If you’ve been affected by the water contamination issues at Camp Lejeune, you’re not alone. Thousands have suffered, and it’s high time to take action. Filing a claim can seem daunting, but it’s a crucial step in securing the compensation you deserve.
In the past, the process was complex and confusing. But don’t worry, I’m here to guide you through it. With my years of experience and in-depth knowledge, I’ll provide the clear, straightforward advice you need.
Remember,
you’ve got rights and it’s important to protect them. So let’s dive in and start the process of filing your claim for Camp Lejeune water issues.
Understanding Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
In unfolding the tapestry of Camp Lejeune water contamination, it’s important to delve into the bare facts. The first signs of water pollution were noted as early as the 1950s but the major concern arises from the period between the mid-1950s to 1987. For over 30 years, families of Marines and Naval personnel, alongside civilian employees were unwittingly exposed to highly contaminated water.
This is touted as one of the worst water contamination incidents in US history.
A broad range of harmful chemicals were identified in the water supply at Camp Lejeune; these toxics were either known or suspected carcinogens. These chemicals included trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), benzene and vinyl chloride. Primarily used as degreasers, these chemicals seeped into the water supply from onsite storage tanks.
The repercussions have been far from trivial. Those affected suffer from a variety of severe health conditions including certain cancers and severe skin disorders. Infants born during the contamination period have the likelihood of birth defects, including neural tube defects, and childhood hematopoietic cancers such as leukemia.
Uncovering the effects of the water contamination, evidence suggests that an estimated
900,000 individuals may have been exposed to this tainted water supply.
The table below sheds light on the associated health problems:
| Health Conditions |
Associated Chemicals |
| Liver Disease |
TCE, PCE, Benzene |
| Kidney Cancer |
TCE, PCE |
| Leukemia |
Benzene |
| Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma |
TCE, PCE, Benzene |
| Parkinson’s Disease |
TCE |
| Miscarriage, Stillbirth |
TCE, PCE |
As we sift through the harrowing ordeal that
Camp Lejeune veterans and their families have had to endure, the pressing question relates to justice and compensation for those affected. My articles aim to shed light and guide you through this winding road of possibilities.
Eligibility for Filing a Claim
Determining eligibility can be tough. First and foremost, you need to have been present at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period that spanned between the 1950s to 1987.
You must prove that you were present, even if for a brief time. Make no mistake; this is a non-negotiable criteria.
The next question is whether you have an illness linked to the consumed contaminated water. Research has identified specific diseases linked to the chemical exposure. These
include several types of cancers and birth defects among others. This is a critical piece of evidence, and it’s essential you establish this connection.
What about family members? They might have been indirectly affected, living with you during this time, or developed conditions due to their prenatal exposure. This is also taken into account but the claim evolves to be more complicated.
How does the law interpret these claims? It’s not surprising to know that the legal process can be intricate. But you should be aware of a term critical for your claim:
Presumptive Conditions. It’s a set of conditions recognized by the
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that presumes certain diseases and disabilities were caused by military service. This presumption helps the claimants with the burden of proof.
Here is a quick look at the presumptive conditions identified by the VA:
| VA Presumptive Conditions |
| Kidney Cancer |
| Liver Cancer |
| Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma |
| Leukemia |
| Multiple Myeloma |
| Parkinson’s disease |
| Bladder cancer |
| Aplastic anemia |
| Other myelodysplastic syndromes |
| Other cancers |
Does your illness match with one listed above? If yes, you might have a case.
Gathering Necessary Documentation
Documenting your exposure and tracing its effects can be a daunting task; however, it’s essential for progressing in the claims process. A solid case requires meticulous documentation that highlights your presence at Camp Lejeune during the specified period and the possible health impacts that have emerged due to the water contamination.
A significant step in filing a claim is
proving your presence at Camp Lejeune between the 1950s and 1987, the period of the alleged contamination. This can be accomplished through military records, transfer orders, or pay stubs. Plus, any document showing your residential address during that span could also bolster your case.
In tandem with this, you must illustrate the potential link between any health conditions you may have developed and your exposure to the contamination. Some diseases have been categorized by the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs as Presumptive Conditions, closely associated with military service.
A table lists some of the recognized Presumptive Conditions:
| Condition |
Explanation |
| Kidney Cancer |
Possibly due to exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) |
| Liver Cancer |
Trichloroethylene (TCE), a contaminant found in the water, may cause this |
| Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma |
Could develop due to overall chemical exposure |
| Parkinson’s Disease |
Potentially linked to VOCs and other pollutants |
Furthermore, medical files, past hospital records, consultations with doctors – all of these contribute to establishing the bridge between your health condition and the exposure. Given the sensitive nature of these documents, it is crucial that they’re maintained correctly and presented effectively.
To make your journey a bit smoother, it’s worth considering seeking professional advice from lawyers experienced in such cases. Their expertise can guide you through the complexities of the process and ensure your case stands sturdy against any counterclaims.
Keep in mind: every single document counts, completeness is the key. The sturdier your case, the higher your likelihood of compensation. Keep moving forward- every step of this process brings you one stride closer to attaining justice.
Initiating the Claim Process
The first step in filing a claim for the Camp Lejeune water issues is to register with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It’s more than just filling out a form. Your registration lets the VA know that you were at Camp Lejeune during the period of water contamination and may have serious health conditions due to it.
Your claims process formally begins once you’ve submitted your VA Form 21-526EZ, an application for disability compensation and related compensation benefits. This form can be mailed or uploaded electronically to the VA.
Remember, accuracy is crucial when filling out this form. Any inaccuracies can derail or delay your claim.
Next up is gathering your evidence. You should start with your service records, which prove you were stationed at Camp Lejeune during the period of contamination. If you need assistance in obtaining these records, you can request them from the National Archives.
Medical records are just as critical in proving your claim. They should show a clear diagnosis of one or more of the
Presumptive Conditions recognized by the VA. Such conditions include kidney cancer, liver disease, and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma among others.
In addition to proving your service and
medical conditions, you’ll need to show a nexus, or connection, between your medical condition and your service at Camp Lejeune. A Nexus letter, often written by a medical professional, can establish this connection.
Another useful document is a “buddy statement” – a sworn statement from someone who can confirm your presence at Camp Lejeune and authenticates your claim. This could be any fellow service member but could also be a friend or family member.
An important aspect of starting the claim process is to understand that it might take time, it’s not always straightforward. The process involves a detailed review and requires patience.
Seeking legal counsel can be beneficial in ensuring that your claim’s strength is at its utmost, increasing your likelihood of receiving compensation.
This is all a part of initiating your claim process. There are still many steps to follow and details to be dealt with, which we will address in the subsequent sections of this article. To navigate through successful claim filing, it’s imperative to remember that successful claims require detailed proof, comprehensive documentation, ongoing persistence, and sometimes, professional legal guidance.
Seeking Legal Assistance
Once you’ve started the initial claims process for the Camp Lejeune water contamination issue,
enlisting professional help is a viable and often successful strategy. You may be wondering why you would need an attorney. Let me elucidate.
The claims process isn’t always cut and dry. It’s tangled in government red tape and understanding the intricate details can be a strenuous task. That’s where legal professionals step in. They have a comprehensive understanding of
VA law, regulations, and the appeals process.
Hiring an attorney doesn’t mean that I’m advocating that veterans can’t submit a claim independently. You can, but you might find difficulty navigating the complicated claims process.
The experience, knowledge, and resources held by experienced attorneys will bolster your claim success rate. Attorneys have access to medical professionals, specifically for generating a compelling Nexus letter, which is a linchpin in the whole claims process.
Let’s shed some light on what it may cost to bring in professional legal assistance. Generally, the attorney’s fees are contingent on the success of your claim. Simply put, if they win your case, they receive a percentage typically ranging from
20 to 33 percent of your awarded benefits. If they don’t win, you won’t owe them anything.
Also, hiring an attorney earlier during the claims process will ensure that they have ample time to build a strong case. Delaying could mean losing valuable time and potentially, your claim.
| Average Attorney Fees |
Ranges |
| Contingency fees |
20%-33% |
Remember, the goal here is to maximize your chances of receiving the compensation you rightly deserve. Whether you do this alone or with professional guidance, it’s a crucial step towards getting justice for your health impacts due to service at Camp Lejeune. Lastly, it’s essential to
weigh the risks and rewards before making a decision of
seeking legal assistance to bolster your fight.
