In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be the biological child of a male or female Veteran who served in Vietnam or on the Korean demilitarized zone 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.

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.