Helping Blue Water Veterans Obtain Coverage for Agent Orange Exposure

VA benefits attorneys fight for affected Vietnam vets

Certain veterans of the Vietnam War, who suffer from diseases linked to Agent Orange, must prove that the circumstance of their service provided an opportunity for exposure. This is the case for Blue Water veterans, those seamen who served on open ships off the shore of Vietnam during the conflict. At Marcari, Russotto, Spencer & Balaban, our veterans benefits attorneys help you assemble the evidence necessary to qualify for all types of disability benefits, including compensation, DIC and TDIU.

How Blue Water vets prove exposure to Agent Orange

To establish a presumption of service-related exposure to an herbicide, seamen must prove that they actually set foot on Vietnamese soil or served on inland waterways between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975. That presumption, along with symptoms of a disease related to Agent Orange exposure, is often sufficient to trigger benefits. These benefits are not only for veterans themselves, but also extend to children of veterans.

We can help you research the movements of your service vessels during this time period to verify operations within the inland waterways and time spent docked at the shore of Vietnam. By comparing ship movements with your service record, we can often assemble evidence that meets the threshold for a presumption of exposure.

Navy and Coast Guard Ships Associated with Service in Vietnam and Exposure to Herbicide Agents November 2, 2018 (PDF)

If you did not go ashore or serve in the inland waterways, you can still obtain benefits by demonstrating a factual basis for exposure during the required time period. This could mean that you serve on a ship that transported Agent Orange. The VA makes these determinations on a case by case basis, so having an aggressive and determined attorney could make all the difference for you and your children.

Exception for Blue Water vets with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

The VA sometimes grants a presumption of service-related exposure to Blue Water vets who suffer from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The VA recognizes this disease as related to service in Vietnam and the coastal waters during the applicable period.

Contact the law firm that stands up for Blue Water veterans

If you are a Blue Water vet whose application for disability has been denied, or you believe your award is insufficient, contact Marcari, Russotto, Spencer & Balaban We always have someone available to talk to you, even if you cannot come to our offices. Wherever you are in the country, you can leverage our knowledge and experience. Plus, you pay no fees unless we win your claim for benefits. Call us today at 866-866-VETS or contact us online.