What Are the Qualifications for a Camp Lejeune Claim
Camp Lejeune, a Marine Corps Base situated in North Carolina, underwent severe water pollution from August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987. If you were stationed at this base during this timeframe, you might qualify for a range of health benefits. It’s important to get the justice that you deserve during this time. This article delves into the qualifications for filing a claim, the health benefits on offer, and the legal process to file a compensation claim.
Understanding the Health Complications from Camp Lejeune Water Pollution
Research indicates a connection between specific health issues and exposure to chemicals present in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune during the period of pollution. These medical issues, known as “presumptive conditions,” are those that the VA automatically presumes were caused by your service, and have since been listed on their official website. They include bladder, kidney, and liver cancers, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Parkinson’s disease, adult leukemia, and reproductive and infertility issues, among other illnesses.
Qualification Criteria for Health Care Benefits
Veterans, Reservists, and National Guard members may qualify for disability compensation on a presumptive basis. The qualification criteria include having been stationed at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River for a minimum of 30 days between 1st August 1953, and 31st December 1987, were not discharged dishonorably during your service, and must have been diagnosed with one or more of the presumptive conditions listed on the official website. Besides disability compensation, you may qualify for VA health care benefits if you suffered any of the 15 covered medical problems related to toxic exposure. Although settlements or verdicts are publicly available, it’s important to understand the common types of compensation (damages) that victims might expect to receive.
This includes your cost of medical care either from the past, ongoing, or future medical expenses related to the medical conditions caused by the contaminated water. If the resulting illness has affected your ability to work, you may be compensated for the income you’ve lost and the impact on your future earning potential. This refers to the mental and physical distress caused by your medical condition.
Submitting a Claim for VA Disability Compensation
If you’re considering applying for benefits due to the water pollution at Camp Lejeune, begin by gathering all the necessary paperwork. You’ll need proof that you were stationed at affected camps during the time of the pollution. Additionally, you’ll have to demonstrate a diagnosis of one or more of the health conditions linked to the contamination. This proof could include items like military service and medical records. Family members of a qualifying veteran who served at affected camps may also qualify for benefits. However, it’s crucial to note that they must be otherwise legal dependents of the veteran, such as a spouse or child. Once you’ve organized all your documents, it’s time to complete the application forms on VA’s official website, which you can submit online, mail, or drop them off at the nearest VA office. Remember, filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit can be a complex process, and it’s important to seek legal advice from experienced attorneys at Riddle & Brantley in North Carolina to ensure that you’re taking the right steps.
Conclusion
If you were stationed at Camp Lejeune during the period of water contamination, it’s crucial to comprehend your rights and the benefits you may be eligible to receive. The repercussions of the pollution on your health can be substantial, and the compensation and benefits available through the VA can offer valuable support in managing your health condition. If you’re uncertain about any part of the process, consider seeking help from a VA-accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Officer.
With a solid foundation in technology, backed by a BIT degree, Lucas Noah has carved a niche for himself in the world of content creation and digital storytelling. Currently lending his expertise to Creative Outrank LLC and Oceana Express LLC, Lucas has become a... Read more