If you served at Camp Lejeune and are experiencing pain, lesions, or any other medical ailments with your teeth you may be eligible for Veterans Affairs disability benefits. It is well known that due to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, many Marine corps service members and their families are experiencing serious diseases and medical ailments such as rare cancers and more.
Camp Lejeune was named a superfund site in 1989 due to many major polluters in the water stream; the Marines corps at the camp from the 1950s to the 1980s likely drank water contaminated with dry cleaning chemicals, chemicals from the solvent used to clean machinery on base, among many other contaminants linked to health problems.
We have put together a guide to help direct Marine corps veterans and Camp LeJeune civilians who were on base and now suffering tooth decay and dental issues due to the Camp LeJeune water contamination.
Am I Eligible for Disability Benefits From the VA?
The VA has put out guidance regarding who qualifies for disability benefits from the VA. Those veterans who served at Camp Lejeune must meet the following:
- Served at Camp Lejeune between August 1953 through December 1987, and
- You were not dishonorably discharged.
That’s not all though. In addition to the above, you also need to receive a diagnosis of a recognized, presumptive condition such as:
- Adult leukemia
- Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Multiple Myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Parkinson’s disease
- Oral tumors
- Jaw dysfunction
- Renal toxicity
- Other service-connected dental disability
If you have not been diagnosed with a presumptive condition but are still struggling with teeth issues due to drinking contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, reach out to a VA support specialist or VA benefits attorney to assist you in filing for VA benefits.
How do I know I have symptoms of contaminated water exposure from Camp Lejeune?
That’s a great question, if you or your family members experienced any of the following symptoms you may have been exposed to Camp LeJeune water contamination:
- Frequent, high-volume headaches
- Decreased memory
- Slow reaction times
- Decreased dexterity
- Fatigue and drowsiness
- Gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and vomiting
- Skin irritation
Long-lasting symptoms of Camp LeJeune Water Contamination
- Decreased appetite
- Ongoing headaches or vertigo
- Compromised short-term memory
- Insomnia and sleep troubles
- Continued digestive problems
- Cognitive declines
- Decreased liver function
- Kidney disease
- Heart problems
- Reproductive health issues and fetal abnormalities
- Cancers
- Anxiety, irritability, and other mood disorders
What kind of benefits can I get for Camp LeJeune Water Contamination?
Veterans who served at Camp Lejeune can receive full medical coverage as well as compensation for their injuries related to service. Some veterans who have won their Camp Lejeune water contamination claims have received a VA disability rating of 100 percent, qualifying them for up to 3,000 a month in monetary compensation.
In 2017, the VA earmarked $2 billion specifically for payments to veterans who are suffering from ailments related to the Camp LeJeune water contamination
In addition, thanks to new laws (PACT Act) veterans suffering from diseases due to water contamination at Camp Lejeune can file a lawsuit. The new Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Settlement is estimated to be 6.7 billion dollars.
How to qualify for Camp LeJeune Water Contamination benefits
First, you must receive a diagnosis of a presumptive condition related to Camp LeJeune. If you have not done so already, visit your local VA to start the process.
If you have already been diagnosed with a presumptive condition due to Camp LeJeune water contamination, to claim benefits you need to submit a claim for disability with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
It’s important to note that you will need both your military records and medical records to file your Camp LeJeune-related claim. Your military records must show that you served at Camp Lejeune between August 1953 and December 1987. Additionally, your medical records must show one of the recognized, presumptive conditions.
You can file a claim online, with help from an accredited representative, or at a VA regional office.
Are Camp LeJeune families covered for health care?
Yes, family members stationed at Camp Lejeune from August 1953 to December 1987 may be eligible to receive VA health care for tooth decay and other health problems due to drinking the contaminated water at Camp LeJeune.
This is thanks to the Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022, family members, like veterans, which allows the filing of lawsuits for damages against the government. Before, thousands of civilians Camp LeJeune families were out of luck!
Camp LeJeune Presumptive Conditions
- Lung cancer
- Fertility issues and/or miscarriage
- Multiple myeloma
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Neuro/mood disorders
If you are a family member of a veteran who thinks you are suffering long-term effects of water contamination, reach out to a VA disability benefits specialist.
How do I get these benefits as a family member?
Like veterans, you will file a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs. You are required to show documentation including station papers, medical records, and records that prove a qualified relationship with the veteran. It is best also to submit VA Form 10-10068b. Make sure to get this filled out by your medical provider.
Wrapping up
If you or a family member are suffering from the effects of drinking contaminated water and are suffering from tooth pain, major tooth decay, or other serious health conditions you may be able to receive file a lawsuit related to Camp LeJeune. Reach out to one of our VA benefits specialists today to start the process. .
