The Dentist Will See You Now

VA amendment clarifies regs regarding dental treatment.

In a document published in the Federal Register on March 17, 2011 (76 FR 14600), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposed to amend 38 CFR 3.381 Service Connection of Dental Conditions for Treatment Purposes. The proposal had three main objectives:

(1) To identify some of the circumstances under which dental conditions  may not qualify as disabilities, for purposes of VA disability compensation, that may nevertheless be service connected for purposes of VA dental treatment under 38 U.S.C. 1712 and 38 CFR 17.161

(2) To clarify existing regulatory provisions

(3) To reflect the respective responsibilities of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) in determinations concerning eligibility for dental treatment

Effective Feb. 29, VA adopted the proposal to amend its adjudication regulations regarding service connection of dental conditions for treatment purposes.

VA dental benefits are available for Reserves or National Guard members returning from OEF/OIF.  In order to be eligible, veterans must have served 90 consecutive days or more, and their DD-214 must not show that they received all needed dental service at least 90 days prior to separation. They must apply to VA for this dental care within 180 days (six months) of separation from active duty.

For more information, visit www.va.gov/healthbenefits/apply/returning_servicemembers.asp or contact your nearest NSO.

 

To read more about this, order the July 2012 PN, Click Here.
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