For decades, the brave men and women stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River in North Carolina, along with their families and civilian workers, were unknowingly exposed to contaminated drinking water.
This sprawling environmental disaster has left a lasting impact on hundreds of thousands of lives, with many veterans, their families, and civilian employees now grappling with symptoms of Camp Lejeune water contamination, including several serious and potentially catastrophic health issues.
If you or a family member lived or worked at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you may have been exposed to toxic chemicals in the water supply.
Lawsuit Legal News is committed to helping all affected people get the information they need, understand their rights, and pursue the compensation they deserve.
Don't wait any longer, call 866-535-9515 or submit your case for review today!
Table of Content
The Scope of the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
The water contamination at Camp Lejeune is considered one of the worst cases of drinking water contamination in U.S. history. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, up to 900,000 service members may have been exposed to the tainted water [1].
The staggering scale of this tragedy affects not only military personnel but also their families and civilian workers on the base.
Key Facts:
- Camp Lejeune water contamination dates: August 1, 1953 - December 31, 1987
- Estimated number of people affected: 750,000 to 1 million
- Primary contaminants: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), including tetrachloroethylene, trichloroethylene, vinyl chloride, and benzene
Health Effects of Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
The toxic chemicals found in Camp Lejeune's water supply are linked to a range of serious health conditions. Many of these illnesses may not manifest immediately, so anyone who lived or worked at the base during the contamination period should be prepared to take legal action.
Presumptive Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Conditions
The VA recognizes eight conditions as presumptive, meaning it automatically connects them to the Camp Lejeune water contamination for military personnel who lived and worked there between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.
Let's take a look at these conditions and their potential impacts on quality of life:
- Adult leukemia
- Symptoms: Fatigue, frequent infections, easy bruising or bleeding, weight loss
- Impact: Can lead to severe anemia, weakened immune system, and the need for ongoing treatments like chemotherapy
- Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
- Symptoms: Fatigue, shortness of breath, frequent infections, easy bruising or bleeding
- Impact: May require blood transfusions, medication, or even bone marrow transplants
- Bladder cancer
- Symptoms: Blood in urine, frequent urination, pelvic pain
- Impact: Can lead to urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and the need for radical surgery
- Kidney cancer
- Symptoms: Blood in urine, lower back pain, fatigue, weight loss
- Impact: May result in kidney removal, dialysis, or transplantation
- Liver cancer
- Symptoms: Abdominal pain, weight loss, jaundice, fatigue
- Impact: Can lead to liver failure, requiring transplantation or resulting in a significantly shortened life expectancy
- Multiple myeloma
- Symptoms: Bone pain, fatigue, frequent infections, kidney problems
- Impact: Can cause bone fractures, spinal cord compression, and kidney failure
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Symptoms: Swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, weight loss
- Impact: May require aggressive chemotherapy, affecting overall health and immunity
- Parkinson's disease
- Symptoms: Tremors, stiffness, balance problems, speech changes
- Impact: Progressive loss of motor function, affecting daily activities and independence
The symptoms listed above are not comprehensive. Other signs and symptoms may exist. If you believe you may have been affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination, seek immediate medical attention.
If you lived and worked at Camp Lejeune during the water contamination period and suffer from one of these conditions, you may recover compensation.
Additional Covered Conditions
Beyond the presumptive conditions, the VA also covers treatment for several other health issues related to the water contamination.
These conditions can significantly diminish one’s quality of life:
- Breast cancer: May require mastectomy, radiation, chemotherapy, and long-term hormone therapy
- Esophageal cancer: Can lead to difficulty swallowing, chronic pain, and nutritional deficiencies
- Female infertility: Emotional distress and the need for costly fertility treatments
- Hepatic steatosis: Potential progression to liver cirrhosis and increased risk of liver cancer
- Lung cancer: Breathing difficulties, chronic cough, and potential need for lung resection
- Miscarriage: Emotional trauma and potential complications in future pregnancies
- Neurobehavioral effects: Cognitive impairment, mood disorders, and difficulty with daily tasks
- Renal toxicity: Potential progression to chronic kidney disease or kidney failure
- Scleroderma: Skin tightening, joint pain, and potential organ damage
This list is not exhaustive. If you experience any unusual symptoms or health concerns, consult a healthcare provider promptly.
Other Potentially Related Health Issues
Research has suggested links between the Camp Lejeune water contamination and numerous other health problems, including various cancers, birth defects, and developmental issues. These conditions can have dire effects on individuals and families, often requiring lifelong medical care and support.
The U.S. government says that it may categorize more health issues as presumptive or eligible for coverage if research finds a strong link to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water.
Not everyone who was exposed to the contaminated water will develop health issues. Factors such as age at exposure, duration of exposure, genetic makeup, and lifestyle choices can all influence an individual's risk. However, those affected can suffer severe and long-lasting impacts on their quality of life.
Understanding Your Rights
The U.S. government has taken steps to provide benefits and compensation to those affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination. However, navigating the claims process presents many challenges. Here's what you need to know:
Eligibility for VA Disability Compensation
Veterans, Reservists, and National Guard members may qualify for disability compensation if they:
- Served at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987
- Did not receive a dishonorable discharge
- Have been diagnosed with one or more of the presumptive conditions
Health Care Benefits
Veterans who meet the service requirements may be eligible for VA health care. For the 15 covered conditions related to Camp Lejeune, veterans won't have to pay a copay for care.
Benefits for Family Members and Civilians
Family members who lived at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period may be eligible for reimbursement of certain expenses, including out-of-pocket medical expenses related to the covered conditions. Civilians who worked or lived on the base during this time may also be entitled to compensation.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act, part of the PACT Act, allows both military and civilian individuals to seek compensation for harm caused by exposure to the contaminated water.
The PACT Act and Camp Lejeune Justice Act
In August 2022, the Honoring our PACT Act was signed into law. This legislation includes the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which allows affected individuals to file lawsuits against the U.S. government for harm caused by exposure to the contaminated water. This landmark law opens up new avenues for compensation, but it also comes with specific requirements and deadlines.
Take Action Now
If you or a loved one lived or worked at Camp Lejeune between August 1953 and December 1987 and suffer from symptoms of Camp Lejeune water contamination, don't wait to seek legal help.
The Lawsuit Legal News team of Camp Lejeune water contamination lawyers is committed to fighting for the rights and compensation of those who served our country.
Call us today at 866-535-9515 or reach out online for your free evaluation!