Michael Asked,
Where do I go to register that I was at Camp Lejeune in the 1960’s for the toxic water problem?
Hey Michael,
From what I’ve found the Camp Lejeune toxic water problem is being resolved by the Federal government in 2 ways.
changes to the Va’s response
As of August 2022, the Department of Veteran’s Affairs will provide free medical care to people who suffer from an expanded list of presumptive medical conditions as described by the Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 and also the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022.
Here is the full list of conditions from both Acts:
Camp Lejeune Families Act 2012:
- Esophageal Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Multiple Myeloma
- Renal Toxicity
- Female Infertility
- Scleroderma
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Lung Cancer
- Bladder Cancer
- Leukemia
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes
- Hepatic Steatosis
- Miscarriage
- Neurobehavorial Effects
- Adult and Pediatric Leukemia
- Aplastic Anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
- Bladder Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Multiple Myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Miscarriages
- Other Potential Disease Processes
Also, you can now file a disability claim with the VA and may receive Disability benefits for any illness that is connected to your time in the service as well as compensation for medical expenses and future health care from the VA.
Veterans can now take legal Action
Due to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 Veterans are now empowered to file a legal claim against the United States Government to seek a monetary settlement for damages from illness caused by their time in service.
This will NOT interfere or be counted against any disability benefits you would receive from the VA. You can read the full act here: https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2192/text
While paying close attention to SEC. 2. (a) which reads:
“An individual, including a veteran, or the legal representative of such an individual, who resided, worked, or was otherwise exposed (including in utero exposure) for not less than 30 days during the period beginning August 1, 1953, and ending December 31, 1987, to water at Camp Lejeune that was supplied by the United States or on its behalf may bring an action in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina to obtain appropriate relief for harm…”
This means you will either have to get a lawyer or represent yourself but there are plenty of law offices throwing up their hands saying they’re willing to help.
But, I would be careful because they each have their different rates and will expect some chunk of your settlement if you win.
Here is a link of potentially free lawyer groups though who work to represent Veterans from the Disabled Veteran Empowerment Network
Hope that helps,
-Specialist Carroll-
