Supporting Military Families Raising Children with Disabilities
Military families often face unique challenges, especially when raising children with disabilities resulting from birth injuries. Recognizing these challenges, various resources and benefits are available to assist these families in navigating the complexities of care and support.
VA Maternity Care Services
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers comprehensive maternity care services as part of its medical benefits package for women veterans. These services include:
- Access to LGBTQ+ veteran care coordinators
- Genetic testing
- Lactation support
- Newborn care on the date of birth, plus seven days immediately after birth
- Physical exams and lab tests
- Social work and mental health services
Additionally, the VA covers essential supplies such as nursing bras, maternity belts, and breast pumps. VA Maternity Care Coordinators play a crucial role in helping women navigate these services and connect with community resources. These are especially vital when a baby is born with a birth injury or other health condition.
VA Benefits for Children with Disabilities
Children of veterans or active service members with disabilities may qualify for various VA benefits to support their specialized care needs. These benefits can help cover medical treatments, therapies, and adaptive devices, alleviating the financial burden on families. It’s essential for military families to explore these options to ensure their children receive the necessary support.
Accessing Support
For expectant mothers needing assistance with maternity care, the Women Veterans Call Center is available at 855-829-6636. The VA also offers an online chat feature for added convenience. Engaging with these resources can provide invaluable support and guidance throughout the journey of raising a child with disabilities.
Learn More
To explore more about the resources available to veterans and their families navigating childbirth injuries, visit ChildbirthInjuries.com’s Veterans Resource Page.
