As a veteran or family member of a veteran, you’ve likely heard of the water contamination at Camp Lejeune, a Marine base in North Carolina, between 1953 and 1987.
The chemicals in the water supply have caused and continue to cause significant health issues for those who lived or served on the base during the decades the water there was contaminated. But you may not know that there are benefits available to help those affected. In this blog, we’ll explore the family member benefits relating to Camp Lejeune and how you can take advantage of them.
Who qualifies for Camp Lejeune VA benefits?
If you are an honorably discharged veteran who served on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune or Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, North Carolina, for at least 30 days total between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and you have certain conditions related to the contaminated water, you may qualify for VA disability and health care benefits.
Likewise, if you (1) are a family member (meaning a birth or adopted child, married spouse, or otherwise legal dependent) of a veteran who served at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River, North Carolina; (2) lived (or were in utero while your mother lived) at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River, North Carolina, for at least 30 days total between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987; and (3) you have a qualifying condition, you may also be eligible for health care benefits.
Camp Lejeune health and disability benefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers healthcare benefits to eligible veterans and their family members who were stationed at Camp Lejeune during the water contamination crisis. The VA provides medical care for 15 health conditions associated with exposure to the contaminated water. These include bladder cancer, breast cancer, esophageal cancer, lung cancer, kidney cancer, leukemia, hepatic steatosis, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, renal toxicity, scleroderma, infertility and miscarriages, and neurobehavioral effects. The VA also offers disability compensation for eligible veterans who were affected by the water contamination.
Camp Lejeune water contamination claims
If you or a family member lived or worked at Camp Lejeune during the water contamination crisis and have experienced health issues related to the toxic chemicals, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation. You can file a claim with the VA using the Camp Lejeune Family Member Program Application (VA Form 10-10068), or you can participate in a lawsuit against the government for the damages you’ve suffered. Veterans and their family members can also consider filing an administrative claim with the Department of the Navy under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.
The story of the McMahon family
The McMahon family lived on Camp Lejeune for several years in the 1970s. In 2005, the family discovered that the water they had been drinking and using for years was contaminated with toxic chemicals. Shortly thereafter, they began experiencing a range of health problems, including autoimmune disorders, cancer, and respiratory issues. The McMahons have been fighting for compensation for years and have been successful in receiving some benefits. Their story highlights the importance of pursuing benefits for those who have been affected by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune.
Resources for family member benefits relating to Camp Lejeune
If you or a family member were stationed at Camp Lejeune during the water contamination crisis and experienced health issues related to the toxic chemicals, there are resources available to help you.
At Vets National, we’re committed to helping veterans and their families with denied benefits and claims. If you or a loved one have been affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination crisis, please contact us to learn more about how we can help you pursue compensation.
