Camp Lejeune Water Contamination: Are You Eligible for VA Benefits?

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For decades, veterans, service members, and their families who lived and worked at Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, North Carolina, between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, unknowingly drank and used contaminated water.

This toxic exposure led to serious health conditions, including multiple forms of cancer, neurological disorders, and life-threatening diseases.

Recent legislation, including the Camp Lejeune Justice Act and updates to VA presumptive service connection policies, has made it easier for veterans and their families to qualify for VA disability compensation and healthcare benefits.

If you or a loved one were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, this guide will walk you through eligibility, the claims process, common pitfalls to avoid, and how to maximize your VA benefits.

Summary of Key Points

• Toxic Exposure at Camp Lejeune: From 1953 to 1987, veterans, service members, and their families at Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River were unknowingly exposed to hazardous chemicals in the drinking water, leading to severe health conditions, including various cancers and neurological disorders.

• VA Presumptive Service Connection: Veterans who served at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 cumulative days during the contamination period and developed one of the VA-recognized presumptive conditions, such as bladder cancer or Parkinson’s disease, are automatically eligible for VA disability benefits without needing to prove direct causation.

• Family Member Eligibility: In addition to veterans, family members who lived at Camp Lejeune may qualify for VA healthcare benefits if they developed one of 15 covered conditions, including breast cancer, kidney cancer, and miscarriage. They can receive medical care cost reimbursements with proper documentation of residency and diagnosis.

• Filing a VA Disability Claim: Veterans and eligible family members must gather necessary documentation, including service records, medical evidence, and proof of residency (for family members), and submit their claims online, by mail, or in person. The process likely includes attending a C&P exam to determine the severity of the condition.

Understanding Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

Between 1953 and 1987, multiple water treatment plants on Camp Lejeune were contaminated with toxic chemicals, including:

• Trichloroethylene (TCE) – a degreaser linked to kidney cancer, liver cancer, and neurological disorders

• Perchloroethylene (PCE) – a dry-cleaning solvent associated with bladder cancer and leukemia

• Benzene – a carcinogen that can cause leukemia and other blood disorders

• Vinyl chloride – a hazardous chemical linked to multiple types of cancer

These harmful chemicals exceeded safe limits and were present in drinking water for decades.

Veterans, family members, and civilian workers were exposed through daily activities such as drinking, bathing, cooking, and cleaning.

Presumptive Conditions for Camp Lejeune Toxic Exposure

The VA recognizes the following health conditions as presumptively service-connected for veterans who served at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River for at least 30 cumulative days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.

Camp Lejeune Presumptive Conditions List

• Adult leukemia

• Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes

• Bladder cancer

• Kidney cancer

• Liver cancer

• Multiple myeloma

• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

• Parkinson’s disease

What Is a Presumptive Condition?

Normally, when filing a VA disability claim, veterans must provide evidence proving that their condition was directly caused by military service.

However, for presumptive conditions, the VA automatically assumes service connection if the veteran meets the exposure criteria.

This means:

• No need to prove direct causation between military service and the illness

• Faster claims processing and a higher chance of approval

Who Is Eligible for Camp Lejeune VA Benefits?

You may be eligible for VA disability compensation if you meet the following requirements:

• You served at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River for at least 30 total days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.

• You received an honorable or general discharge (not dishonorable).

• You have been diagnosed with one of the VA’s recognized presumptive conditions.

Family Member Eligibility for VA Healthcare Benefits

Family members who lived at Camp Lejeune during the same timeframe may also qualify for VA healthcare benefits if they were diagnosed with one of the following 15 covered conditions:

• 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

Camp Lejeune Neurobehavioral Effects

Neurobehavioral effects refer to cognitive, emotional, and behavioral impairments caused by damage to the nervous system.

At Camp Lejeune, exposure to toxic chemicals in the contaminated water—such as trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride—has been linked to long-term neurological and neurobehavioral health problems in veterans, service members, and their families.

Common Neurobehavioral Effects Linked to Camp Lejeune Exposure:

• Memory Loss and Cognitive Decline – Difficulty recalling information, brain fog, or early-onset dementia symptoms.

• Depression and Anxiety Disorders – Increased risk of mood disorders, including severe depression and generalized anxiety.

• Motor Dysfunction – Tremors, muscle weakness, and coordination problems, potentially linked to Parkinson’s disease.

• Sleep Disturbances – Chronic insomnia, restless sleep, or sleep apnea-like symptoms.

• Headaches and Migraines – Persistent headaches, often severe and resistant to treatment.

• Peripheral Neuropathy – Nerve pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands and feet.

• Personality and Mood Changes – Increased aggression, irritability, or emotional instability.

VA Benefits for Neurobehavioral Effects

For family members, the VA recognizes neurobehavioral effects as one of the 15 covered conditions eligible for healthcare benefits under the Camp Lejeune Family Member Program.

While the VA does not list neurobehavioral effects as a presumptive condition for veterans, those experiencing neurological issues may still file a claim and provide medical evidence linking their condition to the toxic exposure at Camp Lejeune.

Common Myths About Camp Lejeune Claims

Myth #1: Only Veterans Who Lived on Base Qualify for Benefits

Truth: Veterans, family members, reservists, National Guard members, and even civilian workers who spent at least 30 cumulative days at Camp Lejeune may qualify for VA benefits.

Myth #2: The Condition Must Have Been Diagnosed While at Camp Lejeune

Truth: Many conditions caused by toxic exposure take years or decades to develop. As long as your diagnosis occurred after exposure and you meet the eligibility requirements, you can still qualify.

Myth #3: Only Cancer Is Covered Under Camp Lejeune VA Benefits

Truth: While many of the recognized conditions are cancers, the VA also covers neurological and blood disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease and aplastic anemia.

How to File a VA Claim for Camp Lejeune Benefits

Step #1: Confirm Eligibility

• Verify that you lived or served at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River for at least 30 total days during the eligibility period.

Step #2: Gather Required Documentation

• Medical records confirming a diagnosis of a presumptive condition

• Military records (DD-214 or equivalent) proving service at Camp Lejeune

• For family members, documents proving residency, such as housing records, base access records, or utility bills

Step #3: File Your VA Claim

• Online: Submit your claim through VA.gov

• Mail: Send your completed VA Form 21-526EZ to the VA’s claims processing center

• In-Person: Visit a VA Regional Office for assistance

Step #4: Attend a Compensation & Pension (C&P) Exam

• The VA will likely schedule a C&P exam to confirm your diagnosis and assess your disability rating.

• Be uncomfortably vulnerable about how your condition impacts your daily life.

• Here’s our Top 10 VA C&P Exam Tips.

Final Thoughts: How to Get Approved for Camp Lejeune VA Benefits

• Confirm your eligibility and gather all required military and medical records.

• File your VA claim online, by mail, or in person with supporting documentation.

• Provide detailed medical evidence, including test results and doctor’s reports.

• Ensure family members apply for VA healthcare benefits if eligible.

• Stay proactive, track your claim’s progress, and respond promptly to VA requests.

By following these steps, veterans and their families can secure the VA disability compensation and healthcare benefits they rightfully deserve.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination and VA Benefits: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is eligible for VA disability benefits due to Camp Lejeune water contamination?

Veterans, Reservists, and National Guard members who served at Camp Lejeune or Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River for at least 30 cumulative days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, may qualify for VA disability benefits. They must have a discharge other than dishonorable and be diagnosed with one of the presumptive conditions recognized by the VA. Additionally, family members who lived at Camp Lejeune during the same period may qualify for VA healthcare benefits if they developed certain covered medical conditions due to exposure.

2. What conditions are presumptively service-connected for Camp Lejeune veterans?

The VA has identified eight medical conditions as presumptively service-connected for veterans exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. These conditions include adult leukemia, aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and Parkinson’s disease. Veterans diagnosed with any of these illnesses automatically qualify for VA disability benefits without needing to prove a direct connection between their condition and military service.

3. What does “presumptive service connection” mean for Camp Lejeune veterans?

A presumptive service connection means that the VA assumes a veteran’s medical condition was caused by military service if they meet certain eligibility criteria. In the case of Camp Lejeune, veterans who served on base for at least 30 days during the contamination period and later developed one of the listed conditions do not need to provide additional proof that their illness is related to their service. This streamlines the claims process and increases the likelihood of approval.

4. Can family members receive benefits for illnesses caused by Camp Lejeune water contamination?

Yes, family members who lived at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, may be eligible for VA healthcare benefits if they were later diagnosed with a covered condition. The VA provides reimbursement for out-of-pocket medical expenses related to 15 conditions, including bladder cancer, breast cancer, kidney cancer, leukemia, lung cancer, female infertility, miscarriage, and neurobehavioral effects. Family members must provide proof of residency and medical records to qualify.

5. Does my condition need to have been diagnosed while I was at Camp Lejeune?

No, conditions caused by toxic exposure often take years or even decades to develop. A veteran or family member does not need to have been diagnosed while living or serving at Camp Lejeune. As long as they meet the service or residency requirements and later develop a recognized condition, they may still qualify for VA benefits.

6. What types of evidence do I need to support my VA claim?

To support a Camp Lejeune-related VA claim, veterans must provide military service records proving time spent at Camp Lejeune, medical records confirming a diagnosis of a presumptive condition, and any additional supporting documentation of symptoms. Family members must provide proof of residency, such as housing records or base access documents, along with medical evidence showing they developed a qualifying condition due to exposure.

7. How do I file a VA claim for Camp Lejeune-related benefits?

Veterans and family members can file a VA claim online through VA.gov, by mail using VA Form 21-526EZ for disability benefits, or in person at a VA regional office. Family members seeking healthcare reimbursement should submit VA Form 10-10068. Submitting a well-documented claim with all required medical and service records can help speed up processing.

8. Will I need to attend a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam?

Most veterans filing a claim for Camp Lejeune-related conditions will be scheduled for a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam. This exam helps the VA assess the severity of the condition and determine the appropriate disability rating. The examiner will review medical history, conduct necessary evaluations, and document how the condition impacts daily life. It is essential to be honest and thorough about symptoms during the exam.

9. Can I file for secondary conditions related to my Camp Lejeune illness?

Yes, veterans can file claims for secondary conditions that were caused or aggravated by a primary Camp Lejeune-related illness. For example, a veteran with bladder cancer might later develop kidney disease due to treatments received. Secondary conditions must be supported with medical evidence showing a link to the primary service-connected disability.

10. Does receiving VA benefits affect my ability to file a lawsuit under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?

No, veterans and family members can pursue both VA disability benefits and legal action under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. Receiving VA benefits does not disqualify an individual from seeking compensation through a lawsuit, and settlements from the lawsuit do not impact VA disability benefits or healthcare eligibility.

11. What compensation can I receive if my VA claim is approved?

Veterans approved for Camp Lejeune-related VA disability benefits receive monthly compensation based on their assigned disability rating from 0% to 100%. The higher the severity of the condition, the greater the monthly payment. Family members do not receive monthly compensation but may be reimbursed for out-of-pocket healthcare expenses related to their covered conditions.

12. What are common reasons Camp Lejeune VA claims get denied?

Common reasons for denial include insufficient medical evidence, lack of proof of time spent at Camp Lejeune, or conditions not listed as presumptive. If a veteran has a condition not on the VA’s list, they may still file a claim but must provide strong medical evidence linking their illness to toxic exposure.

13. How long does it take to get a decision on a Camp Lejeune VA claim?

Processing times vary, but Camp Lejeune-related claims generally move faster due to the presumptive conditions policy. Claims that require additional evidence, appeals, or secondary condition evaluations may take longer. On average, decisions for fully developed claims are made within a few months.

14. Can survivors of deceased veterans receive benefits?

Yes, survivors of veterans who passed away due to a Camp Lejeune-related condition may qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). To be eligible, the veteran’s death must be linked to a presumptive illness, and the surviving spouse or dependents must submit the necessary documentation to the VA.

15. What should I do if my Camp Lejeune VA claim is denied?

If a Camp Lejeune VA claim is denied, veterans and family members have the right to appeal. They can file a Supplemental Claim with new evidence, request a Higher-Level Review, or appeal directly to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. Working with a VA-accredited representative or attorney can improve the chances of a successful appeal.

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