Some 142,256 Americans were captured and interned during World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam Conflict, the Persian Gulf War, and the Somalia Conflict. This includes 81 women seized on Guam or in the Philippines in World War II, and two in the Persian Gulf War. These studies also indicate vulnerability to psychological stress is increased. The laws on former POW benefits recognize that military medical records do not cover periods of incarceration. For POWs detained or interned for 30 days or more, it will be presumed that the disability was incurred in or aggravated during military service, unless there is evidence of some other cause.
Compensation is paid based on the degree of disability.
Veterans rated 30 percent or more disabled qualify for dependency allowance. Dependents of those rated 100-percent disabled may qualify for educational assistance. VA may provide outpatient care without limitation to former POWs. POWs held for more than 90 days are eligible for any needed dental treatment. Those held for less than 90 days are eligible for dental treatment for service-connected, noncompensable dental conditions.