Individuals who qualify as veterans, family members of veterans, or civilian employees who resided or worked on the Camp Lejeune base for a minimum of 30 days during the period from August 1st, 1953, to December 31st, 1987, are entitled to submit a claim for compensation linked to the contamination of the water at Camp Lejeune.
Filing a claim for compensation related to the Camp Lejeune water contamination can be a complicated process, but we are here to help. We can provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to file a claim, including how to obtain medical records, how to fill out the necessary forms, and how to submit the claim.
The National Research Council conducted an evaluation of the water at Camp Lejeune and found that it was contaminated with numerous hazardous chemicals. In 1985, two wells at the base were shut down due to excessive levels of Trichloroethylene (TCE), Perchloroethylene (PCE), Benzene, Vinyl chloride, and other compounds. Regrettably, based on scientific and medical evidence, most of these chemicals were found to pose a threat to human health.
Vinyl chloride is a colourless gas with a sweet odour that is primarily used in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a material commonly used in construction, electronics, and other industries. It is a highly reactive chemical that must be carefully stored and transported in pressurized containers to avoid decomposition. Vinyl chloride is a known carcinogen that has been linked to liver cancer and leukaemia and can also cause skin irritation and damage to the liver and kidneys. Long-term exposure to PVC can lead to polyvinyl chloride poisoning, which can cause symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and easy bruising.
Another chemical found in Camp Lejeune, Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a volatile liquid with a sweet odour and is commonly used as a cleaning solvent and degreaser. It is also found in adhesives, paints, varnishes, and lacquers. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies TCE as a human carcinogen, with a primary association to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a type of cancer affecting the lymphatic system responsible for the transportation of fluids and cells throughout the body. TCE exposure can also lead to liver damage and neurological damage.
TCE is a harmful groundwater contaminant commonly found near Superfund sites and waste disposal sites, such as Camp Lejeune. It is a known human carcinogen that can cause non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, as well as neurological and liver damage. TCE can enter the air from contaminated soil or water and has been found in indoor spaces. Although no longer manufactured in the US, TCE is still used extensively in other countries and can be released into the environment when contaminated products degrade or are improperly disposed of. The maximum safe TCE level in drinking water is five ppb, while Camp Lejeune's contaminated well water had 1,400 ppb of TCE.
Methylene chloride, a chemical solvent utilized for the removal of paint and the production of plastic products, has been found in drinking water at Camp Lejeune as reported by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. The ATSDR has disclosed that individuals who utilized the water for any purpose were exposed to this potentially hazardous chemical.
Benzene is a colourless, sweet-smelling, and flammable liquid that is produced mainly through the refining of crude oil. It is used as a solvent in the production of various chemical products, plastics, and synthetic fibres. Benzene is also added to gasoline as a fuel additive. However, it has been designated as a human carcinogen by the EPA and linked to leukaemia. Short-term exposure to benzene can cause dizziness, confusion, headache, and even death. Prolonged exposure to volatile organic compounds like benzene can lead to bone marrow damage, anaemia, and leukaemia. It is detectable in breath, blood, and urine and found in Camp Lejeune's water.
Perchloroethylene, also known as PCE, is classified as a halocarbon and is a colourless liquid with a volatile nature, emitting a chloroform-like odour. It is commonly used in the textile industry as a dry-cleaning solvent, removing dirt and stains from fabrics and clothing items. Recent studies have shown that the PCE detected in the water supply of Camp Lejeune is linked to the One Hour Dry Cleaner, which commenced operations close to the Marine Corps base camp in 1953. Besides its use in dry cleaning, PCE is widely employed in various industries as a heat transfer medium, cleaning agent for metal parts, and degreaser for electronic components.
The Camp Lejeune water contamination was the result of a combination of factors, including leaking underground storage tanks, inadequate waste disposal practices, and the use of hazardous chemicals at the base.
Various parties, including the U.S. military, government agencies, and private contractors, have been implicated in the contamination. In 2012, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs acknowledged that the government was responsible for the contamination and began providing disability benefits to affected veterans and their families.
Ultimately, the responsibility for the Camp Lejeune water contamination is a complex issue that involves multiple parties and factors. The important thing is to focus on support and compensation to those who have been affected by the contamination.
As per the reports published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Camp Lejeune water contamination has been linked to a range of serious health risks, particularly for those who were exposed to the contaminated water over an extended period. The primary health risks associated with the Camp Lejeune water contamination include
Exposure to the contaminated water has been linked to an increased risk of numerous types of cancer including:
Pregnant women who were exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune are at an increased risk of giving birth to children with birth defects, such as neural tube defects, cleft lip and palate, and congenital heart defects.
The contaminated water has also been linked to other medical conditions, including liver damage, kidney damage, and reproductive disorders.
It is important for those who were exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune to be aware of these potential health risks and to seek medical attention if they have experienced any symptoms associated with these conditions. Veterans and their families who have been affected by the contamination are eligible for compensation.
In the past, a lawsuit was brought forward by around 850 individuals who were adversely affected by the Camp Lejeune water supply. Additionally, several independent lawsuits were filed by single plaintiffs. Regrettably, in 2016, all these lawsuits were dismissed owing to the North Carolina statute of repose law.
Under North Carolina's statute of repose law, all lawsuits must be filed within a period of ten years from the occurrence of the incident that caused the harm, even if the victim is unaware of the cause of their injuries during this period. As the last exposure at Camp Lejeune took place in the 1980s, this precluded all the victims from seeking compensation.
However, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA), signed into law as part of the Honouring Our Pact Act (HOPA) of 2022, will provide a way for the victims to seek compensation for their damages, circumventing the North Carolina statute of repose. This development is expected to bring relief to the victims who have long been seeking justice for their suffering.
At times, it can feel daunting to pursue a Camp Lejeune claim, but please know that you are not alone in this journey. Many veterans and family members have already gone through this process and have filed claims for compensation. Therefore, we encourage you to maintain hope and believe that justice will eventually prevail.
If the act has been passed, the wait for compensation will soon be over, and we are committed to being there for you every step of the way. If you or a loved one served at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 and have faced health issues related to water contamination, we want you to reach out to us. Our goal is to help you understand your rights and explore all your options, while guiding you through the claims process with the utmost professionalism.
Our team has the necessary expertise to provide you with the support and resources you require, so that you can get the compensation you deserve. We understand that this can be a challenging time, but we are here to help you navigate the process with ease and ensure that you receive the outcome you deserve.
You can apply for disability compensation from the VA for the Camp Lejeune water contamination by completing and submitting a VA Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits. You will need to provide evidence of your military service, medical records, and evidence of exposure to the contaminated water
The VA provides health care and disability compensation for veterans who were exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and have one of eight presumptive diseases: adult leukaemia, aplastic anaemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, or Parkinson's disease.
The Marine Corps has established a website, www.marines.mil/clwater, where you can find more information about the Camp Lejeune water contamination and how to request a water test kit to determine if you were exposed to the contaminated water.
Yes, you may be able to file a lawsuit for damages related to the Camp Lejeune water contamination. However, the legal process can be complex, and it is recommended that you seek the advice of an attorney with experience in this area.
