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VA - Birth Defects Assistance - Payments for Children with Spina Bifida whose Parents Served in Vietnam or Korea
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be the biological child of a male or female Veteran who served in Vietnam, on the Korean demilitarized zone or in Thailand during specific time periods.
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.
- Served in Thailand during the period from January 9, 1962, through May 7, 1975, 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.
The affected child must:
- Be diagnosed with a form of spina bifida other than spina bifida occulta.
- Have been conceived after the date on which the Veteran first served in the Republic of Vietnam or in the DMZ in Korea.
Please note: In addition to the monthly monetary allowance, someone with spina bifida may also be eligible for health care specific to the disability, and vocational training if reasonably feasible. If you want to apply for these additional benefits, you must start by applying for the monthly allowance.
To complete an application, use VA Form 21-0304, "Benefits for Certain Children with Disabilities born of Vietnam and Korea Veterans."
You can print the form, fill it out, and send it to this address:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444
Alternatively, VA can send you the form if you call 1-800-827-1000.
If you have any questions, visit the Ask VA (AVA) website to ask a question electronically.
