If you have been affected by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune, you may wonder how to file a legal claim. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about this process.
How do you know if you’re eligible to file a claim?
To be eligible to file a claim, you must have been exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 cumulative days between August 1953 and December 1987. You must also have developed one of the eight diseases or conditions the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) listed. These include:
- Adult leukemia
- Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Parkinson’s disease
A diagnosis of one or more of these diseases or conditions is required to file a claim. Additional conditions, such as fertility issues, miscarriages, and other disease, such as neurobehavioral problems and rental toxicity, may also be compensated if they are service-connected.
Can you qualify with a dishonorable discharge?
No. Only veterans, reservists, and guardsmen with an honorable or general discharge can file a claim. The compensation comes from a VA disability pension, so a dishonorable discharge would make you ineligible.
What is the deadline for filing a claim?
You have two years from the date of your diagnosis to filing a claim for Camp Lejeune water contamination. If they have diagnosed you with a condition, not on the VA’s list, you have one year from your diagnosis to file a claim.
What evidence do you need to file a claim?
To file a claim, you must provide evidence of your exposure to the contaminated water. This can include your military records and any medical records or test results that document your diagnosis. The more evidence you have, the stronger your claim will be.
How can you file a claim?
The claim begins with a request for disability compensation through the Veterans Affairs office. You can file a claim with the VA online by yourself. You can work with an accredited representative. Or, go to your local VA office for help to file.
What are the chances of my claim being approved?
The VA has set up a presumption of service connection for claims related to Camp Lejeune water contamination. This means that if you have one condition listed by the VA and can provide evidence of your exposure to the contaminated water, your claim is more likely to be approved.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The time to process a claim depends on how many claims the VA is processing at the time and the complexity of your claim. The sooner you file, the sooner you will get an answer. According to the VA, it takes four months, on average, from start to finish.
Filing a claim for Camp Lejeune water contamination can seem daunting, but understanding the process and what evidence to provide can help you get the compensation you deserve.