How to File a Claim for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination: How to File a Claim

Camp Lejeune was a U.S. Marine Corps base in North Carolina that was contaminated with toxic chemicals for decades. The contamination has caused a variety of health problems for veterans and their families, and many are now seeking compensation through the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.

If you or a loved one served at Camp Lejeune and have been diagnosed with a health condition that may be related to the water contamination, you may be eligible to file a claim. This guide will walk you through the process of filing a claim, from gathering the necessary paperwork to submitting your claim to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

We’ll also provide information on the types of compensation that may be available to you, and we’ll answer some common questions about the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.

What is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is a federal law that was passed in 2012 to provide compensation to veterans and their families who were exposed to toxic chemicals at Camp Lejeune. The law establishes a presumption that certain health conditions are related to the water contamination, and it allows veterans to file claims for compensation even if they cannot prove that their specific condition was caused by the contamination.

What health conditions are covered by the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act covers a wide range of health conditions, including:

• Cancer
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Respiratory problems
• Neurological problems
• Birth defects

How do I file a claim for Camp Lejeune water contamination?

To file a claim for Camp Lejeune water contamination, you must submit a claim form to the VA. The claim form is available online at the VA website. You can also request a claim form by calling the VA at 1-800-827-1000.

What kind of compensation is available for Camp Lejeune water contamination?

The VA may provide a variety of compensation for Camp Lejeune water contamination, including:

• Monetary benefits
• Medical care
• Vocational rehabilitation
• Burial benefits

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

The VA will review your claim and make a decision on your eligibility for compensation. The processing time for claims can vary, but it typically takes several months.

What are some common questions about the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?

• I was stationed at Camp Lejeune, but I don’t have any health problems. Can I still file a claim?

Yes. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows veterans to file claims for compensation even if they do not have any health problems.

• I was stationed at Camp Lejeune for a few months, but I don’t know if I was exposed to the toxic chemicals. Can I still file a claim?

Yes. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act does not require veterans to prove that they were exposed to the toxic chemicals.

• I’m not a veteran, but my spouse or child served at Camp Lejeune. Can I file a claim on their behalf?

Yes. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows spouses and children of veterans who served at Camp Lejeune to file claims for compensation.

The Camp Lejeune water contamination is a serious issue that has caused a great deal of suffering for veterans and their families. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act provides a way for veterans to seek compensation for the harm they have suffered. If you or a loved one served at Camp Lejeune and have been diagnosed with a health condition that may be related to the water contamination, you should consider filing a claim.

Step	Action	Date
1	Get a copy of your medical records from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).	Start of claim
2	File a claim with the VA for compensation for your injuries.	Within one year of getting your medical records
3	Attend a VA medical exam to assess your injuries.	Within one year of filing your claim
4	Receive a decision on your claim from the VA.	Within one year of your medical exam

Who is eligible to file a claim?

To be eligible to file a claim for Camp Lejeune water contamination, you must have:

• Served on active duty at Camp Lejeune between January 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987
• Been exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune
• Developed a health condition that is linked to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune

What are the deadlines for filing a claim?

The deadline to file a claim for Camp Lejeune water contamination is January 1, 2025. However, there are some exceptions to this deadline. For example, if you were diagnosed with a health condition that is linked to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune after January 1, 2025, you may still be able to file a claim.

How to file a claim

To file a claim for Camp Lejeune water contamination, you must submit a claim form to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The claim form can be found on the VA’s website.

Once you have submitted your claim form, the VA will review your claim and determine if you are eligible for compensation. If you are eligible, the VA will provide you with a lump sum payment and/or monthly compensation.

Additional resources

For more information on filing a claim for Camp Lejeune water contamination, please visit the following resources:

• [United States Department of Veterans Affairs](https://www.va.gov/health/resources/camp-lejeune/)
• [Camp Lejeune Justice Act](https://www.camplejeunejusticeact.com/)
• [National Veterans Legal Services Program](https://www.nvlsp.org/)

If you served on active duty at Camp Lejeune between January 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and you believe you have been affected by contaminated water, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation. The deadline to file a claim is January 1, 2025, but there are some exceptions to this deadline. For more information, please visit the resources listed above.

3. What evidence do you need to support your claim?

In order to file a claim for Camp Lejeune water contamination, you will need to provide evidence that you were stationed at Camp Lejeune during the time that the water was contaminated. This evidence can include:

• Your military records, which will show your dates of service and duty station
• Medical records, which may show that you developed a health condition that is linked to the water contamination
• Personal records, such as letters, diaries, or photographs, that document your time at Camp Lejeune and your exposure to the contaminated water

If you do not have any of these records, you may still be able to file a claim. However, you will need to provide other evidence that shows that you were stationed at Camp Lejeune and that you were exposed to the contaminated water. This evidence could include:

• Witness statements from people who can attest to your presence at Camp Lejeune during the time of the contamination
• Newspaper articles or other media reports about the contamination
• Studies or reports that show that the water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated

If you are unsure of what evidence you need to support your claim, you can contact a lawyer or other legal professional who can help you.

4. What is the process for filing a claim?

The process for filing a claim for Camp Lejeune water contamination is as follows:

1. File a claim with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA is the agency that is responsible for processing claims for Camp Lejeune water contamination. You can file a claim online at the VA’s website or by mail.
2. Provide the VA with evidence to support your claim. As discussed above, you will need to provide evidence that you were stationed at Camp Lejeune during the time that the water was contaminated. You will also need to provide evidence that you developed a health condition that is linked to the contamination.
3. The VA will review your claim and make a decision. The VA will review your claim and make a decision on whether or not to award you benefits. The VA will consider the following factors when making its decision:

• The strength of your evidence
• The severity of your health condition
• Your financial need

4. If your claim is approved, you will receive benefits. If your claim is approved, you will receive benefits for your health condition. The benefits that you receive will depend on the severity of your condition.

The process for filing a claim for Camp Lejeune water contamination can be complex. If you are unsure of how to proceed, you can contact a lawyer or other legal professional who can help you.

Camp Lejeune water contamination is a serious issue that has affected the health of thousands of veterans. If you were stationed at Camp Lejeune during the time that the water was contaminated, you may be eligible for benefits. The process for filing a claim can be complex, but it is important to get started as soon as possible. If you have any questions, you can contact a lawyer or other legal professional who can help you.

How do I file a claim for Camp Lejeune water contamination?

1. You must first determine if you are eligible to file a claim. You are eligible if you:

• Served on active duty at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987
• Lived on or near Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987
• Were a child of a parent who served on active duty at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987

2. Once you have determined that you are eligible, you can file a claim by submitting the following documents to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA):

• A completed VA Form 21-526EZ, “Claim for Benefits for Veterans Exposed to Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune”
• A copy of your military discharge papers
• A copy of your birth certificate
• Any other documentation that supports your claim

3. The VA will review your claim and make a decision on whether or not to award benefits. If your claim is approved, you will receive compensation for your medical expenses and a monthly pension.

What types of medical conditions are covered by the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit?

The Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit covers a wide range of medical conditions, including:

• Cancers (such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma)
• Birth defects
• Liver damage
• Kidney damage
• Neurological disorders
• Reproductive problems
• Skin conditions

How much compensation can I receive for my Camp Lejeune water contamination claim?

The amount of compensation you receive will depend on the nature and severity of your medical condition. If your claim is approved, you may be eligible for compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

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

The processing time for a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim can vary depending on the complexity of your claim. Generally, it takes between 6 and 12 months for the VA to make a decision on your claim.

What if I am denied my Camp Lejeune water contamination claim?

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. You can appeal the decision by submitting a written request to the VA. The VA will review your appeal and make a final decision on your claim.

Where can I get more information about filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim?

You can get more information about filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim by visiting the VA website or by calling the VA at 1-800-827-1000.

filing a claim for Camp Lejeune water contamination can be a complex and daunting process. However, by following the steps outlined in this guide, you can increase your chances of success. It is important to remember that you are not alone, and there are many resources available to help you through this process. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact the VA or a qualified attorney.