If you or a loved one has suffered a severe or fatal illness from exposure to contaminated water at North Carolina’s Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville or the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River in North Carolina, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact CaseyGerry by calling (619) 730-7586 or send our San Diego mass tort lawyers a message online to arrange your free consultation today.
Why Choose A San Diego Camp Lejeune Mass Tort Lawyer?
- We know what it takes for your case to succeed.
- We have recovered billions in compensation on behalf of clients.
- Our San Diego injury lawyers in San Diego only charge legal fees if we recover compensation on your behalf.
Why Are Camp Lejeune Lawsuits Being Filed In San Diego?
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), the drinking water at the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune was contaminated between 1953 to 1987. As a result, the following volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were found in two on-base wlla:
- Trichloroethylene (TCE): A solvent used to clean metal.
- Perchloroethylene (PCE): Used as a metal degreaser and for dry cleaning.
- Vinyl Chloride (VC): TCE and PCE degrade in groundwater and over time become VC.
- Benzene: Used to make other chemicals that create nylon, synthetic fibers, plastics, and resins.
Benzene, TCE, and PCE are linked to various cancers, including Hodgkin’s disease and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. PCE is also classified as probably carcinogenic. As a result, consistent exposure to these chemicals can be catastrophic. Before most of the contaminated wells were removed from service in February 1985, it is estimated that more than one million people could have been exposed. Many of them have been diagnosed with cancer, brain tumors, infertility, Parkinson’s disease, and other severe conditions.
Who is Eligible to File a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?
A law passed in August 2022, known as the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, allows individuals affected by the base’s contaminated water at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River to file suit. This includes military members, their families, and civilian employees on the base, as long as you:
- Worked or lived within the area of Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River for 30 days cumulative days or longer between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.
- Have evidence of an illness or disease caused by exposure to contaminated water.
- Have evidence that directly links your condition to the base’s contaminated water.
- Suffered damages due to your illness or disease (e.g., medical bills, lost income, pain, suffering, etc.).
- Did not receive a dishonorable discharge when separated from the military.
Claims must be filed within two to three years of the date you knew or should have known of the connection between your condition and the contaminated water. If you fail to bring a claim within that time, you may be barred from recovering compensation.
Types of Compensation Available
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers various benefits, including health care at no cost and disability payments for former military members impacted by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River. Fortunately, family members can also apply for benefits and healthcare from the VA.
Out-of-pocket medical expenses may also be reimbursed as long as they are related to one of the following 15 conditions:
- 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
Additionally, all victims eligible to join the Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River mass tort action may be able to recover further compensation for unpaid medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more.
How to File a Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River Contaminated Water Claim
Veterans have several options for filing a claim for disability compensation:
Online
A disability compensation claim can be filed on VA.gov. There is a VA form (21-526EZ) to complete, and you can submit evidence that supports your claim (e.g., medical records). The VA will review your application, and once it is processed, you will get a notice in the mail with their decision on whether to approve or deny it.
A Veterans Service Officer
If you need help filing your claim, Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) are available who are trained professionals and certified in the VA claims process. One can be found online through eBenefits or by searching the VA Office of the General Counsel’s list.
VA Regional Office
Claims can be filed in person at a VA location close to you.
San Diego Camp Lejeune Mass Tort Lawyer
Another option is to hire an attorney to file the VA claim on your behalf and handle gathering all paperwork and evidence needed to support your claim. The benefit of doing so is that it will eliminate the stress of dealing with the paperwork and claims process while also significantly minimizing the odds of rejection. Additionally, your attorney will review your options and build your case if joining a mass tort lawsuit to obtain further compensation.
How Can Family Members Apply for Benefits?
Family members must file a claim for disability compensation using VA Form 10-10068. The form must either be:
- Faxed to 512-460-5536; or,
- Mailed to: The Department of Veterans Affairs
Financial Services Center
PO Box 149200
Austin, TX 78714-9200
Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River Family Member program staff are available to assist by phone at 866-372-1144 if you need help applying.
Evidence Required for Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River Family Members to Apply for VA Benefits
The following types of evidence must also be submitted with your claim.
Relationship to Veteran
A document must prove your relationship to the Veteran who served at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River for at least 30 cumulative days. For example, a marriage license, birth certificate, adoption papers, etc.
Housing Records
Documentation shows you lived at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River for at least 30 days between August 1953 to December 1987. For instance, military orders, utility bills, tax forms, or base housing records.
Medical Records
Medical records prove you have one of the 15 conditions listed above, the date you were diagnosed, and that you received treatment.
Payment for Medical Bills
Evidence of payment for healthcare expenses related to your qualifying condition during one of the following periods:
- If you lived on Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River between January 1, 1957, and December 31, 1987, then medical care related to your condition received on or after August 6, 2012, will be reimbursed, including up to two years before the date of your application for benefits.
- If you lived on Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1956, the medical care you received related to your condition on or after December 16, 2014, and up to two years before you apply for benefits can be reimbursed.
An optional form can be submitted after giving it to your treating physician to fill out and sign called a Camp Lejeune Family Member Program Treating Physician Report (VA Form 10-10068b). It can help confirm your eligibility for benefits but is not required.
Our San Diego Injury Lawyers Can Help
If you or a loved one may be entitled to compensation under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, contact CaseyGerry. We can help you determine your eligibility and fight for the justice you deserve. Call (619) 730-7586 or send us a message online to arrange a free consultation.
