Does a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Affect VA Benefits?

Posted on by Sokolove Law Team
veteran sits in front of American flag

Filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit will not affect your eligibility for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) — now or in the future.

For decades, the toxic water at Camp Lejeune exposed veterans, their families, and civilians who lived and worked on the military base to dangerous chemicals, causing serious health issues.

Too many families were denied help with their illnesses from the VA — until August 2022 when the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was signed into law. The act officially allowed those who fell sick from years of exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina to seek financial compensation in multiple ways.

Veterans and their families can now file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit and apply for VA benefits without impacting eligibility for either.

Learn more about the resources available to Camp Lejeune veterans and how Sokolove Law can help you today.

Get a Free Camp Lejeune Case Review

2 Resources Available for Camp Lejeune Veterans

Veterans and their families who developed serious health issues as a result of exposure to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune may be able to receive financial assistance from both Camp Lejeune lawsuits and VA benefits.

“Filing a lawsuit under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 won’t affect your eligibility for VA disability or health care benefits.”
– U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

What many may not know is that you can file for both at the same time. Learn more about each resource below.

1. Camp Lejeune Lawsuits

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act made it possible for veterans and their families to take legal action after developing serious health issues linked to the contaminated water on base.

Camp Lejeune lawsuits are one way to help victims recover compensation for pain and suffering, lost income, and treatment costs. In fact, there is an estimated $6.1 Billion available, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

Camp Lejeune lawsuit settlement amounts may vary, but the additional money, alongside VA benefits, could allow those impacted to receive life-extending care.

Time to pursue a Camp Lejeune lawsuit is running out. Camp Lejeune lawsuits must be filed by August 10, 2024. Contact us today to get started.

Surviving family members of veterans who passed years ago may also be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune wrongful death lawsuit.

It’s important to remember that lawsuits can be filed in addition to VA benefits without affecting the eligibility or financial amount of either.

2. Camp Lejeune VA Benefits

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act greatly expanded the benefits available to those who suffered illnesses linked to Camp Lejeune water contamination. Previously, many veterans with health issues after serving at Camp Lejeune were denied benefits through the VA.

There are a few options for Camp Lejeune VA benefits:

  • Disability compensation: This option provides veterans with monthly tax-free payments. This can help cover treatment and other living expenses.
  • Health care: Applying for VA health care helps veterans and their families to receive treatment for their condition linked to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
  • Survivor benefits: Surviving family members of a veteran who passed due to a Camp Lejeune illness may be eligible for monthly payments, known as VA dependency and indemnity compensation, or one-time payments like funeral and burial allowances.

Eligibility and compensation for each of these benefits will vary, depending on the extent of each person’s exposure, the seriousness of the illness, if the VA recognizes the health condition as related, and other factors.

This factors into why many people may also consider filing lawsuits — to increase the amount of compensation they receive for their illness and the resulting costs.

If you're not already receiving them, our VA-accredited lawyers on staff can help you pursue any benefits you may be entitled to while filing your Camp Lejeune lawsuit.

How to File a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit

Navigating the legal process can be difficult — but we are here to help make it as easy and stress-free as possible.

At Sokolove Law, our Camp Lejeune lawyers can handle every step of the legal process for you. Your attorney will gather military records, medical documents, and more to help build your case and file for compensation on your behalf.

Our VA-accredited lawyers can help you prepare your VA claim for any benefits at this time as well.

Over the last 40+ years, Sokolove Law has helped thousands of veterans receive compensation for their injuries. Let us put our experience to work for you.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Eligibility

Not everyone who spent time on base qualifies to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit since the water was only contaminated for certain years.

To be eligible for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit, you or your loved one must have:

  • Resided or worked at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987
  • Spent at least 30 days on base (consecutively or nonconsecutively)
  • Developed a health issue as a result of exposure to the water on base

Family members of former Camp Lejeune workers and residents can file wrongful death lawsuits on behalf of their deceased loved ones — even if they passed away decades ago.

Thousands have already filed, and the U.S. government is actively evaluating claims — but you only have a small window left to take action!

Call Sokolove Law now at (800) 995-1212 to see if you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit.

Qualifying Camp Lejeune Health Issues

Several health conditions and serious cancers have been linked to the toxins in the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

Some of these conditions include:

There are a number of other conditions that can be linked to Camp Lejeune service. Our team can help you understand your eligibility during a free case review.

Sokolove Law: Let Our Camp Lejeune Lawyers Help

For decades, Camp Lejeune veterans were left behind to deal with medical issues without the support and financial assistance they needed.

At Sokolove Law, we’ve been helping veterans get the health care resources and compensation for their medical care for over 40 years, securing more than $9.3 Billion total for our clients.

If you or your loved one has an illness from the water at Camp Lejeune, our Camp Lejeune lawyers may be able to help you and your family get the compensation you deserve.

There are no hourly fees or upfront costs to work with us. We only get paid if your case successfully results in compensation.

Call (800) 995-1212 now to get started with a free Camp Lejeune case review.

Author:
Sokolove Law Team

Contributing Authors

The Sokolove Law Content Team is made up of writers, editors, and journalists. We work with case managers and attorneys to keep site information up to date and accurate. Our site has a wealth of resources available for victims of wrongdoing and their families.

Last modified: August 21, 2023

  1. Congressional Budget Office (CBO). "Cost Estimate." Retrieved from: https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/2022-06/hr3967_senate_version.pdf. Accessed on June 20, 2023.
  2. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “Camp Lejeune water contamination health issues.” Retrieved from: https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/camp-lejeune-water-contamination/. Accessed on June 13, 2023.
  3. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “How to file a VA disability claim.” Retrieved from: https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/. Accessed on June 13, 2023.
  4. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “How to apply for VA health care.” Retrieved from: https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/. Accessed on June 13, 2023.
  5. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “Protecting Your PACT Act benefits.” Retrieved from: https://news.va.gov/115611/protecting-your-pact-act-benefits/. Accessed on June 13, 2023.