All Blue Water Vietnam Navy Veterans are being advised to contact the Monroe County Veterans Service Agency after the U.S. Court of Appeals expanded access to the benefits they earned.  

Blue Water veterans are sailors who were stationed offshore during the Vietnam War.  The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs previously excluded them from filing Agent Orange related insurance claims.  Following the federal court decision, the VA opted not to appeal.  That means an estimated 50,000 to 90,000 Blue Water Navy Veterans nationwide are now eligible for greater VA disability compensation.

Local officials say there could be several hundred Blue Water Navy Veterans living in Monroe County.  To determine if they are receiving the benefits they earned during their time of service, they’re being advised to schedule a free consultation with the VSA by calling 585-753-6040.