Spina Bifida
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
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| By phone: | 1-888-820-1756 |
| By fax: | 1-303-331-7807 |
| By mail: | VA Health Administration Center Spina Bifida Healthcare Benefits PO Box 469065 Denver CO 80246-9065 |
| By email: | spina.inq@med.va.gov (click here for information about email security) |
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.
Forms | Publications
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