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VA - Birth Defects Assistance - Health Care - Spina Bifida Health Care Program

Managing Agency Veterans Health Administration (VHA) http://www.va.gov/health

Program Description

The program covers most healthcare services and supplies that are medically or psychologically necessary for the treatment of conditions related to spina bifida.

VA can also reimburse expenses for travel to and from your doctor or health care facility.

Some services require specific advance approval or preauthorization.

General Program Requirements

If you have any form of Spina Bifida (other than spina bifida occulta) and your father or mother served in Vietnam or near the Korean Demilitarized Zone, VA may be able to pay for some of your health care.

Your birth father or mother must have-

Served in Vietnam during the period from January 9, 1962, through May 7, 1975, OR
Served in or near the Korean demilitarized zone (DMZ) during the period from September 1, 1967, through August 31, 1971; and have been exposed to herbicides.

VA has no requirements regarding the character of the parent's discharge or the length of his or her service.

Your Next Steps

The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.

Application Process

For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

Program Contact Information

To apply, you must complete VA Form 21-0304. You can download the form at: http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/vba-21-0304-ARE.pdf

When you've completed the form, send it to:
VA Regional Office
Veterans Service Center (339/21)
Box 25126
Denver, CO 80225

You can call us Monday through Friday from 8:05 AM to 6:45 PM Eastern Time at: 1-888-820-1756

You can also fax us at: 1-303-331-7807

You can email us at: spina.inq@med.va.gov

Detailed program information, including a program handbook, brochures, and facts sheets, is available for review or download at: http://www.va.gov/hac/forbeneficiaries/spina/spina.asp