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SERVICE DOGS

  • Service dogs are guide or service dogs prescribed for a disabled veteran under 38 CFR 17.148 for the purpose of the Veteran being diagnosed as having a visual, hearing, or substantial mobility impairment.

Service Dogs

Service dogs are guide or service dogs prescribed for a disabled veteran under 38 CFR 17.148 for the purpose of the Veteran being diagnosed as having a visual, hearing, or substantial mobility impairment.

NOTE:

  • The VA does NOT provide service dogs, but will refer approved Veterans to Assistance Dogs International or International Guide Dog Federation-accredited agencies.

 

Eligibility

The Veteran must meet ALL of the following criteria:

  • Diagnosed with a Visual, Hearing, or substantial mobility impairment; and

  • The VA clinical team that is treating the Veteran for such impairment determines if it is best for the Veteran to manage their impairment and live independently through the assistance of a trained service dog; and

  • Have the ability and means to care for the dog. If the Veteran themselves is unable to do so then their family or caregiver MUST be able to do so!

PAWS Act UPDATE

  • The VA is due to start a 5-year pilot program at no less than 5 VA Medical Centers. This pilot program will expand eligibility to Veterans with PTSD WITHOUT requiring the Veteran to have any mobility impairments!

IMPORTANT NOTE:

  • If other means (such as technological devices or rehabilitative therapy) will provide the same level of independence as a service dog, then VA will NOT authorize any benefits for a service dog.

NOTE:

  • Substantial mobility impairment means a spinal cord injury or dysfunction or other chronic impairment that substantially limits mobility. A chronic impairment that substantially limits mobility includes but is not limited to:

    • Traumatic brain injury, that compromises a veteran's ability to make appropriate decisions based on environmental cues (i.e., traffic lights or dangerous obstacles).

    • Mental health disorders, that compromises a veteran's ability to make appropriate decisions based on environmental cues (i.e., traffic lights or dangerous obstacles).

    • Seizure disorder that causes a veteran to become immobile during and after a seizure event.

 

Applying

Depending on the basis of your impairment will determine how you need to go about getting this benefit.

 

Hearing, Guide, Mobility

Meet with your VA Clinical Care Provider to begin the application process.

Your provider will complete an evaluation and make a clinical determination on the need for assistive devices, including a service dog.

Once the evaluation is completed and a service dog is determined to be the best tool for the Veteran’s rehabilitation and treatment plan, the provider will work with the Veteran to obtain the necessary information and documents to request the benefit on behalf of the Veteran through coordination with the local VA Medical Center Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service.

 

Mental Health Mobility

Meet with your VA Mental Health Provider to begin the application process.

Your mental health provider and care team will evaluate and determine whether your Mental health condition is the primary cause of your substantial mobility limitations.

The team will also assess whether a mobility service dog would be the best intervention or treatment approach for the Veteran. If the team considers a service dog to be the best route, they will request the benefit on behalf of the Veteran through coordination with the local VA Medical Center Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service.

 

Benefits

The VA provides a few benefits for those approved for a service dog through the VA. Do know, the VA will only approve ONE service dog.

 

Service Dog Veterinary Health Insurance Benefit (VHIB) Policy

This FREE benefit covers the following:

  • Comprehensive veterinary services for their service dog

  • Annual visits for preventive and maintenance care (i.e., immunizations, dental cleanings, screenings, etc.)

  • Urgent/emergent care

  • Prescription medications

  • Care for chronic illnesses and/or disorders to enable the dog to perform its duties in service to the Veteran.

NOTE:

  • VHIB does NOT require VA pre-authorization!

 

Equipment

Service dogs may require specialized equipment medically indicated by the Veteran’s medical provider. This specialized equipment may be eligible for to be provided for free your VAMC's Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service (PSAS) department.

 

Travel Support for Training the Veteran as a Handler

The VA will pay for travel expenses associated with obtaining a dog.

However, travel costs will be paid ONLY once the Veteran has been prescribed a service dog by a VA clinical team and annotated in the Veteran’s record that the Veteran has been Pre-Approved for the insurance benefit.

 

NOT Covered

The VA will NOT pay for any of the following items:

  • Boarding

  • Grooming

  • Insurance for personal injury

  • License tags

  • Nail trimming

  • Non-sedated dental cleanings

  • Nonprescription food

  • Over-the-counter medications

  • Pet-sitting or dog-walking services

 

Closing Notes

  • The dog is NOT the property of VA.

  • The VA will NEVER assume responsibility for, or take possession of, any service dog.

 

FAQ

 

Does VA Provide Service Dogs?

 

Does a service dog serve the same function(s) as Animal Assisted Therapy or Animal Assisted Activity dogs?

  • No. Animal Assisted Therapy and Animal Assisted Activity dogs are used either to assist therapists to accomplish therapeutic goals or for general engagement of the patients. Neither type of dogs is for personal use by the Veteran. They are used only in a medical setting.

 

The VA denied my request for a service dog. What are some organizations that may be able to help me?

  • Google is your friend. There are many charitable organizations that provide service dogs to Veterans, but they all have conditions on who they serve. You will need to find a service dog organization that serves:

    • Your geographic area (some serve specific states or regions, others are national)

    • Your conflict era (some serve Vietnam era only, etc.)

    • Your disability (some focus on Veterans with combat PTSD, etc.)

Your VA health care providers are required to assist you with the completion of application forms for service dog programs under VHA Directive 1134(2).

 

References

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