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Below you’ll find the most common questions related to the Camp Lejeune claims.
It is broken up into FOUR categories. (1) General Information; (2) Legal and Claims Process; (3) Health and Medical Support; and (4) Specific Cases and Scenarios.
General Information
The Camp Lejeune toxic water claim refers to the legal and health issues arising from the contamination of water at the Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base in North Carolina, which affected service members, their families, and civilian workers. The PACT Act authorized litigation against the federal government for injuries or death caused by that toxic exposure. Such litigation is separate and different than a claim for compensation through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Eligibility generally includes veterans, reservists, guardsmen, and their families who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and who suffered health problems linked to the contamination.
The water was contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride.
The water was contaminated from August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987.
The most affected areas were Tarawa Terrace, Hadnot Point, and Holcomb Boulevard.
Exposure occurred through drinking, cooking, bathing, and other daily activities using the contaminated water.
Health issues include various cancers, neurological disorders, reproductive problems, and other serious conditions.
You can verify exposure through military service records, residential history, and employment records at Camp Lejeune during the specified period.
Documentation may include military service records, housing records, employment records, and medical records indicating health problems linked to the contamination.
Legal and Claims Process
You can file a claim online at Camp Lejeune Justice Act Claims (navy.mil) or with the assistance of an attorney.
Yes. The deadline to file a claim to participate in the litigation is August 10, 2024.
While not required, having a lawyer can help navigate the complex claims process and improve the likelihood of a successful claim.
Compensation may include health care benefits, disability compensation, and potentially financial settlements for damages.
Processing time can vary widely depending on the type of claim and the complexity of the case, ranging from several months to a few years.
Yes, surviving family members may file claims for benefits or compensation on behalf of deceased victims.
You can appeal the decision through the VA or pursue further legal action with the assistance of an attorney.
Yes, there are statutes of limitations that vary by the type of claim and jurisdiction. Consulting a lawyer is crucial for understanding these timelines.
Health and Medical Support
Covered conditions include various cancers, neurobehavioral effects, infertility, miscarriages, and other serious health problems linked to the contamination.
Seek medical evaluation, gather relevant records, and consider filing a claim for benefits or compensation.
Yes, children who were in utero during their mother’s exposure may be eligible for claims if they have related health conditions.
You can request your medical records from the Department of Defense, VA, or your healthcare provider, depending on who holds them, and specifying the need for records related to Camp Lejeune exposure.
Yes, compensation may cover future medical expenses if they are related to health conditions caused by the Camp Lejeune water contamination.
Specific Cases and Scenarios
Yes, civilian employees who worked at Camp Lejeune and were exposed to contaminated water may be eligible for claims.
Dependents who lived at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period and developed related health issues can file claims for benefits and compensation.
Yes, surviving spouses may be eligible for benefits and compensation on behalf of their deceased loved ones.
Proof can include military orders, housing records, employment records, and other documentation showing your presence at Camp Lejeune during the specified period.
Temporary assignments may still qualify for claims if you were exposed to the contaminated water for at least 30 days during the relevant period.
It depends on the terms of the settlement and the nature of the claim. Consulting with a lawyer is advisable in this situation.
Yes, VA claims are for benefits and compensation through the Department of Veterans Affairs, while civil lawsuits seek damages through the court system.
Potentially, but it depends on the specific circumstances and legal advice. It’s important to consult with a lawyer to understand your options.
