VA Compensation for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

Sokolove Law is no longer accepting Camp Lejeune cases.

Camp Lejeune Veterans Benefits

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers benefits, health care, and compensation to veterans with service-related health conditions.

Sadly, many veterans believe the VA has made it difficult to receive the VA benefits they need. In 2012, the VA began using alleged “subject matter experts” (SMEs) to review VA claims for Camp Lejeune water contamination.

According to a Yale Law School study, once the SMEs became involved with these claims, the approval rate dropped drastically, from 19.9% in 2011 to just 4.5% in 2013.

By 2015, only 1% of all VA Camp Lejeune claims were approved. While approval rates have risen since 2017, over 75% of Camp Lejeune VA claims are still denied in 2022.

Thanks to a new law called the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, U.S. military veterans and their families may now be able to receive compensation from a Camp Lejeune lawsuit for the first time ever.

The Congressional Budget Office has projected spending $6.1 Billion to compensate victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination between 2022 and 2031.

“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)

Don’t miss out on the compensation you deserve — contact Sokolove Law today to get started. Taking legal action will not affect your VA benefits.

Who Can File a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination VA Claim?

Camp Lejeune veterans, reservists, and guardsmen may qualify for VA benefits if they:

  • Were stationed at Camp Lejeune or Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River
  • Served for at least 30 days between August 1953 and December 1987
  • Did not receive a dishonorable discharge
  • Were diagnosed with one or more of the presumptive illnesses listed below

The VA may also reimburse the health care costs of a veteran's spouse and/or children if they:

  • Lived on the base between January 1, 1957 and December 31, 1987 and received care for a qualifying health condition on or after August 6, 2012
  • Lived on the base between August 1, 1953 to December 31, 1956 and received care for a qualifying condition on or after December 16, 2014

In addition to VA benefits, those affected by the toxic water on base may now also qualify for a Camp Lejeune settlement, which is separate compensation awarded from a lawsuit.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Presumptive Illnesses for Veterans

Sadly, there have been many health issues linked to water contamination at Camp Lejeune. However, the VA only recognizes eight Camp Lejeune service-connected conditions for veterans.

The eight Camp Lejeune presumptive conditions are:

Veterans who have one of these conditions after being exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune may qualify for VA disability benefits in addition to health care.

However, the VA encourages all Camp Lejeune veterans and their loved ones who are experiencing other health issues they believe are related to water contamination to file a claim.

Thanks to a new law, our Camp Lejeune attorneys may now be able to help veterans and their family members pursue compensation for these and other health issues — even if they were diagnosed decades ago.

Qualifying Health Conditions for Family Members

The Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 requires the VA to reimburse family members for health care costs relating to certain water contamination issues.

This reimbursement may be available for the veteran’s spouse and/or children (including if they were in utero while the family lived on base).

Health care expenses for these 15 health conditions may be reimbursed:

  • 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

Family members may now also be able to pursue Camp Lejeune compensation by filing a legal claim in addition to pursuing VA health care and other benefits.

How to File Camp Lejeune VA Claims for Benefits

Both Camp Lejeune VA health and disability benefits may be available to affected veterans and their families if they meet the criteria outlined above. However, many veterans have faced unfair delays or denials of their Camp Lejeune VA claims.

By working with a Camp Lejeune attorney, you can get experienced legal help:

  • Determining your eligibility for benefits
  • Gathering the evidence for your claim, including medical records, military orders, and proof of your toxic water exposure
  • Preparing and filing your Camp Lejeune VA claim
  • Pursuing additional compensation from a legal claim

At Sokolove Law, there are no upfront or out-of-pocket costs to work with one of our VA-accredited lawyers.

Types of VA Benefits for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

Camp Lejeune VA Health Care

Because of the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012, veterans and their families may be entitled to health care through the VA if they have certain health conditions.

VA health care benefits can help veterans and their family members pay for doctor appointments, treatments, and other health care services.

VA Disability for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

VA disability is a type of compensation the VA provides to veterans who become injured or sick during or as a result of their service. These monthly payments are usually tax free.

The amount of VA disability compensation will vary depending on the severity of the veteran’s disability. The VA rates disability as a percentage, with a 100% rating being the most severe injuries or illnesses.

VA disability claims award over $3,700 for a single veteran with a 100% disability rating. More money may be awarded if the veteran has dependents (like a spouse or children).

VA Survivor Benefits

Based on the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, survivors may be eligible for additional Camp Lejeune VA benefits.

Camp Lejeune survivor benefits may include:

  • VA dependency and indemnity compensation (VA DIC): This monthly payment may be available to the children, spouses, and parents of veterans who passed away from a Camp Lejeune service-connected condition.
  • Burial allowance: This flat-rate payment helps to cover the burial and funeral costs of eligible veterans. If a veteran isn’t married, their children or parents may file for VA burial allowance.
  • One-time benefits payment: The veteran’s surviving spouse, dependent child, or dependent parent may be eligible to receive a one-time accrued benefits payment if they were owed unpaid benefits at the time of their passing.

If your loved one passed away from Camp Lejeune health issues, you may also qualify for compensation on their behalf from a Camp Lejeune wrongful death lawsuit.

Sokolove Law: Helping Victims Pursue Camp Lejeune Compensation

For over 45 years, Sokolove Law has been helping injured veterans get the justice and compensation they deserve. We thank you for your service and would be honored to serve you and your family.

If you or your loved one suffered health issues after living or working at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1953 and December 1987, you may now be eligible for compensation from a legal claim in addition to VA benefits — thanks to a newly passed law called the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.

VA Camp Lejeune Water Contamination FAQs

What is the PACT Act of 2022 for veterans?

Known officially as The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022, the PACT Act is considered to be one of the largest expansions of benefits and health care in VA history.

The PACT Act will expand and extend eligibility for VA health care to veterans affected by toxic exposures. It will also require the VA to provide a screening for toxic exposure to every veteran receiving VA health care.

Within the PACT Act is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022. This newly passed bill and soon-to-become law would help civilian workers, veterans, and their family members who lived at Camp Lejeune recover compensation for their exposure to the contaminated water.

Who is eligible for Camp Lejeune water contamination VA benefits?

U.S. military veterans, reservists, and guardsmen who lived or worked on base for at least 30 days between August 1953 and December 1987 may be eligible for VA compensation for Camp Lejeune water contamination if they have one of these presumptive conditions:

A veteran’s spouse and children may also qualify for VA health care benefits for certain health conditions.

Thanks to a newly passed law, U.S. military veterans and their family members may now be able to secure additional Camp Lejeune water compensation by taking legal action.

Can a family member receive VA benefits for Camp Lejeune water contamination?

Potentially, yes. A military veteran’s spouse and children may qualify for a reimbursement of their health care costs from the VA if they lived on the base for at least 30 days while the water was contaminated and have a qualifying health condition.

Qualifying conditions include:

  • 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

Additional compensation may be available for family members affected by these conditions and more, thanks to a new law called the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022.

What can I do if my Camp Lejeune water contamination VA claim was denied?

If your Camp Lejeune water contamination VA claim was denied, you may now be able to receive the compensation you need from a Camp Lejeune legal claim instead — thanks to a new law called the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022.

Anyone who lived or worked on the base for at least 30 days between August 1953 and December 1987 may now qualify for compensation from a Camp Lejeune lawsuit for their health issues.

Will filing a lawsuit affect my Camp Lejeune water VA benefits?

No — filing a lawsuit will not affect your VA benefits for Camp Lejeune water contamination.

Thanks to a newly passed law, you may now be eligible for additional compensation from a Camp Lejeune lawsuit.

What health conditions qualify for the Camp Lejeune lawsuit?

More toxic water exposure health conditions qualify for compensation from a Camp Lejeune lawsuit than for benefits from the VA.

Qualifying health conditions include:

This is not a complete list and more conditions may qualify. We encourage you to contact our experienced case managers to find out if your condition is eligible.