Blog

Get Justice

Name(Required)
Address
Please select all that apply:
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form

Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Marines Sickened by Camp Lejeune Water to Receive Medical Care

Marines Sickened by Camp Lejeune Water to Receive Medical Care

On Monday, President Obama signed into law the bill we discussed on the blog last week. Camp Lejeune Marines and their families who served between 1957 and 1987 will now be eligible to receive medical care for certain illnesses caused by contaminated water at the base.

In a signing ceremony at the White House, the President stated that Americans “have a moral, sacred duty toward our men and women in uniform.” He continued by saying, “They protect our freedom and it’s our obligation to do right by them. This bill takes another important step in fulfilling that commitment.”

Congress passed the bill last week with bipartisan support in the House and Senate. Health officials estimate that between 750,000 and 1 million service members and their families were exposed to the contaminated water.

What Ailments Are Covered?

The new law will allow those who served or lived at Camp Lejeune for more than 30 days between January 1, 1957 and December 31, 1987 to receive medical care. Some of the illnesses they can receive treatment for include:

  • Cancer – lung, breast, esophageal, kidney and bladder
  • Leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes (blood-related medical conditions)
  • Infertility

Water tests showed the presence of chemicals such as benzene and vinyl chloride. The contamination was tied to leaking fuel tanks and an off-base dry cleaner.

One of the Marines that fought for passage of the bill, Jerry Ensminger, attended the signing. He had been fighting for more information regarding the contaminated water since 1985 when his nine-year-old daughter died of a rare form of childhood leukemia.

There have been concerns that Marine leaders were slow to act when they discovered the contamination. However, the new law will allow those injured to receive medical care.

Source: CBS News, “Obama signs bill for Camp Lejeune water victims,” Aug. 7, 2012.

For more information, please see our Nationwide VA Benefit Compensation page.

Berry Law

The attorneys at Berry Law are dedicated to helping injured Veterans. With extensive experience working with VA disability claims, Berry Law can help you with your disability appeals.

This material is for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship between the Firm and the reader, and does not constitute legal advice. Legal advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case, and the contents of this blog are not a substitute for legal counsel.

Related Posts

What is the Elective Option? Camp Lejeune Justice Act
What is the Elective Option? Camp Lejeune Justice Act
Neurobehavioral Effects From Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
Neurobehavioral Effects From Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
How to File a Claim for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
How to File a Claim for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

Subscribe to our newsletter

The Service Connection

Our monthly newsletter features about important and up-to-date veterans' law news, keeping you informed about the changes that matter.

Skip to content