Female Fertility Issues from Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

The water contamination scandal at Camp Lejeune, a United States Marine Corps base in North Carolina, has left a trail of devastation in its wake. Between 1953 and 1987, the water supply at the base was tainted with a cocktail of toxic chemicals, including industrial solvents, benzene, and over 70 other hazardous substances.

The consequences of this prolonged exposure have been severe, particularly for female Veterans and family members who lived on the base during this period. Among the many health issues linked to contaminated water, female fertility problems have emerged as a significant concern.

For women who have experienced fertility issues because of exposure to these toxic chemicals, the road to recovery can be long and challenging. However, with the support of experienced legal professionals and the strength of the Veteran community, it is possible to seek justice and compensation for the harm that has been done.

The Scope of the Problem

The water treatment plants at Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River could not effectively remove the toxic chemicals from the water supply. As a result, anyone who served, worked, or lived at these locations for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, was potentially exposed to these harmful substances. This includes Veterans from all branches of the military, reservists, guardsmen, their family members, and even children who were exposed in utero.

The Impact on Female Fertility

Several of the chemicals found in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River have been linked to female fertility issues and even infertility. These chemicals can disrupt the delicate balance of hormones in the body, interfere with ovulation, and damage reproductive organs. For many women who were exposed to contaminated water, the dream of starting a family has been shattered by the lasting effects of these toxic substances.

Diagnosing Fertility Issues Linked to Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water

Veterans and their family members who were at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River for at least 30 cumulative days during the specified period are eligible for health care benefits related to the water contamination. If a woman experienced fertility issues, their physician may have performed various tests to diagnose the problem, such as ovulation testing, hysterosalpingography, ovarian reserve testing, hormone testing, imaging tests, laparoscopy, and genetic testing. These tests can help identify the underlying causes of infertility and guide treatment decisions.

Treatment Options and Risks

Treatment for female infertility often involves medication and, in some cases, surgery. Common medications prescribed for fertility issues include clomiphene citrate, gonadotropins, metformin, letrozole, and bromocriptine. However, these drugs can carry risks, such as multiple fetus pregnancies, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, and long-term risks of ovarian tumors.

In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to restore fertility, such as laparoscopic or hysteroscopic surgery and tubal surgeries. Infertility treatment can cause various side effects and may not always be successful.

Filing a Claim for Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Injuries

The federal government has acknowledged the injustice suffered by those exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. In August 2022, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was signed into law as part of the larger Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act.

Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, individuals who were exposed to the contaminated water for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, can file a claim for compensation. This process requires gathering extensive medical records, military service records, and other documentation to prove exposure and the resulting health issues. 

To file a claim, the injured person must first submit an administrative claim to the appropriate government agency, typically the Department of the Navy’s Office of the Judge Advocate General. This claim must include a detailed account of their exposure to the contaminated water, the specific health issues they have experienced, and the damages they are seeking.

The government has six months to respond to their claim. If the claim is denied or not resolved within that time frame, the injured may then file a lawsuit in federal court.

The Role of VA Benefits Lawyers in Camp Lejeune Claims

Lawyers can and should be involved in the initial claim filing process for injuries related to the Camp Lejeune water contamination. While it is possible for individuals to file an administrative claim on their own, working with an experienced Veterans attorney from the very beginning can provide numerous benefits and improve the chances of a successful outcome.

Here’s how lawyers can assist in the initial claim filing process:

• Guidance and advice: Attorneys can provide valuable guidance on the claim filing process, helping individuals understand their rights, the deadlines involved, and the evidence needed to support their claim. They can answer questions, address concerns, and ensure that claimants are well-informed throughout the process.
• Evidence gathering: Lawyers can assist in gathering the necessary evidence to support a claim, including military records, medical records, and expert testimony. They can help navigate the complex process of obtaining these documents and ensure the claim is well-documented and compelling.
• Claim preparation: Attorneys can help prepare a thorough and persuasive administrative claim, ensuring that all relevant information is included and the claim is presented as effectively as possible. They can also help calculate the appropriate amount of damages to seek based on the specific circumstances of the case.
• Communication with government agencies: Lawyers can handle communication with the government agencies involved in the claim process, such as the Department of the Navy’s Office of the Judge Advocate General. They can follow up on the status of the claim, respond to any requests for additional information, and advocate for the claimant’s interests throughout the process.
• Evaluation of settlement offers: If the government makes a settlement offer in response to an administrative claim, attorneys can evaluate the offer and advise on whether it is fair and reasonable. They can also negotiate with the government on behalf of the claimant to seek a higher settlement amount if necessary.
• Preparation for litigation: If an administrative claim is denied or not resolved satisfactorily, lawyers can help prepare for the next step of filing a lawsuit in federal court. They can ensure that all necessary legal requirements are met and the case is presented in the strongest possible manner.

By working with a skilled Veterans attorney from the outset, Veterans and their families can ensure that their claim is handled properly and efficiently, increasing their chances of receiving the compensation they deserve. The attorneys at Berry Law are committed to guiding claimants through every step of the process, from the initial claim filing to the resolution of the case.

For women who have suffered from fertility issues due to the Camp Lejeune water contamination, the pain and heartache can be overwhelming. By speaking out about their experiences and seeking legal assistance, they can help raise awareness about the long-term effects of toxic exposure and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. Their voices matter, and their stories deserve to be heard. Berry Law works to ensure they are not alone in this struggle.

Contact Berry Law for Help With Health Claims Related to Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

Any female Veteran or family member who experienced fertility issues stationed at Camp Lejeune during the specified period can get help from an experienced attorney. We will navigate the complex process of filing a claim and seeking compensation for their injuries.

At Berry Law, our dedicated team of lawyers is committed to fighting for the rights of Veterans and their families affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that fertility issues can take on an individual and their loved ones.

Contact Berry Law today at (888) 883-2483 for a free consultation or fill out our online contact form to speak with a Veterans benefits lawyer. Our legal team is available 24/7 to answer questions and provide assistance. The firm represents Veterans in all 50 states.