Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act
A 2019 law extending Agent Orange presumptive benefits to U.S. Navy veterans who served on ships off the coast of Vietnam.
The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 fixed a long-standing gap: for years, Agent Orange presumptive benefits were limited to veterans who set foot in Vietnam or served on inland waterways ('brown water'). Sailors who served on ships in the open sea offshore ('blue water') were excluded, even though many were exposed to Agent Orange through ship water systems and air drift. The 2019 law extended Agent Orange presumptive coverage to U.S. Navy and Coast Guard veterans who served within 12 nautical miles of the Vietnamese coast between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975. Veterans now get the same presumptive recognition for diseases like ischemic heart disease, type 2 diabetes, prostate cancer, certain leukemias and lymphomas, Parkinson's disease, and others. Survivors of Blue Water Navy veterans who died of presumptive conditions may also be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).
In real life
- A retired Navy sailor who served on a destroyer off Da Nang in 1968 now qualifies for Agent Orange presumptive benefits for his diabetes.
- A Coast Guard veteran who served within 12 miles of the Vietnamese coast files a claim for prostate cancer.
- A widow of a Blue Water Navy sailor files DIC after his death from ischemic heart disease.
Also known as
Frequently asked questions about Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act
Who is covered?+
Navy and Coast Guard veterans who served within 12 nautical miles of Vietnam between Jan 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975.
Do I need to prove exposure?+
No. The VA presumes Agent Orange exposure for qualifying Blue Water service.
What if my claim was denied before 2019?+
You may be able to refile or have a previously denied claim reviewed. Talk with a free accredited VSO.
Can survivors file?+
Yes — DIC is available if the veteran died of an Agent Orange presumptive condition.
Source: va.gov