Leukemia Associated with Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water

From 1953 to 1987, beneath the veil of military duty and honor at the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina, lurked a hazardous threat.

Thousands, comprising of military personnel, their families, and civilian workers, were unknowingly consuming and using toxic drinking water, leading to enduring health complications that resonate till today.

Among the various health implications linked to this exposure, leukemia stands out as a particularly alarming outcome.

Leukemia and Camp Lejeune Camp Lejeune’s legacy isn’t just its military history but also encompasses the latent health hazards arising from prolonged exposure to contaminated drinking water.

Research and studies indicate a potential connection between the onset of leukemia and exposure to the toxicants in the water at Camp Lejeune.

The VA has consistently highlighted that those present at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River from August 1953 through December 1987 are likely to have come into contact with this contaminated water.

The CDC pinpoints two primary on-base water wells as the chief sources of this dangerous contamination.

These wells were known to harbor a slew of harmful chemicals, including:

Trichloroethylene (TCE)
Perchloroethylene (PCE)
Trans-1
Dichloroethylene (DCE)
Benzene
Vinyl chloride

Further investigations identified even more contaminants, showcasing the depth and extent of the problem.

By 1985, the magnitude of this contamination was glaringly apparent, culminating in the cessation of these wells’ operation.

A neighboring dry cleaner, located outside the confines of the base, was eventually identified as the root of this contamination.

Improper disposal practices facilitated the entry of these harmful chemicals into the water supply, thereby exposing a vast number of individuals to dangerous toxin levels.

About Leukemia

Leukemia is a type of cancer that originates in the body’s blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and lymphatic system.

It involves an abnormal proliferation of white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting infections.

There are multiple types of leukemia, and they’re classified based on the speed of progression and the type of cells affected.

Its exact cause remains unknown, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors, like chemical exposure, play a role in its onset.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Leukemia

Timely detection can significantly enhance the management and prognosis of leukemia.

Some common symptoms include:

Persistent fatigue or weakness
Frequent or severe infections
Unintended weight loss
Enlarged liver or spleen
Swelling or discomfort in the abdomen
Frequent nosebleeds or bleeding from the gums
Bone pain or tenderness
Night sweats or fever

Awareness of these symptoms, especially among those who were stationed or resided at Camp Lejeune during the affected years, is essential.

Immediate medical evaluation can lead to early diagnosis and more effective treatment strategies.

Am I eligible for VA disability compensation?

You may be eligible for disability compensation payments on a presumptive basis if you meet all of these requirements.

These requirements apply to Veterans, Reservists, and National Guard members.

Both of these descriptions must be true:

You served at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River, North Carolina, for at least 30 days total between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and
You didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge when you separated from the military

And you must have a diagnosis of 1 or more of these presumptive conditions:

Adult leukemia
Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
Bladder cancer
Kidney cancer
Liver cancer
Multiple myeloma
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Parkinson’s disease

Evidence shows a link between these conditions and exposure to chemicals found in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River during this time.

If you resided at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River, North Carolina, you also may be able to participate in the class-action lawsuit under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022. For more information, please see our resource page about the lawsuit here.