The most prominent illness that resulted from the water contamination at Camp Lejeune is cancer. Contaminant carcinogens in the water system caused a myriad of different cancers from 1953 through 1987 before they were discovered in the base’s water supply.
These conditions have been positively identified as cancers that resulted from the contamination. Multiple studies have concluded that drinking water contaminants were responsible for cancers and other diseases found in the base population during that period. Conditions on the definitive list all have sufficient evidence that positively proves their connection, making them “presumptive.”
The Known Conditions
The primary chemicals found in the drinking water included the carcinogens trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE) also known as tetrachloroethene, vinyl chloride, and benzene. Whether a person becomes ill with cancer depends on multiple factors, such as length of exposure and frequency.
Of the 15 identified health conditions, these are all the cancers:
1. Esophageal cancer
2. Breast cancer (in both men and women)
3. Kidney cancer
4. Multiple myeloma
5. Renal toxicity
6. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
7. Lung cancer
8. Bladder cancer
9. Leukemia
10. Cervical cancer
11. Myelodysplastic syndromes
The VA recognizes these as “presumptive,” meaning that a veteran is presumed to have developed the condition based on his or her service record. Some are eligible for VA disability benefits while others are only eligible for out-of-pocket medical expense reimbursement.
Other Related Cancers
Rectal cancer and soft tissue cancer are also known to be related to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune, along with cancers such as:
• Brain
• Cervical
• Ovarian
• Pancreatic
• Prostate
• Liver
• Bile duct
• Intestinal or colorectal
• Gallbladder
• Sinus
• Thyroid
• Spinal
• Other tumors, cysts, and polyps
These are connected to the contamination but are not yet considered presumptive.
Conditions Not On The List
The list above contains the cancers and other medical conditions that have been positively identified as containing a presumptive condition linked to water contamination. But if you were exposed and have been diagnosed with something different, that doesn’t mean it was unrelated to the chemicals in the water. Other cancers and conditions are “as least likely as not” to have a connection to water contamination.
There are other medical conditions that have not yet been identified as presumptive conditions by the Veterans Administration, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Service, or the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR.) Cancers and conditions not listed will require medical records and proof of residency or work history at Camp Lejeune.
So many people became ill after living and working there during that time that many illnesses have not yet been connected to water contamination. Others could be identified later, so it’s a good idea to file a claim. You may still qualify for compensation, but you won’t know unless you file.
If you were at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, speak with a Camp Lejeune water contamination attorney to assess your rights. You will only have until August 2024 to file your claim or lose your right to compensation.
Contact The Herren Law Firm Today For Help With Your Claim
For more than 30 years, the Herren law firm has helped veterans and other disabled people with their benefits claims and appeals. We have extensive experience dealing with governmental agencies and the claims that are filed with them.
If you or someone you know became ill after being stationed at Camp Lejeune, get in touch with us immediately.
We’ve helped over 4,000 people, and we can help you as well. Contact us today by calling (713) 682-8194 or using our online contact form our consultation is free, and you won’t owe us a fee until we win your case.
