Supreme Court Delays Final Ruling On ‘Blue Water’ Navy Decision
The Supreme Court has granted a 30-day extension to the Department of Justice as it mulls whether to appeal a lower court ruling earlier this year that would extend presumptive benefits to tens of thousands of Navy veterans who served on ship during the Vietnam War and were exposed to the herbicide Agent Orange. A federal court ruled overwhelmingly in a 9-2 decision in the Procopio case that despite not setting foot on land, “blue water” Navy Vietnam veterans should receive benefits for Agent Orange-related illnesses. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie reportedly has advised against appealing.
VA Still Expects MISSION Act Implementation By June 6
The Department of Veterans Affairs says that they are still on track to implement the Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks (MISSION) Act of 2018 by the June 6 deadline. The VA says the MISSION Act will “strengthen VA’s health care system by improving both aspects of care delivery and empowering Veterans to find the balance in the system that is right for them.” However, there remain ongoing concerns from veterans organizations that the MISSION Act will pave the way for privatizing veterans health care, a charge the VA denies.
AUSN’s Annual Capitol Hill Reception Taking Place Next Week
AUSN’s 65th annual Capitol Hill Reception will take place on May 1 at 5 p.m. in Room 2060 in the Rayburn House Office Building, where we will honor Rep. Joe Courtney (CT) and Sen. Steve Daines (MT) for their tireless efforts on behalf of U.S. Navy sailors, retirees, and veterans. We invite you to join us in person for the event for free — click here to RSVP.
New Article At AUSN.org — Home, At Last: A Fallen Pearl Harbor Serviceman Finally Is Laid To Rest
“The roar of motorcycle engines interrupted the quiet Saturday morning in the rural town of Murfreesboro, North Carolina. A Patriot Guard escort, American flags snapping briskly in the breeze, led a black hearse followed by a convoy of family members in a solemn procession down Main Street on the short trip from the funeral home to Riverside Cemetery. On November 3rd, 2018, a fallen American serviceman finally returned home after nearly 80 years.” Read more here.
