Camp Lejeune VA Water Contamination Claims
Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, was home to a Marines military base where contaminants were found in several wells that provided drinking water to thousands of people, including military personnel and their families.
Content Summarizer
- Camp Lejeune Water Contamination refers to toxin exposure in the drinking water on the base resulting in various health conditions.
- Eligible individuals include Veterans, National Guard and reserve members, and family members who lived on the base for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.
- The Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 provides health care benefits to veterans and their family members with one of the 15 covered health conditions.
- The VA has established a presumption of service connection for eight conditions associated with contamination in Camp Lejeune’s water supply.
- Veterans must submit records showing their service at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River for at least 30 days (cumulative) during the eligibility period, along with evidence of diagnosis to apply for health care and disability benefits from the VA.
- Legal representation is recommended when filing a claim as filing can be very complex.
- Dickey Anderson Law Firm specializes in helping veterans file claims for disability benefits related to Camp Lejeune water contamination
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
- Eligibility for Health Care and Disability Benefits
- Health Care Benefits for Veterans and Family Members
- Disability Benefits for Veterans
- How to Apply for Health Care and Disability Benefits
- Legal Assistance from Dickey Anderson Law Firm
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
The Camp Lejeune water contamination is a tragic chapter in the history of the U.S. military. For over three decades, thousands of military personnel and their families were exposed to toxic chemicals in the drinking water on the base, resulting in various health conditions. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides health care and disability benefits to veterans and their family members affected by the contamination. This article provides comprehensive information on eligibility, benefits, and how to claim them from the VA.
What is Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, is a military base established in 1941. In the 1980s, contaminants were discovered in the drinking water on the base. The contaminants included volatile organic compounds such as trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), vinyl chloride, benzene, and other compounds. The primary sources of this contamination were on-base leaking storage tanks, industrial activities, and an off-base dry cleaner. It is estimated that the contaminants were in the water supply from the mid-1950s until February 1985, when the wells were shut down.
Exposure to these contaminants has resulted in various health conditions, including cancer, birth defects, and other diseases. Many veterans and their family members have suffered the consequences of the contamination. They are entitled to VA health care and disability benefits.
Eligibility for Health Care and Disability Benefits
Veterans, National Guard and reserve members, and family members who lived on the base for at least 30 days (cumulative) between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, are eligible for VA health care and disability benefits.
Health Care Benefits for Veterans and Family Members
The Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 provides health care benefits to veterans and their family members living on the base with one of the 15 covered health conditions. These conditions include the following:
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Female infertility
- Hepatic steatosis
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Lung cancer
- Miscarriage
- Multiple myeloma
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Neurobehavioral effects
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Renal toxicity
- Scleroderma
Veterans who served at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between 1953 and 1987 are eligible for Priority Group 6 and access to VA health care.
Family members who also resided at Camp Lejeune during the qualifying period are eligible for reimbursement of out-of-pocket medical expenses related to any of the 15 covered health conditions.
Disability Benefits for Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs has established a presumption of service connection for eight conditions associated with exposure to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune.
These conditions include:
- Adult leukemia
- Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Parkinson's disease
Veterans who were exposed to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and later developed one or more of these conditions are eligible for disability compensation. The medical evidence must show that the veteran has a current disease on the presumptive conditions related to Camp Lejeune. If a veteran is diagnosed with one of these conditions, VA presumes that their Camp Lejeune service caused the condition, and disability compensation can be awarded.
How to Apply for Health Care and Disability Benefits
To apply for health care and disability benefits, veterans and their family members must submit records that show they served at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River for at least 30 days (cumulative) between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, in an active duty, reserve, or National Guard capacity. The medical evidence must show that the veteran has a current disease on the presumptive conditions related to Camp Lejeune.
The Camp Lejeune Act of 2012 - Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act - provides health care and healthcare funding assistance to Veterans and family members who meet the eligibility requirements and have one of the covered conditions. To enroll in VA health care, veterans can apply online here. They should inform VA staff that they served on active duty at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days during the covered time period.
For disability compensation, veterans can apply online using eBenefits and state on their application that they are filing for one of the presumed Camp Lejeune illnesses. They should include evidence of service at Camp Lejeune during the required timeframe and provide medical evidence showing their diagnosis.
The VA Claim Process:
Filing VA claims for Camp Lejeune water contamination can be complex. To file a claim, you must provide evidence of your service at Camp Lejeune, your disease diagnosis, and the connection between your disease and your service at Camp Lejeune. The VA may require additional evidence, such as medical records and doctor statements, to support your claim.
Importance of Legal Representation:
The process for filing Camp Lejeune VA claims can be complex, and difficult to navigate all requirements and procedures. Legal counsel is essential to ensure your claim has a chance of success. By choosing competent representation, you ensure that all paperwork is filed correctly and maximize the potential for obtaining the compensation owed to you.
How Can Dickey Anderson Law Firm Help?
At our Law Firm, Mr. William Anderson is our VA disability attorney advocate who can help you with your claim. He can guide the VA claim process, help you gather evidence, and represent you at any hearings or appeals.
We specialize in helping veterans file claims for disability benefits related to Parkinson's disease and other medical conditions linked to toxic exposure. Our attorneys will work with you every step of the way to ensure that your claim is filed correctly and that you receive the maximum amount of benefits available under VA law.
We understand that filing a claim with the VA can be overwhelming and confusing. That's why we offer free consultations where we will review your case and determine if you are eligible for disability benefits related to your service at Camp Lejeune.
Once we take on your case, our team will gather all relevant evidence, including medical and military service records necessary for your claim submission. We will also work closely with medical experts who can help establish a connection between your diagnosis and your time spent at Camp Lejeune.
Our attorneys will then submit your claim and any supporting documentation necessary, such as lay statements from family members or coworkers who witnessed symptoms during service time. We will also represent you throughout any appeals processes should they become necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination refers to the exposure of military personnel and their families to toxic chemicals in the drinking water on the base.
Who is eligible for VA benefits for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
Veterans, National Guard and reserve members, and family members who lived on the base for at least 30 days (cumulative) between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, are eligible for VA health care and disability benefits.
What are the health conditions associated with Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
The exposure to toxic chemicals in the drinking water on Camp Lejeune has resulted in various health conditions, including cancer, birth defects, and other diseases.
How can veterans apply for VA health care benefits for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
Veterans can apply for VA health care benefits by filling out an application online. They should inform VA staff that they served on active duty at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days during the covered time period.
How can veterans apply for disability benefits for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
Veterans can apply for disability benefits for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination online using eBenefits. They should state on their application that they are filing for one of the presumed Camp Lejeune illnesses and provide evidence of service at Camp Lejeune during the required timeframe and medical evidence showing their diagnosis.
Camp Lejeune Wather Contamination VA Claim Calculator
