Were you stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1953-1987? Suffering or have suffered from cancer, reproductive issues, kidney issues, blood disorders or other major illness? You may have the right to pursue compensation.
Thousands of U.S. veterans, many of whom may now live in Florida, and their family members who were stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina between 1953 and 1987 could be at risk for serious health problems. While stationed there, they may have been exposed to toxins in the drinking water used for bathing, cleaning, and cooking. Since that time, many veterans and their families who lived on base at Camp Lejeune during this period have developed serious health conditions, including various types of cancers, believed to be linked to the contaminated water.
It is estimated that approximately 1 million service members were impacted by this contaminated water.
Even though these illnesses have been associated with the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, many veterans living outside of North Carolina, including those living in Florida, have had their claims for benefits denied by the U.S. Veterans Administration. Veterans who served at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 and have been diagnosed with cancer may be eligible for compensation.
If you served at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina between 1953 and 1987, you may have been exposed to contaminated water. Contact us today to discuss your Camp Lejeune lawsuit case with a personal injury attorney, and let us help you take the first steps toward resolution.
What is Camp Lejeune and Who May Have Traveled or Stationed There Between 1953 and 1987?
Camp Lejeune is a sprawling Marine Corps Base located in Onslow County, North Carolina. Established in 1942, it’s grown into a massive training facility encompassing over 240 square miles.
Over the years, Camp Lejeune has served as a vital training ground for countless U.S. Marines and Navy personnel. It’s a critical location for amphibious warfare training due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.
Here’s a breakdown of who might have been stationed at Camp Lejeune:
- Marines: A significant portion of the base’s population consists of active-duty Marines and their families.
- Navy personnel: Due to its location and training focus, Navy personnel involved in amphibious operations may also be stationed there.
- Support staff: A large support staff keeps the base operational, including civilian employees, contractors, and potentially some medical personnel.
- Family members: Families of Marines and potentially some Navy personnel stationed at Camp Lejeune may also reside on base.
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination: A Threat to Veterans and Families
Thousands of veterans and their families, many of whom may now live outside North Carolina, who were stationed at Camp Lejeune between the 1950s and 1987 may have been unknowingly exposed to harmful chemicals in the drinking water. This contamination poses serious health risks.
Routine testing in 1982 revealed high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the water supply, including known carcinogens like benzene, trichloroethylene (TCE), and perchloroethylene (PCE). These substances exceeded safe limits by up to 300 times.
Investigations traced the VOCs to multiple sources:
- Nearby dry-cleaning operations: Chemicals used for degreasing and solvents seeped into the groundwater.
- Improper waste disposal: Leakage from waste sites added to the contamination.
- Industrial accidents: Spills from industrial activity further polluted the water.
Tragically, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) reports that this contamination likely began in the early 1950s and continued for decades. Even after the discovery in 1982, it took until 1985 to shut down sources of contamination.
Veterans and their families who lived at Camp Lejeune during this period should be aware of the potential health risks associated with this water contamination and seek appropriate medical evaluation. If you have suffered from health complications that can be attributed to exposure, you have a right to seek compensation. In 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act into law, expanding healthcare and restitution for veterans who were exposed and who became ill due to contaminated water. In 2022, that legislation was expanded as part of the PACT Act.
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Timeline
1950s (Estimated): Contamination begins. Sources include:
– Leakage from a nearby dry cleaners using harmful chemicals.
– Improper waste disposal from industrial sites.
– Potential industrial accidents.
1980s:
– Early 1980s: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets new standards for safe drinking water levels, including limits for chemicals like TCE and PCE.
– 1980-1982: Initial water testing at Camp Lejeune reveals interference from other chemicals, hindering accurate results.
– 1982: Specific testing identifies trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE) as the interfering chemicals in the water supply.
– 1982-1984: The Navy initiates an environmental cleanup program to investigate potentially contaminated sites near water wells.
– 1984-1985: Based on tests from wells near contaminated sites, a comprehensive base-wide well testing effort is launched.
– 1984-1985: Testing confirms high levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in ten wells, exceeding safety standards by up to 300 times.
– 1985: The Navy removes the contaminated wells from service immediately.
– 1987: Safe Drinking Water Act regulations for TCE, benzene, and vinyl chloride are published.
– 1989: The EPA places Camp Lejeune on the National Priorities List (NPL), commonly known as designating a location a “Superfund” site.
Post-1985:
– Ongoing health concerns arise for veterans and families stationed at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period.
– The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) investigates the extent of contamination and potential health effects.
– Recognition of health problems potentially linked to the contamination grows, leading to advocacy efforts for veterans and families.
– 2022: The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is signed into law, expanding healthcare access for veterans exposed to the contaminated water.
Note: This timeline reflects key events. The exact dates for some events may vary depending on the source.
Health Conditions Related to Exposure to VOCs at Camp Lejeune
Exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 has been linked to a variety of serious health conditions. These contaminants, including trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), vinyl chloride, and benzene, are known carcinogens and have been associated with the following:
- Cancers: Bladder, kidney, breast, esophageal cancer, leukemia (various types), liver cancer, lung cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Reproductive problems: Female infertility and miscarriage
- Kidney issues: Renal toxicity
- Liver problems: Hepatic steatosis (Fatty Liver Disease)
- Blood disorders: Multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndromes
- Nervous system effects: Neurobehavioral effects (including potential for Parkinson’s disease)
- Autoimmune disease: Scleroderma
It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and further research is ongoing. Veterans and family members who lived at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period should be aware of these potential health risks and consult with a healthcare professional if they experience any concerning symptoms.
Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act (2012) and Its Impact on Veterans Nationwide
The 2012 Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act was a significant step forward for veterans and their families exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987. It was signed in 2012 by then President Barack Obama. This law aimed to streamline access to healthcare benefits for those affected, regardless of their current location.
Key Provisions:
- Presumptive service connection: The Act established a “presumptive service connection” for certain health conditions linked to the contaminated water. This meant veterans and family members who lived on base for at least 30 days during the contamination period and later developed a qualifying illness would automatically be eligible for VA healthcare benefits.
- Eligibility based on service dates: The Act established a phased approach for eligibility based on service dates at Camp Lejeune:
- Veterans who served between 1957 and 1987 became eligible in August 2012.
- Veterans who served between 1953 and 1956 became eligible in December 2014.
- Nationwide coverage: The Act ensured veterans and families could access benefits regardless of where they currently reside in the United States. They did not need to be living in North Carolina to qualify.
Challenges and Legislation:
While the Act aimed to improve access to benefits, many veterans and families faced difficulties with denial of claims, even though they met criteria. There were many issues with low approval rates, dropping to as low as 1% at one point. Concerns were raised about the qualifications of some VA personnel reviewing claims. Much like the Agent Orange exposure many Vietnam Veterans and their descendants suffered from, getting the military to admit which illnesses are caused by the exposure has been a decades-long fight.
These issues prompted Congress to explore further legislative solutions, culminating in the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022. This Act was absorbed into the larger piece of legislation called the “Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins Act of 2021 (PACT Act)”.
Camp Lejeune and the PACT Act of 2022
While the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was introduced in 2022, it was absorbed into the PACT act as there was a recognized need to expand healthcare for veterans exposed to toxins in various duty stations, not just Camp Lejeune. This created a vehicle for compensation and more access to benefits for veterans across the country and their families.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act’s Journey:
- January 25, 2022: Introduced as a separate bill in the House of Representatives.
- Focus: Ensured fair compensation for those affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination (1953-1987) through lawsuits in U.S. District Court.
- Target group: Veterans, civilian workers, and families who lived on base, including those exposed in utero.
The PACT Act’s Role:
- March 3, 2022: The PACT Act, a broader bill addressing healthcare for veterans exposed to toxins, was passed in the House. It included the Camp Lejeune Justice Act as a section.
- Focus of PACT Act: Expanded benefits for veterans exposed to various toxins during service, including the Camp Lejeune water contamination.
Passage and Becoming Law:
- Senate Approval: Both the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (as part of the PACT Act) and the PACT Act itself needed to pass the Senate.
- Bipartisan Support: Both bills enjoyed strong bipartisan support, increasing their chances of passage.
- Final Steps: Once approved by the Senate, it would be sent to President Biden for signing into law.
Outcome:
- August 10, 2022: President Biden signed the PACT Act, officially making the Camp Lejeune Justice Act law.
- Impact: Thousands who were exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune gained the right to seek compensation through lawsuits.
In essence, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act “hitched a ride” on the broader PACT Act to gain legislative approval and become law. This strategy leveraged the wider scope of the PACT Act to garner support and successfully secure legal recourse for those affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination.
Need Help With Your Camp Lejeune Claim Under The Pact Act? Abrahamson & Uiterwyk Can Help!
A resident of Florida who was stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina between 1953 and 1987 may have been exposed to contaminated water can get help with a Camp Lejeune lawsuit by contacting our veterans’ rights attorneys near you. Our team of Florida personal injury lawyers can help facilitate your case through the legal system and help you seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your case, and we can help you take the first steps toward resolution.