What is Blue Water Navy v. Brown Water Navy?

First the reason the distinction is important is because veterans who served in “brown water” will receive the presumption of exposure to agent orange thereby making service connection easier for some claims. Thus, a lot of litigation and argument has ensued over the definitions of blue water and brown water navy veterans. Blue Water Veterans are not presumed to have been exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides.

Some of the open sea ships docked to the shore of Vietnam, operated in Vietnam’s close coastal waters and sent smaller vessels ashore, or conducted operations on the inland waterways of Vietnam. These Blue Water Veterans, who did not set foot in Vietnam or serve aboard ships that operated on the inland waterways of Vietnam anytime between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, must show on a factual basis that they were exposed to herbicides during military service to receive disability compensation for diseases related to Agent Orange exposure. These claims are decided on a case-by-case basis.

Veterans who stepped foot in Vietnam or served on its inland waterways anytime between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, are presumed to have been exposed to herbicides when claiming service-connection for diseases related to Agent Orange exposure.

To learn more about how we can help you with your claim contact our Vet Defender and schedule an appointment. You can schedule an appointment by clicking this link: Schedule an Appointment.