Countless veterans and their families were exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune between the 1950s and the 1980s. While the contamination was unknown to those on base, the Navy and Marine Corps were aware of the contamination and did nothing. The federal government is now taking action by issuing legislation towards a pathway to compensation.
While the legislation makes the pathway to compensation easier for some, it does not remove the pain these families have suffered. In many cases, those who drank the water have died. The most prevalent diseases from the water contamination tragedy are Cancers, leukemia, and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Previously the VA was the agency that would handle these claims independently. Veterans would need to provide a service connection until 2017, when Congresses mandated presumptive benefits, changing the scope of eligibility.
What can veterans obtain?
All veterans and their families who suffer illnesses or diseases from the Camp Lejeune water contamination debacle deserve health benefits and compensation for their losses. Under the presumptive benefits policy, veterans of Camp Lejeune are entitled to disability benefits for toxic water claims. When these claims began processing in March of 2017, the VA expected to pay out $2.2 bullion. Unfortunately, only eight conditions fall under a presumptive disability, leaving those suffering from other ailments at the mercy of individual case reviews by the VA and providing a service connection.
A presumptive service connection is essential
Without the presumptive disability clause, you will need to provide medical documentation and other evidence that your condition directly results from the water contamination and your time of service. The importance of presumptive conditions is that the VA and other relevant agencies agree these conditions directly result from the water contamination and do not require additional proof for you to start receiving benefits. In contrast, there are only eight conditions on the list currently. It will be expanding in the future as more evidence comes to light.
Camp Lejeune VA Rating
The key to compensation, however, is in your VA rating since it will determine how much compensation you can receive for your ailment. A low disability rating can result in lower benefits and leave you in nearly the same financial situation. With a 100% rating, many veterans will get $3,000. Veterans can also receive special monthly compensation for severe disability or individual unemployability benefits.
Camp Lejeune water settlement
Through a class action lawsuit, veterans and families can recover compensation, which is supposed to settle from $25,000 to $1 million for those in the suit. Some victims will receive more. While it is a class action lawsuit, you will receive an individual settlement amount. To join the class action lawsuit, you must speak with a Camp Lejeune water contamination attorney.
Benefits available for veterans
Two benefits are available to Camp Lejeune veterans: health care and compensation. Health benefits are the most important because these conditions all have lifelong care and treatment. While the VA does have health services, you will need additional services to live comfortably. You may have also spent money out of pocket for healthcare services, which you can reimburse. Family members can also get health care benefits by proving their relationship through marriage, birth, or adoption paperwork.
Compensation can come as monthly payments, and you can use it for home modifications, vehicle modifications, and other out-of-pocket costs. While you can use the compensation for anything, it is best to ensure you can maintain your health and home. The settlement will allow you to cover daily living expenses if you are unemployed.
Call Kwartler Manus, LLC, Today
You do not currently need to live near Camp Lejeune to speak to a lawyer. The class action lawsuit and the federal government allow veterans and families to take legal action from anywhere. You can recover compensation if you reside on Camp Lejeune for more than 30 days between 1953 and 1987 and have a severe illness or condition. Contact Kwartler Manus, LLC, at (267) 457-5570 to file a Philadelphia Camp Lejeune lawsuit.