VA Now Processing Blue Water Navy Claims
By PVA National Staff
On January 1, VA began deciding Agent Orange exposure claims for “Blue Water Navy” (BWN) veterans who served offshore of the Republic of Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975. Veterans who served as far as 12 nautical miles from the shore of Vietnam, or who had service in the Korean Demilitarized Zone, are presumed to have been exposed to herbicides, such as Agent Orange, and may be entitled to service connection for any of the 14 conditions related to herbicide exposure.
Veterans, widows, and children who meet specific criteria, are now able to file their claim, have their claim decided, renew their claims, or add information to their claims. Survivors of veterans who meet the criteria who died due to a presumptive-related illness, may file claims as well. Because of the lethality of some of the presumptives, veterans age 85 or older will receive priority processing. For more information, you can contact your PVA Service Officer, visit this VA website, or call VA at 1-800-749-8387.
To find out if one of your conditions is eligible click here.
