Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents

Benefit Programs (continued) >>

Benefit Programs (continued)

Children of Vietnam Veterans Born with Certain Birth Defects

Spina Bifida Program | Children of Women Vietnam Veterans Program | Allowances
Vocational Training | Eligibility

Children of Vietnam veterans born with certain birth defects may be eligible for benefits under one of two separate programs-the Spina Bifida Program or the Children on Women Vietnam Veterans Program. Benefits under both programs include a monthly monetary allowance, health care specific to the disability, and vocational training if reasonably feasible. The law defines "child" as the natural child of a Vietnam veteran, regardless of age or marital status. The child must have been conceived after the date on which the veteran first entered the Republic of Vietnam. Qualifying service includes active military, naval or air service, including service in the waters offshore and other locations if the service involved duty or visitation in Vietnam.

Spina Bifida Program

This program applies to biological children of male and female veterans who served in Vietnam during the period beginning Jan. 9, 1962, and ending May 7, 1975, or who served in or near the Korean demilitarized zone (DMZ) during the period beginning Sept. 1, 1967, and ending Aug. 31, 1971. A monetary allowance is paid at three disability levels based on the neurological manifestations that define the severity of disability: impairment of the functioning of extremities, impairment of bowel or bladder function, and impairment of intellectual functioning.

Children of Women Vietnam Veterans Program

This program applies to biological children of women veterans who served in Vietnam during the period beginning on Feb. 28, 1961, and ending on May 7, 1975. The birth defects covered are those that are associated with a mother's service in Vietnam and that resulted in permanent physical or mental disability. The covered birth defects do not include conditions due to familial disorders, birth-related injuries, or fetal or neonatal infirmities with well-established causes. A monetary allowance is paid at four disability levels based on the child's degree of permanent disability.

Allowances

The 2004 monthly rates for both programs can be found in the "Tables" section of this booklet. Contact a VA regional office to apply for medical treatment or benefits payments. Note: a monetary allowance paid to an individual under these programs shall not be considered as income or resources in determining eligibility for, or the amount of benefits paid under, any other federal or federally assisted program.

Vocational Training

The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program administers a vocational training program to enable a qualified child to prepare for and attain suitable employment. Services may include counseling and rehabilitative services, education, training and employment services leading to suitable employment. VA pays for the cost of these services.

Eligibility

To qualify for a vocational training program, an applicant must be a child:

1. To whom VA has awarded a monthly allowance for spina bifida, or to whom VA has established the existence of another covered birth defect, and
2. For whom VA has determined that achievement of a vocational goal are reasonably feasible.

A vocational training program may not begin before a child's 18th birthday or the date the child completes secondary schooling, whichever comes first. Depending on the need, a child may be provided up to 24 months of full-time training.

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