Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act

The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act is a U.S. law enacted in 2019 that expands benefits for Vietnam veterans who served on ships in the waters off the coast of Vietnam, known as “Blue Water” veterans. Previously, only veterans who set foot on Vietnamese soil or served in its inland waterways were eligible for certain disability benefits related to exposure to Agent Orange, a toxic herbicide used during the Vietnam War. This act ensures that Blue Water veterans also receive these benefits if they have health issues linked to Agent Orange exposure, acknowledging their service and sacrifices.