Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act Information

Reposted from Letter to VBA from PAUL R. LAWRENCE, Ph.D., Under Secretary for Benefits

The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 (Public Law 116-23) will take effect on Jan. 1, 2020. This new law extends the presumption of exposure to herbicides to Veterans who served in the offshore waters of the Republic of Vietnam. Eligible Blue Water Navy (BWN) Veterans will be able to apply for disability compensation and other benefits if they served in this designated area between Jan. 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975 and developed one of 14 illnesses related to contact with herbicides such as Agent Orange. In addition, Veterans who served in or near the Korean Demilitarized Zone between Sept. 1, 1967 and Aug. 31, 1971, may also qualify for benefits for themselves and their family members.

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) has developed a BWN Informational website to communicate the latest developments and to house resources that are beneficial to understanding the law, Veterans’ eligibility and how to apply.

In addition, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act also includes changes to the Loan Guaranty program for all Veterans, not just Blue Water Navy Veterans.  To learn more about those changes, please visit the BWN Loan Guaranty Landing Page.