Guiding Light: New Federal Law Helps Camp Lejeune Families And Veterans

When the drinking water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with cancer-causing chemicals in the early 2000s, it affected thousands of people. Many of those affected have since died, leaving children behind to deal with the loss.

In 2012, Congress passed the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Act of 2012 (also known as the Lejeune Act) to provide financial assistance to those who have been affected by this tragedy.

Eligible parties are hiring firms like Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers to help them file claims for benefits. Benefits can include healthcare services, disability compensation, and financial assistance.

The Camp Lejeune Veterans Affairs Medical Center provides healthcare for veterans and their families. The VA has a number of benefits available to those affected by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune. These benefits can help provide relief and healing for those who have been hurt.

What Is The Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Incident?

The Camp Lejeune water contamination incident refers to the release of chemicals into the drinking water supply at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.

The contamination was caused by a combination of two chemicals: trichloroethylene (TCE) and benzene. The release of these chemicals into the water supply contaminated drinking water for thousands of people who lived in the area.

What Is The Law?

The Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Act of 2012 provides financial relief for victims of the contamination. The law also requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to create a plan to assist with medical care and financial needs of those affected by this disaster.

Who Is Eligible?

The law is in place to provide financial relief to those who:

• Were a resident at Camp Lejeune before June 1, 1984 (the date that the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune was created)
• Where then in the drinking water supply on or after June 1, 1984
• Have been diagnosed with cancer related to exposure to contaminated water.

Those who were exposed to these chemicals before June 1, 1984, but have been diagnosed with cancer after that date are not eligible for benefits under this law.

How Does It Work?

VA will provide a one-time lump sum payment to eligible veterans, as well as a permanent disability rating for those who were injured by exposure to contaminated water. This rating will provide compensation for medical expenses and income loss.

The law also requires the VA to provide medical care and financial assistance to those who were exposed to these chemicals before June 1, 1984 but have been diagnosed with cancer after that date.

Benefits Available

The law provides compensation for medical expenses and income loss from being exposed to these chemicals. Compensation is based on the VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities (SDRD).

Medical Expenses

• Expenses for treatment related to your cancer and any other conditions related to your exposure to these chemicals (including any treatment for your current cancer)
• Expenses for your diagnosis and treatment for all cancers related to your exposure to these chemicals
• Expenses for complications related to your cancer and any other conditions related to your exposure to these chemicals
• Expenses for any treatment you received for your current cancer

Income Loss

• If you are receiving VA disability compensation, VA will provide an additional allowance for income loss
• If you are not receiving VA disability compensation, you may be entitled to receive an additional allowance for income loss, if you can show that you have sustained a substantial economic loss due to your exposure to these chemicals

How Can I Apply for Benefits?

The first step in applying for Camp Lejeune disability benefits is to contact the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). You can do this by calling the VA’s toll-free number (800) 827-1000 or by visiting the VA’s website at www.va.gov.

Once you have contacted the VA, you will need to provide evidence of your exposure to the contaminated water and your diagnosis of cancer or other illnesses related to the contamination. This may include medical records, military records, and other documents that establish your eligibility.

Once the VA has determined that you are eligible for benefits, you can begin the application process. You will need to fill out the appropriate forms and provide documentation about your diagnosis and exposure to the contaminated water.

You will also need to provide evidence of your income and any other financial information relevant to your disability claim. This may include pay stubs, tax returns, and other financial documents.

Once your application is complete, the VA will review it and determine whether or not you are eligible for benefits. If you are approved, you will receive a lump sum payment and a permanent disability rating.

The final step in the process is to appeal if you are denied benefits. You can do this by contacting the VA regional office that handled your application or by filing a claim with the DAV.

Can I Still Sue For Damages Even If I Receive Benefits?

Yes. People who were exposed to these chemicals before June 1, 1984 but have been diagnosed with cancer after that date may still be able to sue for damages as long as they are not receiving VA benefits. This is because there was an understanding that the water was contaminated at the time of construction, and there is no evidence that it was cleaned up after that date.

The Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit is a landmark case that has provided compensation to those who were exposed to toxic chemicals before June 1, 1984 and have since been diagnosed with cancer. Veterans who served at Camp Lejeune are eligible for benefits from the VA, as well as the opportunity to pursue a lawsuit for damages. This case has shed light on the dangerous and long-term health effects of exposure to these chemicals and has helped to provide justice to those affected.