Posted on Apr 18, 2018

hands holding feet of childOn March 5th, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs decided to reimburse adoption expenses for all veterans with a service-connected disability causing “the inability to procreate without the use of fertility treatment.”

How Does the Adoption Reimbursement Rule Work?

To qualify for reimbursement, the adopted child must be under 18 and the adoption must be arranged by a “qualified adoption agency.” Further, if the adoption has already occurred, it must have been finalized by Sept. 29, 2016. A veteran can claim up to $2000 in reimbursement per adoption, and can only receive $5000 total each calendar year. Reimbursable expenses include “agency fees, placement fees, legal fees, as well as medical expenses for the biological mother and the child that will be adopted.”

As of now, the reimbursement is only available until September 30th, 2018.

How to Apply for Adoption Reimbursement

Qualifying veterans should apply as soon as possible, as the application 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.”

Veterans should apply online using VA Form 10-10152.

How to Apply for Disability Benefits

In addition to adoption reimbursement, individuals with a service-connected disability causing the inability to procreate without the use of fertility treatment may be eligible for disability benefits. If you have yet to apply for benefits through your regional office, we encourage you to apply right away. If you applied and received an unfair denial or an unacceptable rating decision, we are here to help. With decades of experience, we are confident we can win you the benefits you are entitled to. When you are ready to appeal, send us a note or give us a call at (877) 629-1712.