Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claims: Over 385,000 Filed, Only 114 Paid

The Camp Lejeune water contamination crisis has left an indelible mark on thousands of military personnel and their families. Over 385,000 individuals have filed claims for compensation due to exposure to toxic chemicals in the base’s drinking water, which has been linked to cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and various other health problems. Despite the staggering number of Camp Lejeune water claims, however, only 114 claims have been paid out by the government, highlighting the complex and lengthy process of seeking justice for those affected.

Timeline of the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Crisis

The Camp Lejeune water contamination crisis began in the 1950s when toxic chemicals were detected in the Marine Corps base’s drinking water. These contaminants included volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as perchloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE), which were found at levels 240 to 3400 times higher than safety standards permitted.

The period of exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune spanned from August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987. During this time, Marines, their families, and civilian workers were potentially exposed to these hazardous toxins through consumption of the water and bathing. The contamination affected various areas of the base, including the main base, barracks, family housing, and temporary housing.

Implementation of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act

In 2022, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was introduced as part of the Honoring Our PACT Act. This legislation allows individuals exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days during the specified period to file lawsuits and seek compensation for their injuries. The Act covers not only veterans but also civilian family members and workers who were present at the base during the contamination period. 

The passage of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act has opened new avenues for victims to pursue legal recourse. This legislation allows those exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune to file lawsuits against the government, a right previously denied to them.

Breaking Down the Camp Lejeune Claims Process

To file a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim, individuals must submit their claim to the Department of the Navy. This can be done through the Camp Lejeune Justice Act Claims Management Portal. For those unable to file electronically, alternative options are available by contacting the department directly. 

To succeed in a claim, individuals must provide proof of residence or work at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1953 and December 1987. Additionally, they must present evidence of a diagnosed medical condition linked to the contaminated water. Medical records, scientific studies, and base housing records are crucial in establishing this connection.

Claims may be rejected due to billing errors or lack of necessary information. Common reasons for rejection include non-compliance with standardized billing requirements and errors in claim forms. The Department of the Navy provides guidance on correcting these errors to facilitate reprocessing of claims.

Similar Toxic Exposure Incidents Affecting Military Servicemembers

Regrettably, the Camp Lejeune water contamination crisis is not an isolated incident in military history. Naval Air Station Fallon in Nevada and Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in California have also experienced issues with toxic contamination. At Fallon, the community was exposed to arsenic, tungsten, and benzene, while El Toro faced TCE contamination from aircraft maintenance. 

These toxic exposure incidents highlight the need for improved environmental practices and faster response times to documented contamination. The water contamination crisis at Camp Lejeune has led to the establishment of a presumptive service connection for certain diseases, potentially setting a precedent for handling future military toxic exposure claims.

Camp Lejeune Victims Seeking Justice for Cancer, Other Health Problems

The Camp Lejeune water contamination crisis has had a profound impact on countless military personnel and their families. The passage of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act marks a significant step toward addressing these issues and providing a path to compensation for victims. However, the sheer number of claims filed – over 385,000 – compared to the mere 114 paid out, highlights the enormous gap between those seeking justice and those receiving it. This discrepancy sheds light on the complex and time-consuming nature of the claims process, as well as the challenges faced by those affected in proving their claims.