Family & Veteran Benefits for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination:
If you were a service member or dependent living at U.S. Marine Corps base Camp Lejeune for about 30 years from 1953 to the mid-80s, you might have heard about the problems with contaminated drinking water on the base. The Department of Defense discovered the contamination in 1982 and has known the water caused chronic illness in many exposed families for decades. But service members couldn’t sue for injuries they incurred while serving on active duty. But with new laws, veterans and families may qualify for benefits and be able to sue for damages.
Who Qualifies?
If you are a veteran or family member exposed to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune for more than 30 days, and you have an illness related to the contaminated water, you may be entitled to benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
VA Disability Benefits
To qualify for VA disability benefits, you must have:
- “Served at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River for at least 30 days from August 1953 through December 1987 while on active duty, or in the National Guard or Reserves,” and
- Have a medical condition related to Camp Lejeune water exposure.
The VA maintains a list of health conditions related to toxic water exposure. There are eight health conditions the VA has presumptively linked to the water exposure, including:
- Adult leukemia
- Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
- Parkinson’s disease
- Liver cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
If you qualify, you may obtain a VA disability rating, which will pay you a monthly stipend based on your level of disability.
VA Health Care Benefits
A second federal law known as the
Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012
extends health care benefits to family members and veterans exposed to Camp Lejeune’s toxic water. You must:
- Have been exposed to the contaminated water for at least 30 days during the qualifying time, and
- Have a medical diagnosis related to Camp Lejeune water exposure.
Filing a Lawsuit
You may also be able to file a lawsuit against the federal government related to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water. Until recently, veterans and service members couldn’t sue the federal government for injuries sustained while serving in the military. But with the passage of the
Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022
, as part of the Honoring Our PACT Act, family members and veterans exposed to the toxic water may be able to file toxic exposure lawsuits for compensation.
You Need an Experienced Attorney
You have options if you're a veteran or a family member made sick by exposure to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water. You may be entitled to VA health and disability benefits, and you may be able to file a toxic exposure lawsuit. But the process in this toxic water case is complex, with strict eligibility and paperwork requirements.You’ll need an experienced personal injury lawyer to review your case, determine your best options, and appeal if the VA denies your initial claim. The deadline to file your claim is August 10, 2024. The skilled lawyers at the Madeksho Law Firm can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us at 1-888-910-6376 or contact us online. Your initial consultation is always free, and there's never a fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
