Military personnel and their families often make enormous sacrifices for their country, but unfortunately, many of them have suffered health consequences as a result of the water contamination at Camp Lejeune. From the 1950s to the 1980s, the drinking water at the Marine Corps base was contaminated with toxic chemicals, including trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride. These chemicals have been linked to various types of cancer, neurological disorders, and birth defects.
If you or a loved one were stationed at Camp Lejeune during the time of water contamination and have developed health problems as a result, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation. Here are some steps you can take:
Gather evidence of exposure: To file a claim, you must be able to prove that you were exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. This can be challenging, as the exposure occurred many years ago. However, there are various ways to document your exposure, such as by obtaining your military personnel records and medical records.
Determine your eligibility: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has established a list of illnesses that are presumed to be related to exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. If you have been diagnosed with one of these illnesses, you may be eligible for compensation. The list includes various types of cancer, including leukemia, multiple myeloma, and kidney cancer, as well as Parkinson’s disease, aplastic anemia, and others.
File a claim: There are various ways to file a claim, depending on your circumstances. If you are a veteran, you can file a claim with the VA. If you are a family member of a veteran who died as a result of exposure to the contaminated water, you may be eligible for dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC). If you were a civilian employee at Camp Lejeune during the time of the water contamination, you may be able to file a claim with the Department of Labor.
Get legal assistance: Filing a claim can be complex and time-consuming. It may be helpful to seek legal assistance from an attorney who specializes in these types of claims. An attorney can help you gather evidence, navigate the claims process, and represent you if your claim is denied and you need to appeal.
Be patient: The claims process can take several months or even years. It’s essential to be patient and persistent, as you may need to provide additional evidence or information throughout the process. However, if you have a valid claim, the compensation you receive can help cover medical expenses and other costs associated with your health problems.
In conclusion, if you were stationed at Camp Lejeune during the time of water contamination and have developed health problems as a result, you may be eligible for compensation. By following these steps and seeking legal assistance, you can increase your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.