The Camp Lejeune water contamination case has been described as one of the worst cases of environmental contamination in US history. Between the 1950s and the 1980s, tens of thousands of military personnel and their families stationed at the Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base in North Carolina were exposed to drinking water contaminated with toxic chemicals, including industrial solvents and benzene.
The contamination was linked to a wide range of health problems, including various types of cancer, liver damage, and miscarriages. In response to this scandal, the federal government established a compensation program to provide financial assistance to individuals who were affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination. However, many people who are eligible for this payout may not be aware of it or may not know how to apply for it.
In this article, we will explore who is eligible for the Camp Lejeune payout and provide a guide on how to apply for it.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the payout for Camp Lejeune water contamination require that the individual must have lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for a minimum of 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. This means that active duty military personnel, civilian employees, and their family members who were stationed at the base during this period are eligible to apply for the payout.
The requirement for a minimum of 30 days of residency or employment is intended to ensure that individuals who were exposed to the contaminated water for a significant period are eligible for compensation.
TorHoerman Law, a legal firm, notes that for many years, Camp Lejeune water contamination victims had no other option but to endure their suffering silently since lawsuits were not allowed until recently. However, Camp Lejeune veterans, residents, and their families can now finally receive the justice they have long sought.
According to TorHoerman Law, the victims’ of Camp Lejeune contamination are now eligible to file a Camp Lejeune claim and pursue financial compensation to help alleviate their physical and emotional pain.
Medical Conditions Covered
According to LegalScoops, due to exposure to the contaminated water, those who were affected may have developed presumptive conditions that could have hurt their health. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) acknowledges 15 covered health conditions that are linked to Camp Lejeune water contamination. People who qualify can apply for disability benefits and obtain assistance for these illnesses.
The 15 different types of cancer covered by the program include leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, bladder cancer, and kidney cancer, among others. In addition to these cancers, other conditions that are covered by the payout include Parkinson’s disease, liver damage, and miscarriages.
The program is designed to compensate individuals for both the physical and emotional toll that exposure to the contaminated water has had on their lives, and the covered medical conditions reflect the range of health problems that have been associated with the contamination at Camp Lejeune.
How to Apply for Your Camp Lejeune Settlement?
Individuals must apply to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to apply for the Camp Lejeune payout. The application process involves completing several forms and providing supporting documentation, such as proof of service at Camp Lejeune and medical records that demonstrate a connection between exposure to contaminated water and the medical condition being claimed.
Applicants must provide detailed information about their service at Camp Lejeune, including the dates and locations of their residency or employment, to establish their eligibility for the program. Additionally, they must provide documentation that supports their claim for compensation, such as medical records and reports from physicians that link their health problems to exposure to contaminated water.
The VA reviews each application carefully to determine whether the individual meets the eligibility criteria and whether the claimed payout program covers the medical conditions of the applicant.
However, Military.com states that while it is possible to file a Camp Lejeune claim on your own, there are advantages to having a law firm handle it for you. The paperwork involved in the claims process can become complex, and having a legal expert to help locate necessary documents and submit them accurately and efficiently can be beneficial. Additionally, many claims are denied, even when submitted correctly, and if this happens, a formal complaint can be filed through an attorney.
Deadline
According to Camp Lejeune Claims Center, the deadline for submitting claims related to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune is August 10, 2024. This deadline has been set because the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which allows for legal action to be taken in such cases, only came into effect on August 10, 2022.
As a result, individuals who have been affected by drinking contaminated water at the military base and have subsequently developed a qualifying disease can file a claim for financial compensation by the August 10, 2024, deadline.
However, it’s advisable to apply as soon as possible, as processing times may vary, and it can take several months to receive a decision from the VA.
Assistance Available
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) assists individuals who are applying for the Camp Lejeune payout program. The VA provides outreach events to help individuals understand the eligibility criteria, the application process, and the required documentation. The VA also has a toll-free hotline that individuals can call to get assistance with the application process or ask questions about the program.
Additionally, veterans service organizations and other advocacy groups may be able to assist individuals who are applying for the payout. These organizations can help individuals with the application process, provide information about the program, and offer support throughout the application review process.
It’s essential for individuals who are considering applying for the Camp Lejeune payout program to seek out available assistance and resources to ensure that they have the best chance of receiving the compensation they deserve.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Camp Lejeune payout program provides compensation to individuals who have experienced health problems as a result of exposure to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune. It’s important for individuals who believe they may be eligible for the Camp Lejeune payout program to act quickly, seek assistance if needed, and ensure that their application is complete to maximize their chances of receiving the compensation they deserve.