Navigation VA Benefits for Children of Veterans Born with Spina Bifida
While many people are familiar with the devastating effects of Agent Orange on so many of our Vietnam and Korea Veterans, few know that the effects are not always limited to the Veteran as some children of Veterans have been negatively affected by the deadly herbicide. Vietnam and Korea Veterans whose natural children are born with Spina bifida may be eligible for VA compensation. To qualify for this benefit program, the child must be the biological child of a male or female Veteran who served in Vietnam or on the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) during specific time periods. The birth mother or father must have either served in Vietnam during the period from January 9, 1962 through May 7, 1975 or served in or near the Korean DMZ during the period from September 1, 1967 through August 31, 1971. The birth mother and father must also have been exposed to herbicides. Currently, the VA has no requirements regarding the character of the parent’s discharge or the length of his or her service.
The requirements for the children are that they carry a diagnosis of a form of spina bifida (other than spina bifida occulta), and the child must have been conceived after the date on which the Veteran first served in the Republic of Vietnam or in the DMZ in Korea. Children who meet the above requirements are encouraged to file an application with the VA to determine eligibility.
