Fact Sheet 164-3September 2010
Dental Benefits for Veterans
Dental benefits are provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) according to law.In some instances, VA is authorized to provide extensive dental care, while in other casestreatment may be limited. This Fact Sheet describes dental eligibility criteria and containsinformation to assist Veterans in understanding their eligibility for VA dental care.
Outpatient Dental Program
The eligibility for outpatient dental care is not the same as for most other VA medicalbenefits and is categorized into classes. If you are eligible for VA dental care under Class I,IIC, or IV you are eligible for any necessary dental care to maintain or restore oral healthand masticatory function, including repeat care. Other classes have time and/or servicelimitations.
If you: You are eligible for:
Have a service-connectedcompensable dental disability orcondition.Any needed dental care Class IAre a former prisoner of war. Any needed dental care. Class IICHave service-connected disabilitiesrated 100% disabling, or areunemployable and paid at the100% rate due to service-connected conditions.Any needed dental care.[Please note: Veterans paid at the 100%rate based on a temporary rating, such asextended hospitalization for a service-connected disability, convalescence orpre-stabilization are not eligible forcomprehensive outpatient dental servicesbased on this temporary rating].Class IVApply for dental care within 180days of discharge or release (underconditions other than dishonorable)from a period of active duty of 90days or more during the PersianGulf War era.One-time dental care if your DD214certificate of discharge does not indicatethat a complete dental examination and allappropriate dental treatment had beenrendered prior to discharge.*Class IIHave a service-connectednoncompensable dental conditionor disability resulting from combatwounds or service trauma.Needed care for the service-connectedcondition(s). A Dental Trauma Rating (VAForm 10-564-D) or VA Regional OfficeRating Decision letter (VA Form 10-7131)identifies the tooth/teeth eligible for care.Class IIAHave a dental condition clinicallydetermined by VA to be associatedwith and aggravating a service-connected medical condition.Dental care to treat the oral conditions thatare determined by a VA dentalprofessional to have a direct and materialdetrimental effect to your serviceconnected medical condition.Class III
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