Veterans, former reservists, and former National Guard members who served at camp Lejeune for no less than 30 days (consecutive or nonconsecutive) during the period between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 may be entitled to benefits. Please see below for the important details.
DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH EXPOSURE TO CONTAMINANTS IN THE WATER SUPPLY AT CAMP LEJEUNE
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amends its adjudication regulations regarding presumptive service connection, adding certain diseases associated with contaminants present in the base water supply at U.S. Maine Corps Base Camp Lejeune (Camp Lejeune) North Carolina, from August 1, 1953 to December 31, 1987. This final rule establishes that veterans, former reservists, and former National Guard members, who served at Camp Lejeune for no less than 30 days (consecutive or nonconsecutive) during this period, and who have been diagnosed with any of eight associated diseases are presumed to have incurred or aggravated the disease in service for purposes of entitlement to VA benefits, the conditions are:
- adult leukemia
- aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
- bladder cancer
- liver cancer
- multiple myeloma
- non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Parkinson's Disease
In addition, this final rule establishes a presumption that these individuals were disabled during the relevant period of service for purposes of establishing active military service for benefits purposes. Under this presumption, affected former reservists and National Guard members have veteran status for purposes of entitlement to some VA benefits. This amendment implements a decision by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that service connection on a presumptive basis is warranted for claimants who served at Camp Lejeune during the relevant period and for the requisite amount of time and later develop certain diseases. Veterans/claimants can begin to file claims on March 14, 2017.
To find out if you qualify for the benefits, to get more information or to file a claim please contact your local Covington County Veterans Service Officer Brian Foshee at 334 428-2687.