New law to help sailors receive Agent Orange exposure benefits

UNITED STATES — Nearly 90,000 Navy veterans who may have been exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War will now be eligible for new health coverage.

The U.S. military sprayed Agent Orange throughout Vietnam in an effort to destroy jungle vegetation used as a cover by enemy troops.

It was later discovered that the powerful herbicide can cause serious health issues like cancer, heart diseases, prostate cancer or birth defects in children of exposed victims.

Some war soldiers were covered for health benefits, like soldiers on the ground who may have come in direct contact with the chemical. Now, it is proven that some Navy sailors may have come in contact with the chemical in the water and can now qualify for coverage.

The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act was signed into law. Now, about 90,000 Navy veterans could be eligible for new health benefits.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs:

The Blue Water Navy (BWN) Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 (PL 116-23) extended the presumption of herbicide exposure, such as Agent Orange, to Veterans who served in the offshore waters of the Republic of Vietnam between Jan. 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2020, 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.

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The VA is also now able to extend benefits to children with spina bifida whose BWN Veteran parent may have been exposed while serving.

Veterans with questions about benefits or filing a claim can visit the VA Agent Orange website and Compensation for Surviving Spouse and Dependents (DIC) website. They can also call 1-800-749-8387.

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