Va Issues Blue Water

[Berta]

In part:

"VA limits the presumption of exposure to Veterans who

served on the ground or on the inland waterways of Vietnam and excludes Veterans who

served aboard ships operating on Vietnam’s offshore waters. This limitation has been

legally upheld by the court system. However, VA has become increasingly aware of

evidence showing that some offshore U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships also operated

temporarily on Vietnam’s inland waterways or docked to the shore. Additionally, VA

has recently acquired evidence showing that certain ships operated primarily on the

inland waterways rather than offshore. Veterans who served aboard these ships qualify

for the presumption of herbicide exposure. Assisting Veterans who served aboard these

ships requires special claims processing steps that are explained in this training letter."

The ships list is available here at hadit.

VA Blue Water 9-2010 Fast Letter.pdf