How to File a Camp Lejeune Claim (VA Claims Guide)

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Camp Lejeune Water Contamination: How to File a Claim

Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, was once home to one of the largest Marine Corps bases in the world. But for decades, the base was also home to a toxic water contamination crisis that has left thousands of veterans and their families sick.

The contamination was caused by the presence of harmful chemicals in the base’s drinking water. These chemicals, including trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE), were used by the military to clean and maintain equipment. They seeped into the groundwater and contaminated the drinking water supply for decades.

As a result of the contamination, thousands of veterans and their families have developed serious health problems, including cancer, birth defects, and other chronic illnesses. Many of these veterans and their families are now seeking compensation from the government for their injuries.

If you are a veteran or family member who was affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation. This guide will walk you through the process of filing a claim, from start to finish.

What is the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit?

In 1982, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) discovered that the groundwater at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with TCE and PCE. These chemicals are known carcinogens, and they have been linked to a variety of health problems, including cancer, birth defects, and other chronic illnesses.

The EPA began investigating the contamination in 1982, and the Department of Defense (DoD) began providing bottled water to residents of the base in 1985. However, the contamination continued for many years, and thousands of veterans and their families were exposed to the chemicals.

In 2012, a class-action lawsuit was filed on behalf of veterans and their families who were affected by the contamination. The lawsuit alleged that the DoD knew about the contamination for years but failed to take steps to protect the health of its residents.

In 2017, the DoD agreed to a $2.5 billion settlement with the plaintiffs in the class-action lawsuit. The settlement provides compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

How do I file a claim for compensation?

If you are a veteran or family member who was affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation. The process of filing a claim is relatively simple, but there are a few things you need to know before you get started.

First, you need to determine if you are eligible to file a claim. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You must have been stationed at Camp Lejeune between January 1, 1957, and December 31, 1987.
  • You must have developed a health condition that is listed on the Camp Lejeune registry.
  • You must be able to prove that your health condition was caused by the contamination.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can file a claim by submitting a claim form to the DoD. The claim form is available on the DoD website.

Once you have submitted your claim form, the DoD will review your claim and make a decision on whether or not to approve it. The DoD will consider the following factors when making its decision:

  • The type of health condition you have developed.
  • The severity of your health condition.
  • The evidence that links your health condition to the contamination.

If the DoD approves your claim, you will be eligible to receive compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

The Camp Lejeune water contamination crisis is a tragedy that has had a lasting impact on thousands of veterans and their families. If you are a veteran or family member who was affected by the contamination, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation. The process of filing a claim is relatively simple, and there are a number of resources available to help you along the way.

Step Description Resources
1 Gather your documents
  • DD-214
  • VA Form 21-526EZ
  • Medical records
  • Pay stubs
  • Any other relevant documents
2 Complete the VA Form 21-526EZ VA Form 21-526EZ
3 Submit your claim How to File a Claim

What is a Camp Lejeune Claim?

Camp Lejeune is a U.S. Marine Corps base located in Jacksonville, North Carolina. It is the largest Marine Corps base in the world, and has been home to over 1 million Marines and their families since it was established in 1942.

In the 1980s, it was discovered that the water supply at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with toxic chemicals, including trichloroethylene (TCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride. These chemicals have been linked to a number of health problems, including cancer, birth defects, and reproductive problems.

In 1997, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) began accepting claims for veterans who were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. These claims can be filed for a variety of health problems, including:

  • Cancer
  • Birth defects
  • Reproductive problems
  • Liver damage
  • Kidney damage
  • Neurological problems
  • Skin problems

If you were a Marine or a family member of a Marine who was stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation for your health problems.

Who is eligible to file a Camp Lejeune claim?

To be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune claim, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You must have been a Marine or a family member of a Marine who was stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987.
  • You must have been diagnosed with a health problem that is linked to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
  • You must submit a claim to the VA within 10 years of the date of your diagnosis.

If you meet these criteria, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your health problems, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

If you were a Marine or a family member of a Marine who was stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, and you have been diagnosed with a health problem that is linked to exposure to contaminated water, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation. For more information, please visit the VA website at https://www.va.gov/camplejeune/.

What are the steps involved in filing a Camp Lejeune claim?

Filing a Camp Lejeune claim can be a complex process, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. The law firm of Rosenbaum & Associates has been helping veterans file Camp Lejeune claims for over 20 years. We understand the challenges you face and are here to help you every step of the way.

The first step in filing a Camp Lejeune claim is to gather your evidence. This includes medical records, service records, and any other documentation that shows that you were exposed to contaminated water or soil at Camp Lejeune. You will also need to provide a statement about your symptoms and how they have affected your life.

Once you have gathered your evidence, you can submit a claim to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA will review your claim and make a decision on whether or not to grant your benefits. If your claim is denied, you can appeal the decision.

The process of filing a Camp Lejeune claim can take several months or even years. However, it is important to remember that you are entitled to benefits if you were exposed to contaminated water or soil at Camp Lejeune. The law firm of Rosenbaum & Associates can help you every step of the way, from gathering your evidence to filing your claim and appealing a denial.

Here are the steps involved in filing a Camp Lejeune claim:

1. Gather your evidence.
2. Submit a claim to the VA.
3. Wait for the VA to review your claim.
4. Appeal the decision if your claim is denied.

What are the possible outcomes of a Camp Lejeune claim?

The possible outcomes of a Camp Lejeune claim depend on the specific facts of your case. However, there are a few general outcomes that are possible.

  • Your claim may be granted. If the VA finds that you were exposed to contaminated water or soil at Camp Lejeune and that your exposure caused your health problems, you may be awarded disability benefits. These benefits can help you pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with your illness.
  • Your claim may be denied. If the VA finds that you were not exposed to contaminated water or soil at Camp Lejeune, or that your exposure did not cause your health problems, your claim will be denied. You may be able to appeal the decision if you believe that the VA made a mistake.
  • Your claim may be settled. If you are unable to reach a resolution with the VA, you may be able to settle your claim through mediation or litigation. A settlement agreement can provide you with compensation for your injuries, but it will not necessarily result in a finding that you were exposed to contaminated water or soil at Camp Lejeune.

The outcome of your Camp Lejeune claim will depend on the specific facts of your case. However, it is important to remember that you are entitled to benefits if you were exposed to contaminated water or soil at Camp Lejeune and that your exposure caused your health problems. The law firm of Rosenbaum & Associates can help you every step of the way, from gathering your evidence to filing your claim and appealing a denial.

Filing a Camp Lejeune claim can be a complex process, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. The law firm of Rosenbaum & Associates has been helping veterans file Camp Lejeune claims for over 20 years. We understand the challenges you face and are here to help you every step of the way.

If you were exposed to contaminated water or soil at Camp Lejeune and you are experiencing health problems, contact the law firm of Rosenbaum & Associates today. We will help you file a claim and fight for the benefits you deserve.

How do I file a Camp Lejeune claim?

To file a Camp Lejeune claim, you must first submit a claim form to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The claim form can be found on the VA website or by calling the VA at 1-800-827-1000.

Once you have submitted the claim form, the VA will review your claim and make a decision on whether or not you are eligible for benefits. The VA will consider the following factors when making a decision on your claim:

  • Your military service record
  • Your exposure to toxic chemicals at Camp Lejeune
  • The medical conditions you are suffering from

If the VA determines that you are eligible for benefits, you will be awarded a lump sum payment and/or monthly compensation. You may also be eligible for medical care and other benefits.

What types of medical conditions are covered by Camp Lejeune claims?

Camp Lejeune claims can cover a variety of medical conditions, including:

  • Cancer
  • Liver disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Thyroid disease
  • Birth defects

If you are suffering from a medical condition that you believe may be related to your exposure to toxic chemicals at Camp Lejeune, you should file a claim with the VA.

How long does it take to process a Camp Lejeune claim?

The processing time for a Camp Lejeune claim can vary depending on the complexity of your claim. However, the VA generally aims to process claims within 125 days.

If you have not received a decision on your claim within 125 days, you can contact the VA to inquire about the status of your claim.

What if I disagree with the VA’s decision on my claim?

If you disagree with the VA’s decision on your claim, you can appeal the decision. To appeal the decision, you must submit a written appeal to the VA within 60 days of the date of the decision.

The VA will review your appeal and make a final decision. If the VA still denies your claim, you can file a lawsuit in federal court.

Where can I get more information about Camp Lejeune claims?

You can find more information about Camp Lejeune claims on the VA website or by calling the VA at 1-800-827-1000.

You can also contact the following organizations for more information:

  • The National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP): 1-800-627-5725
  • The American Legion: 1-800-622-2020
  • The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): 1-800-827-1000

    filing a Camp Lejeune claim can be a daunting process, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you along the way, and the VA is committed to providing you with the benefits you deserve. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact a VA Claims Agent.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.