Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Presumptives
Effective 3/14/2017, the VA established presumptive service connection for diseases associated with exposure to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune.
The presumption of service connection applies to active duty, reserve and National Guard members who served at Camp Lejeune for a minimum of 30 days (cumulative) between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987, and are diagnosed with any of the following conditions:
- adult leukemia
- aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
- bladder cancer
- kidney cancer
- liver cancer
- multiple myeloma
- non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Parkinson’s disease
In the early 1980’s, volatile organic compounds, trichloroethylene (TCE), a metal degreaser, and perchloroethylene (PCE), a dry cleaning agent, as well as benzene and vinyl chloride, were discovered in two on-base water supply systems at Camp Lejeune. The contaminated wells supplying the water systems were shut down in February 1985.
The area included in this presumption is all of Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River, including satellite camps and housing areas.
Our office can assist you with applying for this benefit, or any of the benefits listed on these pages. Please call us at 910-253-2233 to schedule an appointment.
Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012
The law provides that Veterans stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1957 and 1987 will be eligible to receive health care through VA, and exposed family members will be reimbursed for health care costs, for the following medical conditions:
- Esophageal cancer;
- Lung cancer;
- Breast cancer;
- Bladder cancer;
- Kidney cancer;
- Leukemia;
- Multiple myeloma;
- Myelodysplastic syndromes;
- Renal toxicity;
- Hepatitis steatosis;
- Female infertility;
- Miscarriage;
- Scleroderma;
- Neurobehavioral effects; and
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
When applying for VA medical care, veterans must submit their DD-214 along with documentation showing their service at Camp Lejeune.
For family members, VA will be the last payer and will provide reimbursement after all other health insurance coverage and reimbursement is received, as required by law.
Family members who have questions regarding applying for Camp Lejeune Family Member Program benefits, claims payment, appeals, or other related matters should call toll-free at 1-866-372-1144 between the hours of 7:00am to 4:30pm CST.
