VA May Expand List of Conditions Caused by Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune

The VA is currently considering adding new conditions to the list that qualify for healthcare from the VA because of exposure to the contaminated water at USMC Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. The VA currently provides only healthcare for these conditions, not disability compensation. Veterans who served at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 currently qualify to have the VA provide healthcare for the following conditions:

            Esophageal cancer                            Lung cancer

            Breast cancer                                     Bladder cancer

            Kidney cancer                                   Leukemia

            Multiple myeloma                             Myelodysplastic syndromes

            Renal toxicity                                     Hepatic steatosis

            Female infertility                               Miscarriage

            Scleroderma                                      Neurobehavioral effects

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

The VA also reimburses eligible family members who lived on base during that time period for healthcare costs related to their exposure to the contaminated water.

The VA will be working closely with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to review the new conditions that are being considered for the list. Among the diseases that are being reviewed are acute myelogenous leukemia and angiosarcoma of the liver, both of which are known to be related to long-term exposure to those chemicals that were found in the water supply.

The VA and the ATSDR will be meeting on the 19^th to start discussions. As soon as they publish their determinations, we will let you know.

Veterans who believe that they have health problems that are not currently considered connected to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune may file a claim online at www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 for help.