BROWARD COUNTY, FL -  The New Year got off to a great start for Vietnam veterans and their families with the enactment of the Blue Water Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019. The Act, which became effective on January 1, 2020, extends a presumption of herbicide exposure to Blue Water Navy veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam and the offshore waters.

Blue Water Navy survivors and certain dependents may be entitled to benefits if the veteran was exposed. To be entitled to disability compensation benefits, these veterans must:

• have served between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, and
• have one or more of the conditions related to presumed herbicide exposure.

Veterans who previously applied for Agent Orange related conditions are encouraged to refile under the new law. Survivors of deceased veterans may also be eligible.

“We encourage veterans who served in Vietnam and the offshore waters contact Broward’s Veterans Services Section for free assistance in this process. Our team of Veterans Services Officers can determine eligibility, assist with completing claims, and simplify navigating the VA system,” said Owen Walker, Manager of Broward County Veterans Services Section.

Last year, Broward County’s Veterans Services Section provided free veterans benefits services to nearly 12,000 Broward veterans and their families, and on their behalf, generated $12 million in claim awards from the Veterans Administration. 

Watch the Veterans Administration's video to learn more about the new law. For additional information, or to apply for disability benefits, contact Broward County’s Veterans Services Section at 954-357-6622 or veterans@broward.org. You can also contact the Veterans Administration at 1-800-749-8387.

About Elderly and Veterans Services 
The Elderly and Veterans Services Division empower elders and veterans and their families, and improves their quality of life through aging-in-place supports Veterans Services aids veterans, their widows, dependents and dependent survivors regardless of age or other status. Our free services are focused on attainment and/or maintenance of self-sufficiency. For more information, call 954-357-6622.

DATE: January 17, 2020
MEDIA CONTACT: Owen Walker, Manager, Veterans Services Section
PHONE: 954-357-0039
EMAIL: owalker@broward.org