VA now offers adoption reimbursement

Veterans with a service-connected disability that results in infertility will now be able to receive reimbursement for adoption expenses as a result of a new rule recently approved by VA. The final interim rule was published in the Federal Register on March 5, 2018, and became effective upon publication.

With this rulemaking, VA may provide reimbursement for qualifying expenses in the adoption of a child under18 years of age.

Who is eligible?

Any Veteran with a service-connected disability that results in the inability to procreate without the use of fertility treatment.

What expenses are covered?

For expenses to be reimbursable, adoptions must be arranged by a qualified adoption agency as defined in DoD Instruction 1341.9. Reimbursement is capped at $2,000 for a covered Veteran or two covered Veterans who are spouses of each other. In the case of two married Veterans, only one spouse may claim reimbursement for any one adoption. Additionally, no more than $5,000 may be paid to a covered Veteran in any calendar year, or in the case of two married covered Veterans.

Expenses such as clothing, bedding, toys and books, travel expenses and expenses incurred in connection with an adoption arranged in violation of Federal, State, or

local law are not reimbursable.

When should application be made?

The application for reimbursement must be submitted no later than two years after the adoption is final or, in the case of adoption of a foreign child, no later than two years from the date a certificate of United States citizenship is issued.

Apply online: VA Form 10152, Reimbursement Request for Qualifying Adoption Expenses

Author: Patricia M. Hayes is the Chief Consultant for Women’s Health Services for VA, advocating for and overseeing the delivery of VA health care services for more than 430,000 women Veteran health care users.