VA Benefits and Camp Lejelune Water Contamination Claims

VA benefits are provided in the form of healthcare or disability compensation, and can be pursued if you suffered a worsened health condition as a result of Camp Lejeune water contamination.

How Are Claims Filed Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act Different from VA Benefits?

The Act is much more expansive and encompassing as it allows anyone, not just veterans, who meet the specified conditions to file a claim for damages.

Can Veterans with Camp Lejeune VA Disability Benefits Still File a Lawsuit?

Winning a Camp Lejeune lawsuit will not affect your monthly VA benefits. However, your VA benefits may impact the amount of damages you would receive from the lawsuit.

Am I eligible For VA Benefits?

To be eligible, the following must be true:

• You served at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River for at least 30 cumulative days from August 1953 through December 1987
• You did not receive a dishonorable discharge when you separated from the military, and
• You must been diagnosed with one of the conditions associated with toxic chemicals at Camp Lejeune:

How Do I Submit a Claim for VA Benefits?

You must file a claim for disability compensation and provide the following evidence:

• Military records showing you served at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River for at least 30 days from August 1953 through December 1987 while on active duty, or in the National Guard or Reserves, and
• Medical records stating that you have 1 or more of the illnesses on the presumptive conditions list

Are Veterans’ Family Members Eligible for VA Healthcare Benefits?

Yes, veterans’ family members are also able to receive healthcare benefits. It is also possible that the VA may reimburse you for your out-of-pocket healthcare expenses that were related to stating that you have 1 or more of the illnesses on the presumptive conditions list.

How Do I File a Claim for Healthcare Benefits as a Veterans’ Family Member Related to Camp Lejeune?

You will need to file a claim for disability compensation and provide this evidence:

• Document proving your relationship to the Veteran who served on active duty for at least 30 days at Camp Lejeune (like a marriage license, birth certificate, or adoption papers), and
• A document proving that you lived at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River for at least 30 days from August 1953 through December 1987 (like utility bills, base housing records, military orders, or tax forms), and
• Medical records that show you have one of the conditions identified (as well as the date the illness was diagnosed and that you’re being treated or have been treated in the past for this illness)

And you’ll need to provide evidence that you paid health care expenses for your claimed condition during one of the time periods listed below.

• Between January 1, 1957, and December 31, 1987 (if you lived on Camp Lejeune during this time, you will be reimbursed you for care received on or after August 6, 2012, and up to 2 years before the date of your application), or
• Between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1956 (if you lived on Camp Lejeune during this time, you will be reimbursed for care you received on or after December 16, 2014, and up to 2 years before the date you apply for benefits)

To learn more, contact our knowledgeable attorneys about filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit.