New disability presumption for Camp Lejeune Veterans

For decades, the public drinking water supply at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina was contaminated with hazardous chemicals. Countless Veterans were unknowingly exposed to these chemicals.

A new Department of Veterans Affairs rule makes it easier for Veterans to receive service connected disability compensation for diseases resulting from this exposure. The VA now presumes that eight medical conditions are the result of past service at Camp Lejeune.

DO I QUALIFY FOR THE PRESUMPTION?

If you were stationed at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987, and currently suffer from one or more of the following medical conditions, you may benefit from this special presumption:

ADULT LEUKEMIA

APLASTIC ANEMIA AND OTHER MYELODYSPLASTIC SYNDROMES BLADDER CANCER KIDNEY CANCER

LIVER CANCER

MULTIPLE MYELOMA NON-HODGKIN’S LYMPHOMA PARKINSON’S DISEASE

In order for your presumptive claim to be approved, you must:

• have medical evidence of your current condition(s);
• have service records showing that you served for at least 30 days (consecutively or non-consecutively) in the covered period; and
• state on the form that the claim is presumptive due to service at Camp Lejeune.

If you suffer from other disabling conditions that you believe may be from the exposure, or if you were at Camp Lejeune at a different time or less than 30 days, you still have a right to file a claim, but your claim will not get the same presumption.

HOW DO I APPLY?

You may electronically file a VA Form 21-526EZ which is available at www.ebenefits.va.gov under the Disability Compensation section.

You may call the VA to start a claim or find information about a Veteran Service Organization which could assist you with filing a claim at 1-800-827-1000.

WHAT IF I QUALIFY BUT WAS PREVIOUSLY DENIED?

You should apply again. The VA will consider your new claim based on the new rule. If you were previously denied because you lacked evidence that your current condition is related to your military service, the VA’s new rule may help you.

This is informational only and is not a substitute for legal advice. Additionally, Legal Counsel for the Elderly cannot guarantee that you will receive any VA benefit.