Veterans Affairs

Children of Veterans


The VA has recognized that certain birth defects among children of Veterans are associated with the Veterans' qualifying service in Vietnam or Korea.   The child must have been conceived after the Veteran entered Vietnam or the Korean DMZ during the qualifying service period.   

Spina bifida (except spina bifida occulta), a defect in the developing fetus that results in incomplete closing of the spine, is associated with Veterans' exposure to Agent Orange, or other herbicides, during qualifying service in Vietnam or Korea. 

Birth defects in children of women Veterans is associated with their military service in Vietnam, but are not related to herbicide exposure.

Learn more about benefits for Veterans' children with birth defects.