Camp Lejeune, a Marine Corps base in North Carolina, has a dark history of water contamination that has affected countless veterans who served there. This contamination, primarily caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) seeping into the groundwater, has led to severe health issues among veterans and their families. Leah will delve into the background of Camp Lejeune, the toxic exposures veterans faced, and how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) addresses disability claims related to this contamination.
Background of Camp Lejeune Contamination
The contamination at Camp Lejeune stemmed from various sources, including nearby dry cleaning facilities and industrial waste disposal sites. VOCs such as trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), benzene, vinyl chloride, and dichloroethylene (DCE) infiltrated the base’s water supply, exceeding Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limits. This contamination, discovered in 1982 but likely present for years prior, remained unaddressed until the early 1980s, when the wells were finally shut down.
Health Effects of Exposure
The health effects of exposure to these chemicals are profound and alarming. Studies have linked TCE and PCE to various cancers, including leukemia, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Moreover, other debilitating conditions such as aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and Parkinson’s disease have been associated with exposure to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water.
VA Disability Benefits and Presumptive Conditions
The VA recognizes the severity of health issues resulting from Camp Lejeune’s contamination and offers disability benefits to eligible veterans. For certain conditions, the VA follows a presumptive approach, meaning they automatically assume that the veteran’s service at Camp Lejeune caused the condition. This relieves veterans from the burden of proving direct causation between their military service and their health condition.
Eligibility Criteria for Presumptive Conditions
To qualify for disability compensation under presumptive conditions, veterans must have served at Camp Lejeune or Marine Corps Air Station New River between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, for at least 30 days. Additionally, veterans must not have received a dishonorable discharge. The following conditions are considered presumptive:
- Leukemia (adult)
- Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Parkinson’s disease
Seeking VA Disability Benefits for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
Veterans eligible for presumptive conditions can apply for disability compensation through the VA. However, it’s essential to gather all relevant medical records and evidence to support the claim. While presumptive conditions streamline the process, veterans with other medical conditions linked to Camp Lejeune’s contamination can still seek compensation by demonstrating a credible connection between their service and their health issues.
Importance of Seeking Legal Advice
Navigating the VA disability claims process can be complex, especially when dealing with issues as sensitive as health conditions related to military service. Consulting with accredited legal professionals, such as Veterans Service Officers (VSOs), claims agents, or attorneys, can provide valuable guidance and ensure that veterans receive the benefits they deserve. These professionals can assist in gathering evidence, filing claims, and advocating for veterans’ rights throughout the process.
Conclusion
The Camp Lejeune water contamination remains a stark reminder of the sacrifices veterans make and the lasting impact of environmental hazards on their health. The VA’s recognition of presumptive conditions related to Camp Lejeune’s contamination is a crucial step in providing support and compensation to affected veterans.
However, it’s essential for veterans to be aware of their rights, seek appropriate medical care, and pursue disability benefits with the assistance of knowledgeable professionals. By doing so, veterans can access the resources and support they need to cope with the health challenges stemming from their service at Camp Lejeune.
Also read: Unemployability and PTSD in Veterans Disability
At Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting, a veteran-owned company, we specialize in Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs) known as Nexus letters.
Our purpose is to empower YOU, the veteran, to take charge of your medical evidence and provide you with valuable educational tools and research to guide you on your journey.
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Leveraging an extensive network of licensed independent medical professionals, all well-versed in the medical professional aspects of the VA claims process, we review the necessary medical evidence to incorporate in our reports related to your VA Disability Claim.
Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting is not a law firm, accredited claims agent, or affiliated with the Veterans Administration or Veterans Services Organizations. However, we are happy to discuss your case with your accredited VA legal professional.
