Bowel and Bladder Program
What it is?
The Bowel and Bladder (B&B) Program provides reimbursement to an individual provider (i.e., caregiver, family member, individual) or an agency for Veterans with neurogenic bowel and bladder needs who are unable to manage these functions independently.
The Bowel and Bladder Program is critically important in the prevention of medical complications that result in illness, the need for hospitalization, and the loss of independence for Veterans with problems such as Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders (SCI/D) that reside in the community.
Am I eligible?
You can be enrolled in the Bowel and Bladder Program IF you are eligible for community care and meet the clinical criteria for the service. If you are a Veteran with SCI/D, please contact your local SCI/D team.
What services?
If you are eligible for the Bowel and Bladder Program, based on your needs you may receive:
- Neurogenic Bowel and/or bladder care at home based on caregiver and/or agency availability including such services as a bowel program, ostomy or colostomy care, and/or urinary catheterization.
How do I decide?
If you are a Veteran with SCI/D, talk to your local SCI/D team about the Bowel and Bladder Program and the enrollment process.
Will my provider be reimbursed?
VA reimburses individual (family member, friend or caregiver) and/or agency providers for authorized bowel and bladder services.
Individual Providers:
Starting January 1, 2026, VA will only accept VA Form 10-314, Request for Payment of Bowel and Bladder Services, to request reimbursement of authorized Veteran bowel and bladder care costs. To avoid delays, the completed forms must be correct and legible. Invoices must be submitted within 180 days from the date of service to be eligible for payment.
Agency providers:
Learn how to submit a claim for authorized bowel and bladder services.
SCI/D Home Care Program
The Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders (SCI/D) Home Care Program helps Veterans with SCI/D by offering care at home. This program is for Veterans who need extra help with medical and physical needs. It allows you to live as independently as possible while getting the care you need at home. Program information can be found on the SCI/D System of Care website Services - Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders System of Care.
