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Tbird
17. Can I get dental care?

Generally, dental benefits are limited to service-connected dental conditions or to veterans who are permanently and totally disabled from service-connected causes.
woodenturkey
QUOTE (Tbird @ Nov 23 2005, 05:48 PM) *
17. Can I get dental care?

Generally, dental benefits are limited to service-connected dental conditions or to veterans who are permanently and totally disabled from service-connected causes.


Dental... to receive dental care now you must be one of the following, 100% SC, SC for Dental,or If your primary care doc thinks you need your teeth fixed, because an infection in your mouth needed to be fixed b4 he can treat/fix XYZ (but is subject to review) You can be seen for emergency tooth extraction,but will cost $202 (well here at my hospital)
carlie
Don't know if this will help out or not but I'm trying.
carlie


§ 3.381 Service connection of dental conditions for treatment purposes.
(a) Treatable carious teeth, replaceable missing teeth, dental or alveolar abscesses, and periodontal disease will be considered service-connected solely for the purpose of establishing eligibility for outpatient dental treatment as provided in §17.161 of this chapter.

(cool.gif The rating activity will consider each defective or missing tooth and each disease of the teeth and periodontal tissues separately to determine whether the condition was incurred or aggravated in line of duty during active service. When applicable, the rating activity will determine whether the condition is due to combat or other in-service trauma, or whether the veteran was interned as a prisoner of war.

© In determining service connection, the condition of teeth and periodontal tissues at the time of entry into active duty will be considered. Treatment during service, including filling or extraction of a tooth, or placement of a prosthesis, will not be considered evidence of aggravation of a condition that was noted at entry, unless additional pathology developed after 180 days or more of active service.

(d) The following principles apply to dental conditions noted at entry and treated during service:

(1) Teeth noted as normal at entry will be service-connected if they were filled or extracted after 180 days or more of active service.

(2) Teeth noted as filled at entry will be service-connected if they were extracted, or if the existing filling was replaced, after 180 days or more of active service.

(3) Teeth noted as carious but restorable at entry will not be service-connected on the basis that they were filled during service. However, new caries that developed 180 days or more after such a tooth was filled will be service-connected.

(4) Teeth noted as carious but restorable at entry, whether or not filled, will be service-connected if extraction was required after 180 days or more of active service.

(5) Teeth noted at entry as non-restorable will not be service-connected, regardless of treatment during service.

(6) Teeth noted as missing at entry will not be service connected, regardless of treatment during service.

(e) The following will not be considered service-connected for treatment purposes:

(1) Calculus;

(2) Acute periodontal disease;

(3) Third molars, unless disease or pathology of the tooth developed after 180 days or more of active service, or was due to combat or in-service trauma; and

(4) Impacted or malposed teeth, and other developmental defects, unless disease or pathology of these teeth developed after 180 days or more of active service.

(f) Teeth extracted because of chronic periodontal disease will be service-connected only if they were extracted after 180 days or more of active service.
Wings
That's a good citation Carlie ;-)

At the bottom of your white message box, see text called "post options" . . . if you Un-check the Enable emoticons the law citations will omit the smiley faces used for letters smile.gif smile.gif smile.gif


~Wings
frank
QUOTE (carlie @ Jun 28 2006, 12:35 PM) *
Don't know if this will help out or not but I'm trying.
carlie
§ 3.381 Service connection of dental conditions for treatment purposes.
(a) Treatable carious teeth, replaceable missing teeth, dental or alveolar abscesses, and periodontal disease will be considered service-connected solely for the purpose of establishing eligibility for outpatient dental treatment as provided in §17.161 of this chapter.

(cool.gif The rating activity will consider each defective or missing tooth and each disease of the teeth and periodontal tissues separately to determine whether the condition was incurred or aggravated in line of duty during active service. When applicable, the rating activity will determine whether the condition is due to combat or other in-service trauma, or whether the veteran was interned as a prisoner of war.

© In determining service connection, the condition of teeth and periodontal tissues at the time of entry into active duty will be considered. Treatment during service, including filling or extraction of a tooth, or placement of a prosthesis, will not be considered evidence of aggravation of a condition that was noted at entry, unless additional pathology developed after 180 days or more of active service.

(d) The following principles apply to dental conditions noted at entry and treated during service:

(1) Teeth noted as normal at entry will be service-connected if they were filled or extracted after 180 days or more of active service.

(2) Teeth noted as filled at entry will be service-connected if they were extracted, or if the existing filling was replaced, after 180 days or more of active service.

(3) Teeth noted as carious but restorable at entry will not be service-connected on the basis that they were filled during service. However, new caries that developed 180 days or more after such a tooth was filled will be service-connected.

(4) Teeth noted as carious but restorable at entry, whether or not filled, will be service-connected if extraction was required after 180 days or more of active service.

(5) Teeth noted at entry as non-restorable will not be service-connected, regardless of treatment during service.

(6) Teeth noted as missing at entry will not be service connected, regardless of treatment during service.

(e) The following will not be considered service-connected for treatment purposes:

(1) Calculus;

(2) Acute periodontal disease;

(3) Third molars, unless disease or pathology of the tooth developed after 180 days or more of active service, or was due to combat or in-service trauma; and

(4) Impacted or malposed teeth, and other developmental defects, unless disease or pathology of these teeth developed after 180 days or more of active service.

(f) Teeth extracted because of chronic periodontal disease will be service-connected only if they were extracted after 180 days or more of active service.
wings, I am going to a periodist,in sept as they told me as long as you are 100% there is no problem plus there is no charge,tva also supplies a bus, to pick you up and bring you back,maybe this is paid under state vamand not fereral frank
WeAre#1
Title 38: Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief
PART 17—MEDICAL
Dental Services


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§ 17.161 Authorization of outpatient dental treatment.
Outpatient dental treatment may be authorized by the Chief, Dental Service, for beneficiaries defined in 38 U.S.C. 1712(cool.gif and 38 CFR 17.93 to the extent prescribed and in accordance with the applicable classification and provisions set forth in this section.

(a) Class I. Those having a service-connected compensable dental disability or condition, may be authorized any dental treatment indicated as reasonably necessary to maintain oral health and masticatory function. There is no time limitation for making application for treatment and no restriction as to the number of repeat episodes of treatment.

(cool.gif Class II. (1)(i) Those having a service-connected noncompensable dental condition or disability shown to have been in existence at time of discharge or release from active service, which took place after September 30, 1981, may be authorized any treatment indicated as reasonably necessary for the one-time correction of the service-connected noncompensable condition, but only if:

(A) They served on active duty during the Persian Gulf War and were discharged or released, under conditions other than dishonorable, from a period of active military, naval, or air service of not less than 90 days, or they were discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable, from any other period of active military, naval, or air service of not less than 180 days;

(cool.gif Application for treatment is made within 180 days after such discharge or release.

(C) The certificate of discharge or release does not bear a certification that the veteran was provided, within the 90-day period immediately before such discharge or release, a complete dental examination (including dental X-rays) and all appropriate dental treatment indicated by the examination to be needed, and

(D) Department of Veterans Affairs dental examination is completed within six months after discharge or release, unless delayed through no fault of the veteran.

(ii) Those veterans discharged from their final period of service after August 12, 1981, who had reentered active military service within 90 days after the date of a discharge or release from a prior period of active military service, may apply for treatment of service-connected noncompensable dental conditions relating to any such periods of service within 180 days from the date of their final discharge or release.

(iii) If a disqualifying discharge or release has been corrected by competent authority, application may be made within 180 days after the date of correction.

(2)(i) Those having a service-connected noncompensable dental condition or disability shown to have been in existence at time of discharge or release from active service, which took place before October 1, 1981, may be authorized any treatment indicated as reasonably necessary for the one-time correction of the service-connected noncompensable condition, but only if:

(A) They were discharged or released, under conditions other than dishonorable, from a period of active military, naval or air service of not less than 180 days.

(cool.gif Application for treatment is made within one year after such discharge or release.

(C) Department of Veterans Affairs dental examination is completed within 14 months after discharge or release, unless delayed through no fault of the veteran.

(ii) Those veterans discharged from their final period of service before August 13, 1981, who had reentered active military service within one year from the date of a prior discharge or release, may apply for treatment of service-connected noncompensable dental conditions relating to any such prior periods of service within one year of their final discharge or release.

(iii) If a disqualifying discharge or release has been corrected by competent authority, application may be made within one year after the date of correction.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 1712)
(c) Class II ( a ). Those having a service-connected noncompensable dental condition or disability adjudicated as resulting from combat wounds or service trauma may be authorized any treatment indicated as reasonably necessary for the correction of such service-connected noncompensable condition or disability.

(d) Class II(cool.gif. Those having a service-connected noncompensable dental condition or disability and who had been detained or interned as prisoners of war for a period of less than 90 days may be authorized any treatment as reasonably necessary for the correction of such service-connected dental condition or disability.

(Authority: Pub. L. 100–322; 38 U.S.C. 1712(cool.gif(l)(F))
(e) Class II(c). Those who were prisoners of war for 90 days or more, as determined by the concerned military service department, may be authorized any needed dental treatment.

(Authority: Pub. L. 100–322, 38 U.S.C. 1712(cool.gif(1)(F))
(f) Class IIR (Retroactive). Any veteran who had made prior application for and received dental treatment from the Department of Veterans Affairs for noncompensable dental conditions, but was denied replacement of missing teeth which were lost during any period of service prior to his/her last period of service may be authorized such previously denied benefits under the following conditions:

(1) Application for such retroactive benefits is made within one year of April 5, 1983.

(2) Existing Department of Veterans Affairs records reflect the prior denial of the claim.

All Class IIR (Retroactive) treatment authorized will be completed on a fee basis status.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 1712)
(g) Class III. Those having a dental condition professionally determined to be aggravating disability from an associated service-connected condition or disability may be authorized dental treatment for only those dental conditions which, in sound professional judgment, are having a direct and material detrimental effect upon the associated basic condition or disability.

(h) Class IV. Those whose service-connected disabilities are rated at 100% by schedular evaluation or who are entitled to the 100% rate by reason of individual unemployability may be authorized any needed dental treatment.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 1712)
(i) Class V. A veteran who is participating in a rehabilitation program under 38 U.S.C. chapter 31 may be authorized such dental services as are professionally determined necessary for any of the reasons enumerated in §17.47(g).

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 1712(cool.gif; chapter 31)
(j) Class VI. Any veterans scheduled for admission or otherwise receiving care and services under chapter 17 of 38 U.S.C. may receive outpatient dental care which is medically necessary, i.e., is for dental condition clinically determined to be complicating a medical condition currently under treatment.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 1712)

john999
When it comes to crowns and implants the VA dentists I have used are very averse to doing these expensive procedures. They don't mind pulling a tooth but doing implants and crowns seems to be the last resort. I know that cost is a big factor and I resent the fact that cost is more important to them than dental health. I am having to pay for my implant because the VA won't do it. Also they just did a big filling instead of a crown. I find their care to be of poor quality. I bet they think that dentures are cheaper and better than real teeth. I can't get appointments even three months in advance. They do alright when it comes to fillings, but they just seem much more concerned with their budgets than with my dental health. I bet most vets with limited incomes have many dental problems that affect their overall health and the VA just ignores this because of the cost. If you have the money go find a private dentist who is not going to shortchange you and BS you because the VA tells him to keep costs down.
Pete53
I have my last VA Dental Appointment Nov 14th which exactly 40 years prior I was inducted into US Army and promised that the Army would take care of me if anything happened.

In January if I am able I will go to Mexico with my brother and pay a good dentist to make a crown and a small bridge. The Dentist is very good he works for my brother in law who is also a Dentist and the whole procedure should be less than 600 Dollars
top213


The law is but written words. It is the intent and the understanding of the law that makes the difference. The VA's intent is to exclude even why the law is clearly stating inclusion. The VA will use every excuse they can to eliminate a veteran. I had the misfortune to have cancer and was being treated for it at the VA in Memphis, TN. My mouth erupted into a infected mess during my 8 weeks of radiation. I was seen by my primary care team and was sent for an assessment and treatment in light of the radiation treatment I was receiving and my failing oral health. I was seen and told that my mouth was a disaster zone. The dentist then told me that I was ineligible. Five days prior to my examination a staff dentist had written into my medical record that I was not 100% SC and therefore I was ineligible. I never stated such a fact, but that was their excuse for not treating me. This is disability discrimnation used against a veteran. Under the written law, My primary care team requested assessment and treatment under 38 USC 1712 (H)(ii). That is the last section of the law. The VA has never stated that I was ineligible because of this portion of the law, but they have thrown ever other reason at me. What broke this camel's back was that after getting a copy of my dental records I found out that they stated within my medical record that they offered my treatment and that I had declined. Making it the patient's fault. I do not think so!!!! I have filed a tort action against them. So, say a prayer for me, as I enter into the mouth of the lion


CITE- 38 USC Sec. 1712 01/03/2007 -EXPCITE- TITLE 38 - VETERANS' BENEFITS PART II - GENERAL BENEFITS CHAPTER 17 - HOSPITAL, NURSING HOME, DOMICILIARY, AND MEDICAL CARE SUBCHAPTER II - HOSPITAL, NURSING HOME, OR DOMICILIARY CARE AND MEDICAL TREATMENT -HEAD- Sec. 1712. Dental care; drugs and medicines for certain disabled veterans; vaccines -STATUTE- (a)(1) Outpatient dental services and treatment, and related dental appliances, shall be furnished under this section only for a dental condition or disability - (A) which is service-connected and compensable in degree; (cool.gif which is service-connected, but not compensable in degree, but only if - (i) the dental condition or disability is shown to have been in existence at the time of the veteran's discharge or release from active military, naval, or air service; (ii) the veteran had served on active duty for a period of not less than 180 days or, in the case of a veteran who served on active duty during the Persian Gulf War, 90 days immediately before such discharge or release; (iii) application for treatment is made within 90 days after such discharge or release, except that (I) in the case of a veteran who reentered active military, naval, or air service within 90 days after the date of such veteran's prior discharge or release from such service, application may be made within 90 days from the date of such veteran's subsequent discharge or release from such service, and (II) if a disqualifying discharge or release has been corrected by competent authority, application may be made within 90 days after the date of correction; and (iv) the veteran's certificate of discharge or release from active duty does not bear a certification that the veteran was provided, within the 90-day period immediately before the date of such discharge or release, a complete dental examination (including dental X-rays) and all appropriate dental services and treatment indicated by the examination to be needed; © which is a service-connected dental condition or disability due to combat wounds or other service trauma, or of a former prisoner of war; (D) which is associated with and is aggravating a disability resulting from some other disease or injury which was incurred in or aggravated by active military, naval, or air service; (E) which is a non-service-connected condition or disability of a veteran for which treatment was begun while such veteran was receiving hospital care under this chapter and such services and treatment are reasonably necessary to complete such treatment; (F) from which a veteran who is a former prisoner of war is suffering; (G) from which a veteran who has a service-connected disability rated as total is suffering; or (H) the treatment of which is medically necessary (i) in preparation for hospital admission, or (ii) for a veteran otherwise receiving care or services under this chapter.



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