For Navy veteran Edward Nachel, a chance encounter during a routine workday led to life-changing support he never expected. Nachel, who had spent years serving aboard the USS Myles C. Fox during the Vietnam War, had been working as a rideshare driver when he picked up two passengers who happened to be DAV (Disabled American Veterans) national service office supervisors. That ride turned into a pivotal moment, ultimately connecting him to the veterans benefits he had never thought to pursue. His story is a powerful example of how it's never too late to seek the assistance earned through military service—and how the right support can bring lasting relief.

As a Blue Water Navy veteran, Nachel served in waters just off the coast of Vietnam. Though he never set foot on land, his proximity to the shore placed him within the 12-nautical-mile range defined by the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019. The legislation, championed by DAV, ensures that veterans like Nachel are presumed to have been exposed to Agent Orange, a toxic herbicide linked to numerous health issues. This change in policy was instrumental in allowing Nachel to receive the care and compensation he needed.

According to DAV National Area Supervisor Joe Kauffman, it was Nachel’s disabled placard that sparked the conversation. Alongside fellow supervisor Maria Ruvalcaba, Kauffman was en route to the DAV national service office in Salt Lake City when he noticed the placard and inquired about Nachel’s military background. When Nachel mentioned he had never filed a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the supervisors invited him to learn more about what DAV could offer. That simple question opened the door to a new chapter in Nachel’s life.

“It might be something I probably should have pursued a long time ago,” Nachel reflected. Like many veterans, he had never realized that his health conditions could be connected to his service or that he was eligible for disability benefits. With the help of DAV National Service Officer Robert Darby, Nachel filed claims for degenerative arthritis of the spine, Type 2 diabetes related to Agent Orange exposure, diabetic neuropathy in three extremities, and tinnitus. These conditions, particularly the diabetes and nerve damage, had significantly impacted his quality of life over the years.

I found this detail striking: Nachel had been living with these service-connected health issues for decades without knowing he had options for support. His experience underscores the importance of outreach and awareness, especially for older veterans who may assume their window for benefits has closed.

Nachel’s military service began in 1968. After completing initial and electronic countermeasure training in Newport, Rhode Island, he was assigned to the USS Myles C. Fox, a Gearing-class destroyer. His time aboard the ship included extensive travel, from South America to a global cruise, before the vessel was deployed to Vietnam in 1972. Positioned just north of the demilitarized zone, the ship provided ground support and was under constant threat. "We got shot at every day," Nachel recalled.

The physical demands of his duties were intense. He described repeatedly lifting 65-pound projectiles in a twisting motion—an action that likely contributed to his long-term spinal issues. During one particularly rough swell, he fell from a ladder, injuring his back. These injuries, combined with the effects of Agent Orange exposure through contaminated water systems onboard, left a lasting mark on his health.

The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 was a turning point for many like Nachel. Before its passage, veterans who served offshore had to prove direct exposure to Agent Orange—a difficult standard given the passage of time and the lack of documentation. The law changed that by presuming exposure for those who served within the designated range. DAV played a key role in advocating for this legislation, helping to unlock benefits for thousands of veterans who had previously been overlooked.

For Nachel, the approval of his claims brought a profound sense of relief. He no longer needs to rely on driving to make ends meet, a job that had become increasingly painful due to his back condition. Instead, he now enjoys quieter days spent at coffee shops and engaging with his amateur ham radio, a hobby he can pursue without physical strain. The support he received from DAV not only validated his service but also restored a sense of dignity and comfort in his daily life.

Kauffman emphasized that Nachel’s story is not unique. “This should be a reminder to all members to take a moment to ask the veterans they meet if they are receiving benefits from the VA,” he said. Many veterans are unaware of what they may be entitled to, and a simple conversation can lead to meaningful change. For those who served, especially during the Vietnam era, the opportunity to access support is still available—and organizations like DAV are ready to help.

Nachel’s journey from unrecognized veteran to recipient of long-overdue benefits illustrates the power of advocacy and the importance of persistence. His experience also highlights the ongoing need for public awareness around veterans benefits, particularly for those affected by Agent Orange exposure. As more veterans learn about their eligibility and connect with services like DAV, stories like Nachel’s may become more common—and more veterans can find the hope and healing they deserve.

For claims assistance go to Read more at dav.org