Beginning December 1, 2001, women Vietnam veterans’ children born with certain birth
defects may be eligible for monthly payments from VA. VA identifies birth defects
of children of women Vietnam veterans as those that:
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•
are associated with the service of those veterans in the Republic of Vietnam during
the Vietnam era, and
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•
result in permanent physical or mental disability.
Section 401 of Public Law 106-419 established VA payments to eligible children according
to four levels of disability. VA pays four different payment amounts that correspond
to four levels of disability and payments are subject to annual increases. In 2004,
the payment amounts are $108, $237, $821, $1,402. If children have a single birth
defect of spina bifida, VA may pay benefits under spina bifida benefit rates. Children
may receive benefits under spina bifida benefits or Section 401 of P.L. 106-419 benefits,
but children do not receive both benefits simultaneously.
The statutory provisions authorizing these benefits provide that the monthly allowance
paid to these Vietnam veterans' children shall not be considered income or resources
in determining eligibility for or the amount of benefits under any Federal or federally-assisted
program.