). We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET. How to contact us if you have questions For questions about compensation or applying for benefits Call us at (TTY: 711). We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET. Or send us an email at bdefects.vbaden@va.gov . For questions about the Spina Bifida Health Care Benefits Program Call us at (TTY: 711). We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. ET. You can also contact us online through Ask VA. Contact us online through Ask VA Or send us an email at sb.hac@va.gov . More information and resources Learn about getting health care benefits if you have spina bifida linked to Agent Orange. If you have health care benefits for spina bifida, learn about getting prescription medications through Meds by Mail. If your biological mother served in Vietnam and you have certain birth defects, you may be able to get compensation (payments), health care, and job training benefits. Find out if you’re eligible and how to apply. Last updated: November 15, 2024