The water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with toxic chemicals from August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987. Some of these toxic chemicals included vinyl chloride, benzene, and tetrachlorethylene. Various military families and marines consumed that toxic water and as a result suffered illnesses. There were obvious symptoms of toxic water exposure that these veterans showed. Continue reading to learn about the types of benefits that are available for toxic water exposure and the illnesses related to the chemicals.
Illnesses Related to Toxic Water Exposure
There have been at least 17 illnesses and medical conditions that were related to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. Out of the 17, 8 of them are considered presumptive, which means that the VA believes they were a direct result of the toxic water at Camp Lejeune. The remaining 9 illnesses have been associated to Camp Lejeune itself. However, those are not said to be tentative illnesses.
The following 8 illnesses are said to be directly related to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune:
- Bladder cancer
- Leukemia
- Kidney cancer
- Aplastic anemia
- Liver cancer
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
The following 9 illnesses are not considered tentative but are said to be linked to Camp Lejeune:
- Female infertility
- Breast cancer
- Scleroderma
- Miscarriage
- Esophageal cancer
- Hepatic steatosis
- Lung cancer
- Renal toxicity
- Neurobehavioral effects
Options for Those Diagnosed With an Illness Related to Camp Lejeune
If you or a family member consumed or was exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune, you may be eligible to receive compensation. However, you must have been diagnosed with one of the above-mentioned illnesses and exposed for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987.
There are attorneys available to handle these cases in particular. Military veterans should receive what they deserve. VA disability benefits are available for these veterans in particular.
Lawsuits vs. Disability Benefits for Camp Lejeune Victims
Filing a lawsuit and receiving VA disability benefits are not the same. If you are an affected veteran, you can apply for VA disability benefits to cover your medical expenses for any sickness or injury you endured in relation to your time spent in Camp Lejeune.
On the other hand, you may still be eligible to file a legal claim for any injuries or illness you experienced as a result of the contaminated water. Disability benefits will take care of your medical expenses and will act as supplement wages. However, these benefits will not cover any non-economic damages. This is why it is important that you file a legal claim to receive compensation for non-economic damages. These damages are for mental anguish, pain, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Symptoms of Toxic Water Exposure
Depending on the illness you developed, symptoms may vary.
For example, if you developed adult leukemia, some symptoms you may experience are:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever
- Frequent infections
- Fatigue
- Bone tenderness or pain
- Recurrent nosebleeds
- Easy bruising
If you developed bladder cancer as a result of toxic water exposure, your symptoms may include:
- Painful or frequent urination
- Back pain
- Blood in urine
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma has symptoms including:
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Night sweats
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Swollen lymph nodes
If you developed Parkinson’s disease as a result of toxic water exposure, some symptoms you may experience are:
- Speech changes
- Tremors
- Writing changes
- Rigid muscles
- Slowed movement
- Impaired balance and posture