The Blue Water Navy Veterans Act of 2015 may offer VA Benefits for vets that were previously not eligible. If you have any questions about your possible exposure to Agent Orange, contact Woods & Woods VA Disability Lawyers. For a free legal consultation to explore your legal rights, call (866) 232-5777 or fill out the free claim evaluation form.
Navy veterans may be eligible for VA Benefits.
Agent Orange was a deadly defoliant chemical used in the Vietnam War. The chemical was used to help clear the immense amount of plants and jungle areas that sheltered opposing forces from the United States’ troops. Exposure to Agent Orange has caused veterans to suffer from diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and Parkinson’s disease. The VA has determined an Agent Orange presumptive list of conditions related to exposure.
Agent Orange has been a long battle for returning troops.
There has been legislation granting veterans benefits for Agent Orange exposure from their time in Vietnam since 1991; but in 2002 the Veteran’s Administration decided that veteran benefits would only be granted to those with “boots on the ground”, meaning only those who were on land in Vietnam. It is inconceivable that only the U.S. Veterans that suffer from disabilities caused by Agent Orange were those on land at the time of war. The Blue Water Navy Veterans Act of 2015 hopes to bring new legislation to the table and give Navy veterans the disability benefits they unquestionably deserve.
Learn about the Blue Water Navy Veterans Act of 2015.
The Blue Water Navy Veterans Act of 2015 is new bipartisan legislation, co-sponsored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters, which gives all veterans exposed to Agent Orange the benefits they deserve. At this time, only veterans who were on the land exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam are eligible to receive benefits for their disabilities; but with the Blue Water Navy Veterans Act of 2015, Navy veterans who were up to 12 miles offshore will soon be eligible for benefits if this legislation is passed into law.
Research into Agent Orange continues to be done, which is why veteran benefits for those off shore have not been approved earlier. It wasn’t until research was done in 2010 that concluded Agent Orange leads to heart disease and Parkinson’s disease. Research presents several ways the chemical could have reached those offshore, including “exposure through the water distillation process aboard Navy ships and through the air”. This research could be decisive enough to give Navy Veterans the disability benefits they deserve due to Agent Orange.
We always offer free legal consultations to veterans.
The Veterans’ Disability Benefits Lawyers at Woods and Woods Injury Lawyers recognize the difficulties that accompany applying for veterans’ disability benefits based on conditions caused by Agent Orange exposure. That’s why we’re here to answer any questions you may have if you are considering applying for benefits or have had a claim for benefits denied in the past.