Blue Water Navy Veterans and Agent Orange Exposure

Veterans who served on open sea ships off the shore of Vietnam during the Vietnam War are referred to as "Blue Water Navy Veterans."



Veterans who served on a vessel operating not more than 12 nautical miles seaward from the demarcation line of the waters of Vietnam and Cambodia, as defined in Public Law 116-23 are eligible for the Agent Orange Registry. Please note that being in the Agent Orange Registry does not verify eligibility for benefits.

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. Learn more.

Exposure to Agent Orange

A recent signed Blue Water Navy law affects Veterans who served on a vessel operating not more than 12 nautical miles seaward from the demarcation line of the waters of Vietnam and Cambodia as defined in Public Law 116-23. Veterans who state they meet the criteria of this law are eligible for the Agent Orange Registry. Note: being in the registry does not verify eligibility for benefits.

VA benefits

Eligible Veterans may receive the following VA benefits:

Health care benefits: A full range of medical benefits. There are many ways that a Veteran may qualify for VA health care benefits.

Disability compensation: A monthly payment for diseases related to Agent Orange exposure.

Other benefits: Home loans, vocational rehabilitation, education, and more

Surviving spouses, dependent children and dependent parents of Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange and died as the result of diseases related to Agent Orange exposure may be eligible for survivors' benefits.

Need help determining exposure?

VA can help determine Agent Orange exposure or qualifying service in Vietnam after you file a claim for compensation benefits.