Va Service Dogs Program

You are a first responder who has a work related disability.
Va service dogs program. Service dog veterinary benefits rules service dog veterinary benefits rules the department of veterans affairs va is committed to ensuring veterans receive the benefits for which they qualify. Fiercely family we ve created a family environment where veterans sharing similar disabilities learn practice and instill the life skills required to manage their disabilities. Overcoming fear of public places. Our service dog for ptsd program serves veterans with combat related ptsd and first responders with work related ptsd.
The dog and veteran must have successfully completed a training program offered by an organization accredited by assistance dogs international or the international guide dog federation or both for dogs that. If research supports the use of service dogs for ptsd va will provide veterinary care for such dogs. Recognized service dogs for the insurance benefit. The dog the service dog training program and all necessary equipment are completely free.
Armed forces from any era and have received an honorable discharge. What is the difference between a guide dog and a service dog. Veterans who have a service dog to assist them in functioning because of a severe mobility impairment due to visual hearing or mental health issues are eligible for the program. The department of veterans affairs requires all those who receive medical services through the va including service dogs to register with the va health administration enrollment section of any va medical center or online.
This information is from the service dog guide dog benefits rules factsheet. The va supports guide and service dogs for veterans. The trauma assistance dog program tad is designed for veterans with diagnosed service related post traumatic stress. A guide dog is trained to assist blind and visually.
The va veterinary service benefit includes comprehensive wellness and sick care annual visits for preventive care maintenance care immunizations dental cleanings screenings etc urgent emergent care prescription medications and care for illnesses or disorders when treatment enables the dog to perform its duties in service to the veteran. Va will recognize for the purpose of paying benefits the following service dogs. These dogs help with. Va implemented rules to codify the previous authorities for guide hearing and mobility dogs into one regulation 38 cfr 17 148 titled service dogs.
Va does provide veterinary care for service dogs that are deemed medically necessary for the rehabilitation or restorative care plan of veterans with permanent physical impairments.