Disability Benefits Now Available to Vietnam War Blue Water Navy Veterans
This is a press release from the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services:
Blue Water Navy Veterans or their survivors are now entitled to a presumption of service connection for conditions related to Agent Orange exposure. Staff at the Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services Veterans Service Office (VSO) can help those eligible apply for benefits.
Blue Water Navy (BWN) Veterans are those who served aboard a vessel operating not more than 12 nautical miles seaward from the demarcation line of the waters of Vietnam and Cambodia, between Jan. 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975.
The Blue Water Navy Veterans Act of 2019 (Public Law 116-23), which took effect on Jan. 1, 2020, extended the presumption of service connection to include BWN Veterans. These former service members are now presumed to have been exposed to herbicides such as Agent Orange during their military service and may be entitled to benefits related to that exposure.
To qualify for disability compensation benefits, veterans must have one or more of the conditions associated with Agent Orange exposure. Those are listed in Title 38 Code of Federal Regulations section 3.309(e). Eligible survivors of deceased veterans may also file claims for benefits.
Blue Water Navy Veterans will need a copy of their DD 214 discharge form to confirm eligibility or to reopen a previously denied claim. VSO staff can help former service members obtain a DD 214.
For more information, contact the VSO at 707-445-7611, or visit the office at 1105 Sixth St., Suite F, Eureka
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Thank You
Yes thanx much I’m going to look into that!!!
I’m glad!!
🕯🌳Thank you Kelley for that information.
Love the way this is worded. Unfortunately, most veterans and widows are not familiar with demarcation lines (Straight Baseline), leave alone able to plot the coordinates that are posted in HR299. So for those ships operating from the Republic of Vietnam ports, out to the Straight Baseline (a line that connects the backside of islands offshore of RVN), plus an additional 12nm out to sea (Territorial Sea), are entitled to presumptive exposure VA Benefits for illnesses and chronic conditions listed on the VA’s presumptive exposure illness list. This includes those applying for DIC when the veteran died from a presumptive illness. If a veteran previously filed a claim on or after 25 Sep 1985 and was denied for their presumptive illness, by reopening the claim, they are entitled to a retroactive check back to the effective date of the original claim that was denied, if their ship deck logs prove they operated in RVN waters. ~ Director of Research Military Veterans Advocacy and Blue Water Navy Assoc.
I am 75 years old and VA discovered that I have respiratory lung cancer–had 1/3 of rt. lung removed may , 2019 and now a new growth 6mm has surfaced—–I supplied to VA my ships log USS Piedmont AD 17 showing we was inside the 12 mile limit and informed them we could see shore on Feb. 7, 1966. Provided another sailors statement also talking about being there—— 1200 men on ship and I did not know him —– and escorting the damaged by collision– USS Brinkley Bass—I have been provided the best health care possible at and thru Eglin and at Pensacola VA . HOWEVER I called about my compensation claim in Feb. 2020 and was told it is pending at the county VA office who pulled up my claim. I said pending on what I qualify 100% on every condition and stipulation. She said there was some issue with the ships log. Waiting on pending.
They say additional research is needed and they will let me know on June 24, 2020–so the deck log is not satisfactory evidence . VA say they are sending my claim to Records Research Team for in depth research. It appears that that takes 4 months to look it up. In the mean time I am paying co-pay on medical bills and paying VA 50 dollars a month on VA bills because they have not accepted my ships deck logs as evidence needed to show where we was on Feb. 7, 1966. Now the information on Piedmonts 1966 cruises is not available. It actually appears as if someone is concealing information on the USS Piedmont being there with the USS apache and the USS Brinkley Bass on Feb. 7, 1966 and we was floating a few hundred yards away from both of them and we all could see land or the beach. The reason I say this is because I looked up info on the Apache and Brinkley Bass and neither mention the Piedmont being there with them,
Frank Sharon a/o lung cancer claim as of Nov. 21, 2020 has not been settled yet. I am 100% qualified and it has now been 18 months. I assume I am caught up in claims pending due to the virus.
Frank , Im so glad to get to know you again. I was with you on the Piedmont . In 1967. And Im also trying to get compensation for a whole string of ailments. Im having the same issues with whether the ship was ever in the battle zone. They say there is no evidence we were even there. I distinctly remember seeing the beach with lined palm trees ……..so we weren’t more than 2-3 miles away. We both need buddy statements to establish there were 2 witnesses to this same event. Right now VA is calling us both liars. Right now I’m scouring deck logs that record our steaming off the coast. I was the loader on the 5″ 38. gun housing when we destroyed some enemy installations right there on the coast. Please respond Buddy , we need to get together. 6192722068.
On Feb.6, 1966 the Piedmont received orders to go to Vietnam to form a Task Unit 734.1 consisting of 3 ships AND THE Piedmont was in command–USS Apache and USS Brinkley Bass which had its bow almost ripped off. Most important we received a VIETNAM Counteroffensive ribbon which was updated on ( March 6, 2020 ) Look under NavSource–auxillary ships and type in the Piedmont and you see it. My Phone # 850-729-1649
Oh by the way I was not on the Piedmont in 1967–I was on the USS Shields–and any one of the 1200 sailors on the Piedmont can testify we served on the Vietnam coast and all hands could see the shore or land. We received free mail while we was there
Frank Sharon—it is now Feb.24, 2021——I called the claims number and the telephone responder says that they are now looking for additional information–no mention of pending—This claim of mine should have been approved in a matter of weeks ,not months , and not Years. This system being used and applied to disabled veterans who served is a paradox.
Frank sharon—it is now march 25, 2021 and yesterday i received a call by the provider of oxygen manchines and they wanted to come pick up the portable oxygen machine . I asked who or which doctor requested that and they said they were unable to do provide that—-i said i need that oxygen machine and no one was going to pick it up. When i had the flu a few months ago i had thoughts that i might sufficate even with the oxygen machine. I had to get on the larger oxygen machine because it puts out more air at once. Now waiting.
Called my lung doctors office and they said they know nothing about removing my oxygen—they said if it happened again to have them call them—–other then that waiting.
I called today april 28, 2021 and the lady at the 1800number said they have sent my records back to records and locator to find the exact location of the ship——well today it is 2 years —–of a failed system and I do not understand how this is allowed to continue. We receive a Vietnam war ribbon for assisting the USS Brinkley Bass which had its bow completely ripped and twisted open on the coast of Vietnam— Yes we served. I do not understand why they do not call the captain or an officer that was on board.
frank sharon–it is may 10, 2021 ——I called 1-800 number and was told it is still being researched at JSRRC——THIS IS THE 3RD TIME MY FILE HAS BEEN SENT TO THEM AND WE RECEIVED THE VIETNAM COUNTER OFFENSIVE WAR RIBBON on MARCH OF LAST YEAR- IT WAS UPDATED. what is the problem –i qualify 100% and the claims dept. keeps repeating its own steps. It is like a maze. How is this type of claim work accepted by anyone. It is like a simi truck and trailer rolled over and the engine is still running.
FRANK SHARON -May 18, 2021—-called to ck on my claim –i was told it is in the same place as last time i called and they have no idea when it will be completed. i was 75 when this started and now i am 77 going on 78 years old. I and I mean I have provided every piece of evidence needed to qualify me 100 % . The last time i called the lady at VA seemed to not even know we had a vietnam service medal until i mentioned it and she said when did you provide us this information and I said almost a year ago. Something is very wrong and the problem is we veterans have no where else to go–we are at their mercy. Congress has turned a blind eye towards VA.
FRANK SHARON –AUG. 9, 2021———–15 days ago a lady at VA CLAIMS –CALLED ME–I had asked in my last conversation with VA if I needed an attorney because my claim is well over 2 years old. This lady called in response and said or indicated that it probably wasnt a good idea and that they would let me know about my claim in 15 days if they had no response to some records. Well I called today and another lady said they are still investigating my claim. They have been investigating the 3 days when THE USS PIEDMONT was ordered to DaNang, Vietnam and also ordered not to record our co ordinances while on VIetnam coast . Plus we received a war ribbon for our service there. I complained and the lady at VA said she would have someone contact me.
FRANK SHARON — Aug. 17, 2021——–I called VA 1-8oo # about my claim—the lady said your claim is still being investigated—waiting on records division and they need more evidence or information. I said the last lady said they would know in 15 days and its now been 25 days—she said she sees her info. but the fact remains other info is still needed. She also said no comp. claim are being taken care of now. presently. Until VA claims is restructured and there are penalties for many issues we are at their mercy.
Frank Sharon Sept. 15, 2021–received letter today dated Aug. 16, 2021 –29 day ago requesting info before 30 days–tomorrow will be 30 days–everything they are asking for they have had over a year and half ago. name of my ship-when was i on the Vietnam coast–how was i exposed to a/o–proof of my medical records–buddy statements–I called the 1-800-827-1000 phone # and they still act as if they do not know we receive the Vietnam counter offensive medal for our ships service issued March 6, 2020. I said that should answer most of your questions . as for medical evidence the VA supervised and was totally involved in in my lung cancer lobectomy in 2019. I asked what else is needed and she said she did not know but she found one of my letters answering the questions on this letter received today and no response is necessary. In Oct. my claim will be 2 1/2 years old in this intentional maze of unacceptable claims handling.
Well –I was 75 when VA discovered I had lung cancer–I placed my claim in to VA claims for A/O lung cancer and gave them my ships log informing them all the information they needed – I thought –Then 2 years later after manipulating my claim and investigating ships log I discovered they did not even know that the navy updated and issued us a vietnam counter offensive war medal along with 1 bronze star on march 6, 2020 for our service in vietnam. I mailed a copy of this –certified–to them 10 months prior and they are completely unaware. Well next week I will be 78 and no lung cancer approval.–They say they want information to make VA claims better–START USING THE TELEPHONE AND YOU WILL RECEIVE THE INFORMATION OR LOCATION OF EVIDENCE 2 OR 3 YEARS FASTER.
Frank Sharon Jan.25,2020–just had my lung test-I have permanent oxygen upstairs by my bed and a portable oxiGOnext for down stairs and outside–I am now 78–and I am still waiting to hear from VA claims to inform me that my claim is now approved
Frank Sharon -it is now Feb. 22, 2022 –VA says they are still looking for evidence of ships location –I said for 3 years you have been looking just for that and I have told you our ship was ordered not to record our co ordinances. So how can JSRRC have any record other then our ships log which states our orders to DaNang. And we received an updated war medal for our task. Facebook has several veterans who was on the Piedmont talking about us being there and mounting 50 c. machine guns. This is intentional delays–we was there and i lost part of my lungs to a/o . VA post if you was there and you have lung cancer you –AUTOMATICALLY qualify for benefits. This country is giving aid to illegal and we have to beg for HELP. OH the VA man hung up on me.
Frank Sharon –Feb. 23–sitting here fuming I called VA and said my pulmonary C & P Exam was 5 weeks ago and I would like to know the results—we are not able to reveal the results at this time. So I asked if I could have them decide my claim with what I have gave them because JSRRC will never have any more information then I have provided. She said she would declare my request.
Frank SHARON–it is now march 15, 2022—-I called the 1 800 # on march 10, 2022 and the lady said your decision letter was mailed on march 8, 2022 and she was not allowed to discuss it. Well it is now march 16, 2022 and I called the 1 800 * and the lady said No talk until I Received the letter. This dosnt sound correct or right to me to be put off time after time.
FRANK SHARON -march17, 2022——–received letter from VA CLAIMS —they have denied my claim—says no evidence of in country vietnam service or nautical service in off shore eligible waters. I will now dispute this and find Help.
concealment–on the USS PIEDMONT being 11 miles off vietnam coast—not on DD214–not on deployment –no cruise books–ordered not to record co ordinances on Vietnam Task –our orders to vietnam changed and not recorded.—-without co ordinances they will not put you on BWN ship list–Medal for vietnam war service hidden–JSRRC no response—Statements of crew being there—Claim denied –Higher level review denied–forced to go thru supplemental claims even though ou ship logs prove we was ordered to vietnam–our steering degrees prove we was 11 miles off coast –we have vietnam counteroffensive ribbon with 1 bronze star for our war service. WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON—
The problem has been solved—we was inside the 12 mile limit before we met up with the 2 other ships–doing it just like the deck log says–leaving subic bay at 274 degrees and 38 hours doing 17 knots puts on shore at Quang Ngai. WE then turned 20 degrees and heading from shore to meet up with the 2 ships. The deck log held the answer the whole time. I am now waiting for VA to calll—-They did not even credit us with our vietnam counteroffensive campaign medal because NSRRC never informed them anything.
Frank Sharon–may 24, 2022—I went to the local county VA office to go to the next step since the VA HIGHER LEVEL REVIEWER denied my claim because by using the TOOL —RANGE FINDER-I had brought New evidence into the claim—-Well the next step to bring in new evidence is called –Supplemental Claims—He copied the map using the steering degrees and the Range Finder and also copied the expedition war ribbon we received with bronze star for counter offensive and submitted it. ——-I said to him that should be all thats needed and he said he had never seen them accept a ships location by its steering degrees without its co ordinances.—–I said then it just like the Blue Water Navy Ship List —without co ordinances no one does anything for the ships that are handicapped with out co ordinances. I said what kind of time are we looking at –he said probably around 4 months. How has our senators allowed this to happen. They are not interested in solving the issue—just continue it ———————-
I am now 78 years old—VA denied my claim— I had higher level review done —they denied my claim and indicated new evidence was here—the only new evidence was being our ship did not record its co ordinances on the ships deck log — we was forced to use the equipt. called —RANGE FINDER —You have a starting point–time and speed—and steering degrees and it shows you exactly where you will be—–BUT what it revealed was our initial orders said to Da nang, Vietnam from Subic Bay—-BUT for what ever reason— before our ship reached the mouth of Subic Bay instead of heading toward Danang we went directly toward Quang Ngai —— At Grand Island—our route was changed—-There was only 3 steering degrees used to reach the other 2 ships—-it first used 274′ for 35 hours–which put us directly off coast of Quang Ngai—then we changed degrees from 274′ to 284′ for 3 hours and we passed Ly Son Islands and inside the 12 NM limit. —EXACTLY AS OUR DECK LOG HAS IT RECORDED——We then changed steering degress from 284′ to 307′ to rendezvous with other 2 ships. And they continue to say we do not have a vietnam expedition service medal. SOMETHING IS WRONG HERE—Yet some technical situation is stopping my claim. There is negligence here—crew members on facebook comment about being there and I know what I saw and our Ships deck log is being disregarded because it describes all of it. VA claims is not set up to solve the problems and issues but to continue them. I am BAFFLED but I am not going any where.
VA turned down my a/o claim said we had no proof we were in eligible waters. The Piedmont was ordered not to record it co ordinances while on its task Where are how do i get someone to plot this out . We could see land and see them spraying a/o .
Our orders and destination is Danang—-39 hours later doing 17 knots is 762.957 miles. Subic Bay to Point Yankee is 686 miles. Point Yankee is 100 miles from Danang. Add 100 and 686 = 786 miles—-now deduct the demarcation line and the 12 miles and we are inside the territorial sea as our ship log reports. This is for Feb. 6 & 7 , 1966–USS Piedmont AD 17. We was ordered not to record our co ordinances. Before we received our orders to Danang Admiral Baer was on board and the 2 days before receiving orders the piedmont unloaded ammunition to 5 or 6 ships and refueled. So they actually knew we would be going 2 days before our orders. Probably soon after the 2 ships collided on search and recue off vietnam coast.—-FOLKS I NEED SOME HELP –VA SAYS I CANNOT PROVE WE WAS THERE.
see pictures below
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VA does 3 years of indepth research on the Piedmonts deck logs for Feb. 6 & 7 of 1966. The answer was exactly as our ship log said using the steering degrees–time– speed–and starting point .The piece of equipment or tool called ( RANGE FINDER ) Places the ship exactly as the deck log illustrates The Ly Son Islands was on our starboard side and the coast of Quang Ngai was 11 miles away on Feb. 7, 1966 and we then entered the war zone. We then continued to rendezvous with the other 2 ships. This was figured out in less then 1 hour. Is there gross negligence here—and I am still denied until i follow the supplement claim.
As of Feb. 19, 2024 I am reporting that the USS Piedmonts AD 17 —-DECK LOG HAS BEEN ALTERED–INFORMATION REMOVED FOR FEB, 4 AND 5TH, 1966—-ON THE 4TH ADMIRAL BAER DECLARED THE PIEDMONT TO BE CONSIDERED –AFLOAT— AND ON THE 5TH WE RECEIVED OUR ORDERS TO GO TO DANANG—–BOTH HAVE THEIR INFORMATION –REMOVED–.
Thanks for that extra information. Where do you recommend interested veterans and their family go to get the best help with their applications or inquiries?
VA is undoubtedly using a system too outdated for what is needed to handle the volume of Blue Water Navy veteran claims——In my opinion —unless you yourself can do research on your computer and know what the research has to reveal to qualify for compensation —you may need an attorney—-(I am not talking about health care ) because both –the VA clinic at Eglin AFB. –and Pensacola Navy clinic – I feel that they -gave me the best health care for my lung cancer operation before and after—its the claim dept.s system used. I am 100% qualified and it will be 2 Years I have waited in April of 2021 for me.
FRANK SHARON It is now may 29, 2021——–I have provided all the info and evidence needed to verify and qualify myself for every qualification–stipulation–and requirement— VA claims has absolutely done nothing to help me with my claim that i am aware of—-however they have kept manipulating my claim and trying their best to do what– on our ships location —because for 3 days the ship did record our co ordinances while on our task. However the ships log reveals our orders to Da Nang, Vietnam–it reveals a location for all 3 ships to form the task unit . All hands could see land and see agent orange being sprayed over land . We receive free postage there. We received the Vietnam Counter Offensive ribbon. Another sailors statement of us escorting the ship off the Vietnam coast. And yet I sit here over 2 years later with no approval.
FRANK SHARON —May 8, 2021——called the 1-8oo # ———-The lady said your ships location is still being researched and no indication when an answer will be available. I said why are they doing this ——-I have told them we could see land and see agent orange being sprayed. Other sailors statement of escorting the damaged war ship on the Vietnam coast. Does anyone know what I am missing to end this claim—this is or should be close to a criminal offense in my opinion. I have several a/o problems but I had to go thru a lung operation and recover with no pain medication because I am allergic to all narcotics which caused other problems . There is absolutely no way this should be happening and should be investigated . They have had 2 years– trying not — to service connect our ship ( USS Piedmont ) which was sent by the navy to assist and make sure the ship and crew of the Brinkley Bass was sea worthy to get to Subic Bay for repairs. The Brinkley Bass had to have the complete bow replaced. It makes no sense for them to do what ever they are doing when I have provided all the evidence needed to establish that I am an Agent Orange victim.
This is the route the USS Piedmont AD 17 took from Subic Bay to the Vietnam coast off Quang Ngai on Feb 6 & 7, 1966. Our initial orders said to Da nang but when we got to the mouth of Subic Bay—Grand Island we set coarse at 274′ for 35 hours at 17 knots then set coarse at 284′ for 3 hours at 17 knots and we was 11 miles from the coast on our port side and pasted Ly Son islands on the starboard side. Being no coordinances had to employ the use of the range finder using base point—distance and –steering degrees . The mystery is solved.
Our initial orders said to Danang —our orders changed when we go to the mouth of subic bay—–OPERATION DOUBLE EAGLE CALLED FOR ALL MARINE AND ARMY AMPHIBIOUS SHIPS AND ALL 7TH FLEET SHIPS AFLOAT TO BE THEIR COUNTEROFFENSIVE OPERATION—–tHE PIEDMONT HEADED STRAIGHT TO QUANG NGAI, VIETNAM AND WE RECEIVE A WAR SERVICE MEDAL AND WE WENT UP THE COAST AND EVENTUALLY RENDEZVOUS WITH OUR OTHER 2 SHIPS AS OUR DECKLOGS REPORTS.
Rendezvous Was the wording also used when the Piedmont joined and participated with the counteroffensive of OPERATION DOUBLE EAGLE . The Piedmont participated for 2 days with OPERATION DOUBLE EAGLE COUNTEROFFENSIVE OPERATION on Feb. 6 & 7, 1966 before it ever joined the 2 ships it initially was deported to go and assist. Approx. 1 hour after entering the china sea the Piedmont received -NEW- ORDERS and they set another Special Sea and Anchor Detail and went straight toward Quang Ngai.
VA has a clear and unmistakable error REAR ADMIRAL BAER IS THE ONE WHO HAD THE PIEDMONT PARTICIPATE IN OPERATION DOUBLE EAGLES COUNTEROFFENSIVE MISSION ON FEB. 6, 1966. 1 1/2 days prior Admiral Baer was senior officer on the Piedmont—on Feb. 4th, 1966 he stated and had it put in the ships deck log that the Piedmont was now –DECLARED AS –AFLOAT–1 1/2 DAYS LATER we departed for Da Nang however when the Piedmont entered the China Sea —OPERATION DOUBLE EAGLE–CALLED FOR ALL MARINES AND ARMY AMPHIBIOUS SHIPS AND ALL—-[ 7TH FLEET SHIPS AFLOAT —TO PROTECT THE 5,000 MEN WHO JUST PREVIOUSLY LANDED IN QUANG NGAI AND TO PARTICIPATE IN THE COUNTEROFFENSIVE MISSION. OUR INITIAL ORDERS TO DANANG CHANGED —OUR NEW ORDERS SAID TO RENDEZOUS WITH THE 2 SHIPS LEAVING DANANG. THE PIEDMONT SET A NEW SEA AND ANCHOR DETAIL—WE NOW CHANGED DIRECTIONS AND HEADED STRAIGHT TOWARD QUANG NGAI–WE ACTUALLY TOOK A —DETOUR AND WENT PARELLEL TO THE COURSE TOWARD DANANG.– AFTER 2 DAYS WITH OPRATION DOUBLE –EAGLE COUNTEROFFENSIVE MISSION —WE THEN RENDEZOUS WITH THE 2 SHIPS.
THE INFORMATION ON ADMIRAL BAER HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THE PIEDMONTS DECK LOF IN THE LAST WEEK===CROOKED
It seems it must have been changed in dec., 2023 when I said a cue occurred because that would show the route the piedmont took participating in the counteroffensive mission off Vietnam shore.
when the ships leaving the Philippines for OPERATION DOUBLE EAGLE and arriving i Quang Ngai did they reset their ships time to vienam time.