WASHINGTON DC (January 30, 2019) — US Sen Charles "Chuck" Grassley of Iowa issued the following statement regarding the recent 9-2 decision by the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affecting Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans. Yesterday’s appellate decision overturns past court opinions, ruling that Congress never intended to exclude service members who served in the seas around Vietnam from receiving the presumption that their illnesses were connected to Agent Orange exposure. The ruling eases access to medical care and compensation benefits for affected veterans.
“This is great news for Vietnam veterans, including many Iowans, who served in the territorial waters off the shorelines of Vietnam during the war. Congress intended to include these veterans in legislation to help veterans exposed to Agent Orange. I know because I was a cosponsor at the time. These navy veterans were exposed to Agent Orange during their service, just like those who served on land or the inland waterways. I'm glad the court upheld what Congress intended and I will work to see these heroes of war receive the VA health and disability benefits they deserve.”
Grassley sponsored a bipartisan, bicameral resolution last Congress to support the case that Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans were covered by the original legislation and was a cosponsor of the Agent Orange Act of 1991.
