Dental Reimbursement

[westcoastlv]

Hello All,

Now that my husband is 100% IU, he is eligible for fee-based dental, which we are already utilizing. His IU became effective back to 08/2011. During the time he was waiting for his claim to be decided, we spent roughly $400 out of pocket for dental expenses about 5 months ago.

My question is: is this reimbursable to us because of the effective date of eligibility? And if yes, who do we submit the reimbursement to? And what forms are we to use?

I would definitely like to get that $400 back. Now that I am also eligible for ChampVA, I have already submitted my claims for reimbursement for my out of pocket medical expenses, but that certainly doesn't cover what we've spent on his dental.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[Chuck75]

In theory, it is reimbursable. Obviously, you will need to have the usual description of treatment, and the receipts. I have actually seen a VA form that appears to cover this, although I've not used it. The closest I've come is getting the VA to reluctantly refund co-pays, and out of pocket expenses related to treatment of SC'd conditions that the VA was not prepared to provide. I have several thousands involved in treatment related to IHD yet to be claimed, if at all possible.

I will say that getting the VA to the point that they actually will consider repayment can be a challenge. Most veteran's "write it off" due to the hassle.

One of the gotchas has to do with treatment that the VA might pay for, if they pre-approved it. Naturally, this might only exist if the condition is already SC'd. Since dental treatment is not usually for a direct SC'd condition, the VA may say that it's not covered.

Edited November 5, 2013 by Chuck75

[Philip Rogers]

My thoughts are "yes" but I agree w/Chuck, getting the VA to do it will probably be hard and time consuming. Any travel should be payable also for those trips. If you have the time and "patience" you should go after it all. jmo

pr

[meghp0405]

contact the fee basis office at your nearest va hospital.

[john999]

I got the VA to reimburse me in your situation. I contacted Fee Base. It took 6 months and the VA was nasty to my dentist. They practically accused him of fraud. I got reimbursed for about 70% of my costs.

[Trailrun]

Yes, contact fee basis at the Hospital they know the policy and process and can check directly witg DC if needed