People who served, worked, or lived at the Marine Corps base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina during a specific time might have had exposure to contaminated water that is associated with the development of certain diseases. Veterans and their families could be adversely affected with any other number of types of cancer or other severe diseases.
A North Carolina toxic torts attorney can talk to you about the common diseases associated with Camp Lejeune and help you determine if you might be eligible for benefits.
Presumptive Conditions Associated with Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune
The Veterans Administration (VA) has identified these conditions as presumptive:
- Bladder cancer
- Liver cancer
- Adult leukemia
- Multiple myeloma
- Kidney cancer
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Anaplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
- Parkinson’s disease
Veterans, reservists, and guardsmen can be eligible for disability benefits from the VA if they served at Camp Lejeune during the times in question and developed one of these medical conditions.
Time Frame for Service at Camp Lejeune
You must have served at least 30 cumulative days between August 1953 and December 1987 to fall within the current time frame for possible exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
Possible Benefits for Exposure to Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune
People who meet the eligibility criteria, including the time frame for exposure and the diagnosis of one of the presumptive conditions identified above could receive healthcare benefits and monthly compensation from the VA. Also, when the service member separated from the military, the terms of their separation must not have been a dishonorable discharge.
Are Families of Service Members Eligible for Benefits?
Yes, both veterans and their family members can get healthcare benefits from the VA. The VA could reimburse out-of-pocket healthcare costs that a veteran or their family members paid related to any of these 15 conditions, as long as the other qualifying factors like time of service are present:
- Breast cancer
- Miscarriage
- Hepatic steatosis
- Leukemia
- Renal toxicity
- Bladder cancer
- Female infertility
- Neurobehavior effects
- Scleroderma
- Esophageal cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Lung cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
You will need to provide evidence of a diagnosis of one of these 15 conditions and that you got treatment for the illness.
What Contaminated the Water at Camp Lejeune
Two water wells on base at Camp Lejeune were contaminated with toxic chemicals. The base received much of its drinking water from these two wells. The well water served multiple buildings, including residential units on the base.
The chemicals in question were:
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Perchloroethylene (PCE)
- Benzene
- Vinyl chloride
- Other hazardous chemical compounds
These chemical contaminants have been linked to the medical conditions listed above. The military shut down the two water wells in 1985. Some of these illnesses took many years to develop or for the military to notice or acknowledge the connection between the toxic chemicals in the water wells and the adverse health effects they caused. You will want to talk to a North Carolina toxic torts attorney right away to protect your right to compensation. We are happy to offer a free initial consultation to find out if you have a case that meets the eligibility criteria. Contact our office today for a free consultation.