Camp LeJeune Esophageal Cancer Lawsuits

Veterans who served at Camp Lejeune between 1954 and 1987, are likely suffering from side effects due to drinking contaminated water full of solvents and other carcinogenic chemicals. Before now, it was difficult to obtain health care benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Now, thanks to many veterans and veteran groups, the Department of Veteran Affairs and Congress, are recognizing more illnesses that qualify for benefits for health benefits due to water contamination. In this article, we are focusing on Esophageal Cancer as a result of drinking contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

If you served at Camp Lejeune and are suffering from, or think you may be suffering from, Esophageal Cancer and want to receive benefits or pursue other legal options against the Department of Veteran Affairs; read on!

New Legislation Brings Hope for Victims of Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

In August 2022, President Biden signed into law the PACT Act which contains the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. The PACT Act allows Veterans who demonstrate 23 presumptive conditions to receive benefits without proving service connection and further solidifies the VA’s new process for evaluating and determining presumptive exposure when there is evidence of environmental contamination by the military.

New Law Will Allow Camp Lejeune Lawsuits for Esophageal Cancer

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows veterans who are suffering from diseases caused by drinking contaminated water to pursue legal recourse against the Department of Veteran Affairs.

This is a huge change-up because Veterans are typically barred from bringing lawsuits against the VA for disabilities that result from their service. It’s never been easier for Veterans to receive benefits and compensation who suffer from Esophageal Cancer due to drinking contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

How to File a Camp Lejeune Esophageal Cancer Lawsuit

Veterans who want to file a lawsuit have two years from the date of passage of the Act to file a lawsuit. Time is of the essence!

You will want to gather your medical documentation including your diagnosis of esophageal cancer and your service papers to submit with your lawsuit. Most importantly, you will want to contact an experienced VA attorney to assist you in filing your lawsuit.

In addition to the two-year statute of limitations, veterans have to exhaust all administrative remedies before filing a lawsuit. One of our VA attorneys can help you through the process.

Are Veterans and their family members covered for health care?

Yes, Veterans and their families are covered by the VA disability benefits given to veterans who demonstrate a presumptive condition and submitted proof of service at Camp Lejune between 1954 – 1985.

The Camp Lejeune Act of 2012 provides health care benefits for Veterans and their families. Veterans must show they have any of the covered conditions like esophageal cancer. Family members are eligible for medical expense reimbursement.

Family members must submit the following to receive reimbursement:

Documentation showing a legal relationship with the veteran stationed at Camp Lejeune.
Documentation showing the family member lived on the base for at least 30 days from 1954 – 1985.
Documentation showing you paid health care costs for a covered condition.

To enroll in VA health care, apply at www.va.gov/health benefits/apply/ or call 1-877-222-8387 for help.

Camp Lejeune Water Cause Esophageal Cancer

It is no secrete that Camp Lejeune contained contaminated water for many years. The water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with Trichloroethylene (TCE) Perchloroethylene, Trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, Vinyl chloride, and Benzene.

Evidence that Camp Lejeune Water Caused Esophageal Cancer

Prolonged exposure to the chemicals mentioned above is linked to all kinds of diseases, including esophageal cancer. A study was done with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) put together modeling studies that tracked water contamination over time.

Those studies were taken and used to link specific diseases to the levels of water contamination at Camp Lejeune at any given time. The scientists connected the levels of contamination to diseases linked Esophageal Cancer to the levels of water contamination.

The ASTDR found that the higher levels of chlorinated solvents in the water at Camp Lejeune led to higher rates of Esophageal Cancer among Camp Lejeune residents and veterans.

If you are diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer and were stationed at Camp LeJeune between 1950 – 1985, then you need to explore your options in receiving health benefits, payments, and settlement as a result of legal action. Our attorneys are standing by to assist you through the claims process.