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Benefits for spina bifida linked to Agent Orange

Spina bifida is a spinal cord birth defect that can be caused by a parent’s past contact with Agent Orange. If you’re the child of a Veteran who served in Vietnam, Thailand, or in or near the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and you have spina bifida, you may be able to get VA benefits. Find out if you’re eligible and how to apply.

Eligibility for spina bifida benefits

You may be eligible for compensation (payments), health care, and job training benefits if you meet these requirements.

One of these must be true:

  • Your biological mother or father served in the Republic of Vietnam or in Thailand for any length of time between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, or
  • Your biological mother or father served in a unit in or near the DMZ for any length of time between September 1, 1967, and August 31, 1971

And both of these must be true:

  • You were diagnosed with a form of spina bifida other than spina bifida occulta, and
  • You were conceived after your parent first entered the Republic of Vietnam, Thailand, or the DMZ during the qualifying time periods

Note: Your parent’s character of discharge and length of service don’t affect your eligibility for benefits related to spina bifida.

Benefits you can get

You may be eligible for these benefits:

Note: You can only use your VR&E benefits between ages 14 and 31. 

How to apply for benefits

You’ll need to fill out an Application for Benefits for Certain Children with Disabilities Born of Vietnam and Certain Korea Service Veterans (VA Form 21-0304).

Get VA Form 21-0304 to download

You’ll also need to submit this evidence:

  • Your birth certificate or another document showing the biological relationship between you and your Veteran parent, and
  • Service records that prove your Veteran parent served in Vietnam, Thailand, or in or near the DMZ during the qualifying dates listed above, and
  • Medical records with the diagnosis of spina bifida 

You can apply by mail, in person, or with the help of a trained professional.

Option 1: By mail or fax

Mail your completed form and supporting evidence to this address:

Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444

Or you can fax them to . If you’re outside the U.S., fax them to 1-. 

Option 2: In person

Bring your completed form and supporting evidence to a VA regional office near you.

Find a VA regional office near you

Option 3: With the help of a trained professional

You can work with a trained professional called an accredited representative to get help applying for benefits.

Get help applying for benefits

If you already have an accredited representative or a power of attorney and you need to update their information, call us at (TTY: 711). We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.

How to contact us if you have questions

For questions about compensation or applying for benefits

Call us at (TTY: 711). We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET. 

Or send us an email at bdefects.vbaden@va.gov.

For questions about the Spina Bifida Health Care Benefits Program

Call us at (TTY: 711). We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. ET.

You can also contact us online through Ask VA.
Contact us online through Ask VA

Or send us an email at sb.hac@va.gov.

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