If you served or lived on base at Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune between August 1953 and December 1987, you may have suffered exposure to contaminants in the drinking water. If you have non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, it could be because of the Camp Lejeune water contamination, and you may be eligible for compensation.
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Benzene Exposure
According to the American Cancer Society, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of cancer linked to benzene exposure, one of the harmful substances present in two water wells at Camp Lejeune that the base shut down in 1985. Investigators also found other toxic compounds in the on-base wells, including:
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Perchloroethylene (PCE)
- Vinyl chloride
Your Diagnosis Could Qualify You for Benefits
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in your lymph nodes and can spread throughout your lymphatic system. Treatment can be expensive and invasive, including chemotherapy, radiation, and bone marrow transplant. Potential symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Swollen lymph nodes in the armpits, neck, or groin
- Fever
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night sweats
- Fatigue
If you experience persistent symptoms, you should see your healthcare provider if you have not done so already—particularly if you know you suffered exposure to water contamination at Camp Lejeune. You could receive benefits to cover your related healthcare costs.
Veterans and Their Families Can Seek Medical Compensation
According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), veterans and their family members who lived or served at Camp Lejeune could seek medical benefits. They may also be eligible for reimbursement for previous out-of-pocket medical expenses related to their illness.
Compensation is open to active duty military members, National Guard members, Reservists, and their dependents. Eligible parties must have been at Camp Lejeune for 30 cumulative days between August 1953 and December 1987 and have one of 15 presumptive illnesses.
To receive coverage, applicants must provide proof of service at Camp Lejeune during the specified time, an honorable discharge, and their medical condition. In addition to medical evidence and proof of residency, family members must submit evidence of their relationship to a service member (birth certificate, marriage license, adoption papers).
Qualifying Illnesses Related to Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
Veterans with a presumed Camp Lejeune contamination illness can seek VA disability benefits. Proving you served on base between August 1953 and December 1987 is enough to qualify—you do not need to provide further evidence of the link between your illness and your active duty.
In addition to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, qualifying medical conditions linked to Camp Lejeune contamination include:
- Adult leukemia
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Renal toxicity
- Miscarriage
- Female infertility
- Parkinson’s disease
- Kidney cancer
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Lung cancer
- Hepatic steatosis
- Esophageal cancer
- Scleroderma
- Multiple myeloma
According to the VA disability compensation rates for 2022, monthly payments can range from around $150 to $4,000, depending on your disability rating and the number of dependents you support.
You May Qualify for a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit
Veterans and their loved ones who suffer from Camp Lejeune contamination may be able to pursue compensation in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022.
This legislation, which is currently working its way through Congress, will allow victims (including those exposed in utero) to seek “appropriate relief from harm,” even if the VA previously denied their claims for medical compensation or disability benefits. Compensation may include:
- Medical treatment, including surgeries, hospital stays, diagnostic testing, doctor fees, medications, and long-term nursing services
- Lost income, including benefits, bonuses, retirement savings, and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, including monetary awards for physical pain, emotional suffering, mental anguish, and reductions to your overall quality of life
- Wrongful death awards if your loved one died from a Camp Lejeune-related illness
If you believe your non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or other illness resulted from toxic exposure at Camp Lejeune, an attorney with our firm can help you explore your options for seeking financial awards. If you qualify for legal action, you have two years from when the Camp Lejeune Justice Act passes to file suit.
How Can Ben Crump Law, PLLC Assist You?
We can help you with your medical or disability claims or assist with pursuing legal action. Our team will:
- Obtain documents proving your service record, residency on base, or relationship to a veteran
- Obtain your medical records
- Calculate your current and future medical expenses
- Value other losses related to your illness
- Appeal denied applications
- Represent you during the claims process or civil court proceedings
Contact Our Firm for a Free Consultation
Ben Crump Law, PLLC has a reputation for giving a voice to those who feel powerless. We are not afraid to take on tough cases dealing with environmental issues and mass torts. We want to help Camp Lejeune contamination victims seek justice and the compensation they deserve.
We can take your case at no upfront cost to you. To learn more, call our office for a free consultation.
