Overview
Exposure to the herbicide Agent Orange and other chemicals adversely affected not only the health of many Veterans, but also unfortunately left a harmful impact upon the health of many children of these Veterans. In recognition of this, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) grants benefits for certain children of Veterans who served in Vietnam or in Thailand, or along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in Korea, during the Vietnam War.
Eligibility
Children with Spina Bifida
A biological child of a Veteran who served in Vietnam or in certain locations in Thailand, or along the DMZ in Korea, during the Vietnam War can receive tax-free monthly compensation from the VA if that child is diagnosed with any form of spina bifida (other than spina bifida occulta). Spina bifida is a “birth defect” that occurs when the spine and the spinal cord do not form properly.
To qualify, the child must have been conceived after the birth father or mother first entered Vietnam or Thailand between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, or after the birth father or mother first entered the Korean DMZ between September 1, 1967, and August 31, 1971.
In addition to monthly tax-free disability compensation benefits, biological children of a Veteran who served in Vietnam, Thailand, or the Korean DMZ during these qualifying time periods are also eligible for certain VA-covered healthcare benefits, and for “vocational rehabilitation” paid for by the VA, providing individualized training and assistance for the child to attain employment goals.
Children of Women Who Served In Vietnam
A biological child of a woman who served in the Armed Forces in Vietnam between February 28, 1961, and May 7, 1975, can receive tax-free monthly compensation from the VA if that child is diagnosed with any of the following medical conditions:
- Achondroplasia
- Cleft lip and cleft palate
- Congenital heart disease
- Congenital talipes equinovarus (“clubfoot”)
- Esophageal and intestinal atresia
- Hallerman-Streiff syndrome
- Hip dysplasia
- Hirschprung's disease (congenital megacolon)
- Hydrocephalus due to aqueductal stenosis
- Hypospadias
- Imperforate anus
- Neural tube defects
- Poland syndrome
- Pyloric stenosis
- Syndactyly (fused digits)
- Tracheoesophageal fistula
- Undescended testicle
- Williams syndrome
The VA will not provide benefits if there is evidence that the medical condition is due to a birth-related injury, or if there is a family medical history of the condition. To qualify, the child must have been conceived after the birth mother first entered Vietnam during the qualifying time period (February 28, 1961 — May 7, 1975).
In addition to monthly tax-free disability compensation benefits, biological children whose mother is a Veteran who served in Vietnam during this time period are also eligible for certain VA-covered healthcare benefits, and for “vocational rehabilitation” paid for by the VA, providing individualized training and assistance for the child to attain employment goals.
Apply
Our Veterans Benefits Advisors will gladly represent children of Vietnam War Veterans free of charge in claims and appeals for disability compensation, VA-covered healthcare, and vocational rehabilitation. Call us today at 1-888-838-7697 for an appointment with the Veterans Benefits Advisor nearest to you.
Form more information about Special visit the United States Veteran Affairs Website.
Contact Assistance
If you need assistance, or just want to learn more about the benefits and services you may be eligible for, schedule an appointment with one of our Veterans Benefits Advisors, all Veterans themselves.
- Call 1-888-838-7697 to speak to an advisor.
- Schedule a phone or video consultation online.
- Use our search to find a Services Office near you.