The Veterans Administration has acknowledged that veterans serving at Camp LeJeune, N.C., or Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, North Carolina between 1953 and 1987 were exposed, through the water supply, to industrial solvents, benzene, and other chemicals. Since that time, the VA has determined that a positive association exists between exposure to herbicides and the subsequent development of several conditions, which also have presumptive status for compensation and medical treatment purposes.
When a condition has “Presumptive” status, that means that the VA process presumes that active-duty service caused these conditions. It is then up to the VA to disprove the connection. If your health condition is due to exposure while at Camp LeJeune or MCAS during your service, you may be eligible for VA Disability compensation.
Who May Qualify for Camp LeJeune VA Disability Benefits
To receive VA disability compensation, you must have served at Camp LeJeune or MCAS for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. You must NOT have a dishonorable discharge. In addition to Service members, family members and civilians who worked at Camp Lejeune during this time period and have developed serious illness, cancer, suffered a miscarriage or birth defects, are also eligible to file a claim.
Requirements for Camp LeJeune Presumptive Health Condition
The VA has determined that certain cancers and certain illnesses are linked to water contamination at Fort LeJeune and have designated them as Presumptive Status. Two on-base wells were shut down in 1985 as they were contaminated with TCE (Trichloroethylene).
Presumptive Camp LeJeune Conditions
- Adult leukemia
- Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Parkinson’s disease
What to Do If Your VA Disability Claim Is Re-Rated
If your service-related cancer goes into remission, the VA is required to re-rate you. Often, the re-rating does not take into account Secondary conditions. Quatrini Law Group can help evaluate your rating or if the VA missed Secondary Conditions.
How Quatrini Law Group Helps Veterans With Disability Claims
Meet Our Veterans’ Disability Attorneys
Michael V. Quatrini | (724) 552-2757
Erika N. Dowd | (724) 217-8274
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Frequently Asked Questions About Camp LeJeune Veterans’ Disability Benefits
Who is eligible to claim benefits for Camp LeJeune exposure?
Veterans, reservists, and family members who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune (or MCAS New River) for at least 30 cumulative days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 may be eligible. This includes veterans, active duty service members, National Guard members, reservists, and their family members who resided on base during that period.
What diseases or conditions are covered under Camp LeJeune presumptive service connection?
The VA recognizes 15 presumptive conditions linked to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water, including several cancers (bladder, breast, kidney, leukemia, lung, and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma), as well as neurobehavioral effects, Parkinson’s disease, and non-cancerous conditions like aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndromes.
What evidence do you need to file a Camp LeJeune Claim?
You will need proof of service or residency; a medical diagnosis of a VA-recognized presumptive condition; and, if you are filing for family members, proof of residency on base.
Speak With a Veterans’ Disability Lawyer in Pennsylvania
As with all of our work at the Quatrini Law Group, we offer a free consultation to review your VA claim. We want to help you decide which claims are ready to appeal, and which appeal options may be right for you. Please contact our office at 1-888-534-6016 or email us to schedule your free telephone, video or in-person appointment.