Bedford VA will be reducing the hours of their Urgent Care Center (UCC) to be in compliance with VHA Directives. The change will be happening in two phases in an effort to ease the transition for Veterans and their families.

 Phase one begins February 3, 202,  Phase two will further reduce hours beginning April 6, 2020. (Please see matrix below)

Bedford VA may be changing their Urgent Care hours, but you still have options! Did you know that you can visit https://vaurgentcarelocator.triwest.com/Locator/Care to find a network Urgent Care near you?  

Did you serve in the offshore waters of the Republic of Vietnam between Jan. 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975? If so, then you’re considered a Blue Water Navy (BWN) Veteran.

On Jan. 1, 2020, the Blue Water Navy Act of 2019 goes into effect. This Act was signed into law on Jun. 25, and extends the presumption of herbicide exposure, such as Agent Orange, to BWN Veterans who served as far as 12 nautical miles from the shore of Vietnam and have since developed one of 14 conditions related to exposure. Some of these conditions include Type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, many forms of cancer and others. You may now be eligible for disability compensation and other benefits. In addition, if you’re a Veteran who served in the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between Sept. 1, 1967, and Aug. 31, 1971, you may also qualify for compensation and benefits for yourself and your family members.  Click here to learn about eligibility and how to submit a claim. VAntagePoint (2019, December 13).

Click here to view the Navy and Coast Guard Ships Associated with Service in Vietnam and Exposure to Herbicide Agents.

Have questions or need assistance?  We are here to help!  Contact North Andover/Boxford Veterans Services at veterans@northandoverma.gov or 978-688-9525.