The VA has finally established a presumptive service connection for some veterans, reservists and National Guard members who were exposed to contaminants in the Camp Lejeune water supply.
What are the service requirements to qualify for presumptive service-connection for exposure to Camp Lejeune water?
In order to qualify the service member needs to have served at least 30 days (which do not have to be consecutive days) between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987.
What medical conditions are considered to be service-connected based on exposure to the water at Camp Lejeune?
The following eight conditions are eligible for presumptive service-connection and must be severe enough to be rated at 10% or higher:
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Adult leukemia
- Multiple myeloma
- Parkinson’s disease
- Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
- Bladder cancer
What about benefits for family members?
The VA does not have the authority to establish a compensation benefit for family members. However, the 2012 Camp Lejeune Families Act does allow for reimbursements of out-of-pocket medical expenses for family members with one of the 15 qualifying conditions listed in that Act. Veterans are entitled to cost-free VA healthcare for those same conditions. The veteran and/or family member must have been at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between January 1, 1957 and December 31, 1987.
The qualifying health conditions for this benefit are:
- 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
- Neurobehavioral effects
Will the VA reopen old claims for those conditions?
The rule currently only applies to claims filed after the effective date of March 14, 2017 and for active claims that were pending on the effective date. If you filed a claim in the past that is not still active, then a new claim needs to be filed.
If you have any questions about service connection for a condition resulting from your exposure to the water at Camp Lejeune, please call our Raleigh office at 888-966-6566 or contact us for assistance.
Related Posts
VA Pension vs VA Compensation
Although both programs pay benefits to disabled Veterans, there are several differences between Veterans Pension and Veterans Compensation benefits. Veterans Pension Pension benefits are available
VA Disability Rating for Hypertension
The VA rating for hypertension is dependent on many factors, including the need to prove that the high blood pressure is service-connected as well as
Is Rheumatoid Arthritis a Disability?
If you have RA that prevents you from working, you might qualify for Social Security Disability for rheumatoid arthritis. The process for recovering Social Security
Social Security Disability Rules After Age 50
People older than 50 may find it easier to be found eligible for Social Security disability benefits, but that does not mean there will be an automatic or quick approval.
testing
Lunn & Forro Free disability case review Send
What Musculoskeletal Disorders Qualify for Disability?
Orthopedic injuries involve damage to any part of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, muscles, and joints. While some of them are relatively minor and short-term,
Is Psychosis a Disability that Qualifies for Social Security Benefits?
Social Security Disability for psychosis may be available to someone if they are unable to work on a regular and consistent basis due to the
IBS – VA Rating
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that can significantly affect the daily lives of those who suffer from it. For veterans, understanding