If you or a loved one were stationed in Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you might have suffered from the devastating effects of toxic water runoff at the base. Toxic water runoff contributes to many deadly diseases, ranging from infertility to cancers and even neurogenic problems later in life.
It's essential to understand how the toxic water might have affected you and what you can do to get help and compensation for this contaminated water from Camp Lejeune. More information about the specific diseases caused by Camp Lejeune and their particular symptoms is on Dolman Law's website (https://www.dolmanlaw.com/blog/diseases-linked-camp-lejeune-water-contamination/).
You can also read below to learn more about Camp Lejeune's events.
What Happened to the Water at Camp Lejeune?
Evidence suggests that a dry cleaner off-base at Camp Lejeune, known as ABC dry cleaners, was responsible for the toxic chemicals that contaminated the drinking water at Camp Lejeune, as was another toxic water disposal on the base. Poisonous chemicals that leaked into the water included solvents used to clean clothes in industrial-sized batches.
Some of the chemicals involved in the toxic water contamination include:
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Perchloroethylene (PCE)
- Benzene
- Vinyl chloride
- Other compounds
Sadly, these chemicals seeped into two wells on the base at Camp Lejeune. These two wells provided water for many military base areas, including daycare centers, hospitals, family homes, and even schools. The CDC estimates that as many as one million people could have been exposed to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune, making this toxic water incident one of the worst in history. To date, 5,000 people have already filed for compensation.
The base at Camp Lejeune is quite expansive, serving as the training grounds for many Marines. Female Marines also train here today, as it is the only base in the United States that prepares for females for the United States Marine Corps.
What are the Diseases from Camp Lejeune Toxic Water?
The Camp Lejeune toxic water contamination causes various diseases. These diseases include:
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Female infertility
- Hepatic steatosis
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Lung cancer
- Miscarriage
- Multiple myeloma
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Neurobehavioral effects
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Renal toxicity
- Scleroderma
It's important to note that, while you or a loved one might have suffered from other diseases or consequences of toxic water at Camp Lejeune, these are the only diseases recognized by the VA thus far. More studies are needed to determine if other effects will emerge later on.
If you have one of these diseases above, it's best to seek help from a lawyer to file for VA disability or a civil lawsuit. Evidence suggests that the staff at Camp Lejeune might have understood the water was contaminated but shut off the wells too late.
As a result, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was formed and incorporated into the new PACT act of 2022.
Can I Be Compensated?
If you or someone you know suffered diseases due to toxic water, start your disability process today. You can be eligible to receive disability payments monthly to help compensate for medical bills, loss of income, and other financial issues.
If your VA claim is denied or you are ineligible to receive VA disability, you can file a civil lawsuit to sue for more damages or try to appeal the decision. It's best to get the help of a lawyer during this process, especially if you have never filed for disability with the VA before. A lawyer will help you get the most benefits for your compensation so you can get the disability you deserve.