Beginning December 1, 2001, children of women Vietnam veterans born with certain birth
defects may be eligible for monthly payments from VA. VA identifies birth defects
of children of women Vietnam veterans 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 the 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
instead.
Public Law 106-419 provides 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.