If you’re a Veteran, you may be able to get VA dental care. Dental benefits are not the same as other VA medical benefits. We look at many factors to decide who qualifies for VA dental care—and which dental care benefits each Veteran may receive. Both the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) may make decisions about dental benefits and treatment.
Full Answer
Who qualifies for VA dental benefits?
VA dental care offers free dental care for Veterans in some cases. Find out if you qualify for VA dental care benefits depending on factors like your disability rating, service history, and specific needs. If you don't qualify, find out how to buy dental insurance for Veterans through VA.
Do I need health insurance if I have VA benefits?
Veterans with VA benefits are not required to get private health insurance. Under the Affordable Care Act, certain types of VA health coverage meet the requirements of having “ minimum essential health coverage .” However, you might want to consider having private health insurance on top of VA benefits for one of several reasons.
What benefits are covered by VA medical benefits?
- Veterans with any compensable, service-connected disability
- Former Prisoners of War (POWs)
- Veterans awarded a Purple Heart
- Veterans in receipt of benefits under 38 USC 1151 (such as benefits for persons disabled by treatment or vocational rehabilitation)
Can veterans qualify for SSDI and VA benefits?
Qualifying veterans can receive Social Security Disability benefits (SSDI) even if they already are receiving VA disability benefits. Medicare and TRICARE benefits may also be payable concurrently depending on qualifying circumstances. Over nine million veterans received disability benefits in 2020, according to the Social Security Administration.
What VA rating do you need to get dental?
Class IVClass IV – Veterans who have a service-connected condition rated at 100% disabling, or receive Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) due to their service-connected condition(s). Veterans who fall under this category can receive “any needed dental care.”
Will the VA help me with my teeth?
Veterans Dental Benefits and Eligibility VA offers comprehensive dental care benefits to certain qualifying Veterans. Over 500,000 Veterans were provided dental care in Fiscal Year 2021.
Is dental part of VA disability?
Veterans who have a non-compensable service-connected dental condition or a dental disability that resulted from wounds in combat or service-connected trauma can receive any dental care necessary to provide and maintain a functioning dentition.
What kind of dental work does the VA do?
Restorative procedures such as fillings, crowns and bridges. Comfortable, well-fitting dentures. Oral surgery such as tooth extractions. Access to oral and facial reconstruction surgery resulting from trauma or serious illness.
Does Aspen Dental give veterans a discount?
Day of Service 2022 On June 11, 2022, hundreds of Aspen Dental practices across the country open their doors exclusively to veterans and provide dental care at no cost.
Is dental free in the military?
If you are referred to a civilian dentist by a military dentist to receive specialty care, you pay nothing for care as long as you go to a network dentist. If you choose to us a non-network dentist you are responsible for payment of care.
What is Vadip?
The VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) offers discounted private dental insurance for Veterans and family members who meet certain requirements. Find out if you're eligible, and how to enroll in a plan that meets your needs and budget.
What is Priority Group 1 in the VA?
Priority Group 1: Veterans with VA-rated service-connected disabilities that are 50% or more disabling. Veterans determined by VA to be unemployable due to service-connected conditions.
How do I get TDIU on eBenefits?
You can apply online using VA's eBenefits portal. In order to do so, you must create an eBenefits account. This process is straightforward, requiring only your basic information and a valid email address. To apply for TDIU, you must complete VA Form 21-8940, Veteran's Application Based on Unemployability.
Can I get VA dental care benefits for some or all of my dental care?
It depends on a number of factors, like your military service history and your current health and living situation. Based on these factors, VA plac...
What VA dental care benefits do I qualify for?
Click on the statement below that describes you best to find out your benefits class and the dental benefits you may qualify for:
How do I apply for VA dental care benefits?
You can apply online by filling out the 10-10EZ health care application. Apply for benefits
Where do I go for VA dental care?
We provide dental care to qualified Veterans at over 200 dental clinics across the country, including Alaska and Puerto Rico. Find a VA dental clin...
If I can’t get VA dental care benefits, can I get help buying dental insurance?
You may be able to buy dental insurance at a reduced cost through the VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) if you meet at least one of the requireme...
Why might I want to buy private dental insurance through VADIP as a Veteran?
While some Veterans enrolled in VA health care are eligible for free dental care from our providers, many are not. Others may be eligible for free care for some, but not all, of their dental needs.
How do I enroll in a VADIP plan?
Once you’ve chosen a Delta Dental or MetLife VADIP plan, you can enroll online:
How long can I keep this dental insurance?
At this time, we’re allowed by law to continue this program until December 31, 2021. Please check back for more information in the future.
How many classes of dental benefits are there for veterans?
There are 9 different classes of eligibility when it comes to dental care benefits for veterans. Although many people have endeavored to make this easier through their veterans benefits guides, it can still be difficult to navigate these classes. I have stripped away the convoluted language to make them very easy to understand.
Who is eligible for 100% disability?
Anyone who has a disability that rates 100% on the disabling scale that occurred during your time of service is eligible for the necessary care and relief. Unemployed and unpaid veterans who are unemployed or unpaid as a direct result of this disability also qualify.
Do veterans get free dental care?
Many dentists are former servicemen, just like myself. Because they empathize first hand, they have begun offering free dental care to veterans. Those who don’t usually offer drastically discounted rates and payment options that work within your budget. Everyone deserves affordable dental care.
Is dental care a right?
Affordable dental care is a right that everyone deserves. It is critical to total mind and body health, and some dental injuries can lead to bloodstream infections and worse. The hard part of today’s society is that dental care goes overlooked by a lot of people.
Who is eligible for a one time care?
Anyone who is enrolled under VHA Directive 2007-039 as a care receiving or homeless veteran, and who has a medically necessary procedure that will treat gum conditions, relieve pain, or assist with obtaining gainful employment may be eligible for a one-time care to correct this problem.
Does the VA still provide dental insurance?
Don’t lose hope because the National VA Dental Insurance Program will still provide dental insurance to veterans through their Civilian Health and Medical Program. This works like regular dental insurance (with a copay and monthly payments) but it is drastically discounted in an effort to make it affordable for veterans.
How many priority groups are there for VA?
When you apply for VA health care, you’ll be assigned 1 of 8 priority groups. This system helps to make sure that Veterans who need immediate care can get signed up quickly. Your priority group may affect how soon we sign you up for health care benefits.
What does enhanced eligibility mean?
You may qualify for enhanced eligibility status (meaning you’ll be placed in a higher priority group, which makes you more likely to get benefits) if you meet at least one of the requirements listed below. At least one of these must be true.
Can I get VA health care benefits if I served in the military?
Am I eligible for VA health care benefits? You may be eligible for VA health care benefits if you served in the active military, naval, or air service and didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge.
Dentistry
Certain Veterans may receive dental treatment from VA. VA dental care eligibility and Veteran dental care benefits are based on a number of factors. Both the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) may make decisions regarding dental benefits and treatment.
How to Apply
Go to a VA Medical Center and have a VA employee assist you with determining eligibility and application procedures. You can find your local VA Medical Center on our Facility Locator page.
How to schedule an eye exam for VA?
To schedule an eye exam, talk to your VA primary care provider or contact your nearest VA medical center or clinic. Find a VA medical center near you. If you’re a blind or low vision Veteran, you may be able to get more advanced vision care and rehabilitation services. Find out if you qualify for blind and low vision Veteran services.
What are the medical conditions that affect VA?
Or, you must have at least one of these issues: Vision problems caused by an illness—or the treatment of an illness—for which you’re receiving VA care, like: Stroke. Diabetes. Multiple sclerosis. Vascular disease (diseases that affect your blood vessels)
What are the problems with VA?
Vision problems caused by an illness—or the treatment of an illness—for which you’re receiving VA care, like:#N#Stroke#N#Diabetes#N#Multiple sclerosis#N#Vascular disease (diseases that affect your blood vessels)#N#Geriatric chronic illnesses (long-lasting illnesses that affect the elderly) 1 Stroke 2 Diabetes 3 Multiple sclerosis 4 Vascular disease (diseases that affect your blood vessels) 5 Geriatric chronic illnesses (long-lasting illnesses that affect the elderly)
