### Question
How does the law define preventive care?


### Answer
Under *38 U.S.C. § 1803*, **preventive care** is defined as:

> care and treatment furnished to prevent disability or illness, including periodic examinations, immunizations, patient health education, and such other services as the Secretary determines necessary to provide effective and economical preventive health care

#### Citation:
  - *38 U.S.C. § 1803*
  - Heading: **PART II-GENERAL BENEFITS > CHAPTER 18-BENEFITS FOR CHILDREN OF VIETNAM VETERANS > SUBCHAPTER I-CHILDREN OF VIETNAM VETERANS BORN WITH SPINA BIFIDA**

