Water contamination is a prominent issue, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data suggests that it affects millions of Americans each year. In severe cases, water contamination can cause lifelong conditions like infertility or cancer. The Camp Lejeune water crisis exemplifies America’s challenges with contaminated water supplies.
Veterans and the families of veterans affected by water contamination at Camp Lejeune can qualify for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits cover victims’ medical expenses and may provide other forms of compensation, too. This article details the qualification process for these benefits. A Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyer can help you seek benefits, as well.
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Background
Camp Lejeune is a Marine Corps base located in North Carolina. The water supply for this base became contaminated starting on August 1, 1953. The contamination period continued until December 31, 1987. The contaminants were a group of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including:
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Perchloroethylene (PCE)
- Benzene
- Vinyl chloride
Between 1953 and 1987, veterans and their families were exposed to these VOCs through the Camp Lejeune water supply. This increased their chances of developing a variety of health risks.
To support veterans and their families, Congress passed the Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012. This law provides unique benefits to affected veterans through VA.
For a free legal consultation, call (888) 796-6660
Water Contamination Benefits Eligibility
VA’s website details the qualifying factors for veterans seeking federal benefits. According to VA, these are general eligibility requirements:
- “You served at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River for at least 30 cumulative days from August 1953 through December 1987, and”
- “You didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge when you separated from the military.”
You must also be suffering from one of the following qualifying medical conditions:
- 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
Can Military Family Members Also Qualify?
Yes, family members can also qualify for Camp Lejeune benefits. To do so, you must show that:
- You are related to or married to a veteran that was stationed at Camp Lejeune
- You lived at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987
- You’re suffering from one of the 15 qualifying conditions
As a family member, you must also provide proof that you paid for medical treatment during one of these two periods:
- Between 1957 and 1987
- Between 1953 and 1956
How do You Submit a Benefits Claim?
To submit a benefits claim, you should begin by gathering evidence. This must include documentation of your time at Camp Lejeune and medical records that illustrate your condition. VA provides a form called the Camp Lejeune Family Member Program Treating Physician Report that applies to family members seeking benefits. It’s not required, but it could improve your chances of qualifying.
Remember that you must seek a doctor to provide medical documentation. Benefits claims rely on insight from a trained medical professional. If a doctor doesn’t verify your medical condition, it may be difficult to qualify for benefits. To further support your claim, you can also provide testimonials from friends, clergy members, and fellow service members.
Once you’ve gathered relevant evidence, you can file a claim through VA’s online portal. During the application process, be sure to note that you’re filing a Camp Lejeune claim.
The Presumptive Benefits Caveat
There’s one additional complicating factor with Camp Lejeune claims. Eight of the 15 conditions involved with claims are “presumptive.” With a presumptive claim, you only need to prove the following:
- That you were stationed at Camp Lejeune during a qualifying time period
- That you have one of the eight presumptive conditions
Presumptive claims are distinct from other benefits claims. Typically, with a standard benefits claim, you must provide additional evidence, like:
- Proof of treatment
- Statements from friends and fellow service members
- Other pieces of relevant evidence
With presumptive benefits, the bar for entry is lower. The only important information is your condition and your military service. These are the eight presumptive Camp Lejeune health conditions:
- Adult leukemia
- Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Parkinson’s disease
Keep in mind that presumptive claims only apply to these groups:
- Veterans
- Reservists
- Guardsmen
Family members do not qualify for presumptive claims, meaning they may need to provide a larger amount of evidence.
Additional Bases Involved in Camp Lejeune Claims
Media attention has focused primarily on Camp Lejeune. However, several other bases and installations in the area were impacted by contaminated water. You may qualify if you spent time in any of the following areas as a Marine, family member, or employee:
- Marine Corps Air Station New River
- Camp Geiger
- Camp Johnson/Montford Point
- Camp Lejeune Greater Sandy Run
- Hadnot Point
- Holcomb Boulevard
- Onslow Beach
- Paradise Point
- Stone Bay Rifle Range
- Tarawa Terrace
Contact a Water Contamination Lawyer Today
If you’re suffering from the impacts of water contamination, our lawyers can help. At Ben Crump Law, PLLC, we stand with our nation’s veterans. If you’re struggling with a water contamination benefits claim, our team can act as your legal representative. Contact our offices for a case evaluation today.
Call or text (888) 796-6660 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
