From August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987, the water at Camp Lejeune – the United States Marine Corps base located near Jacksonville, North Carolina – was contaminated with toxic chemicals including trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), vinyl chloride (VC) and benzene. During that 34 year period, innocent Marines, military families, and civilians who lived and worked on base drank and bathed in the poisoned water. It’s estimated that more than one million people have suffered various illnesses as a result of their exposure to the chemicals.

In August of 2022, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 went into effect, finally giving these individuals and their families - many of whom suffered from various cancers - an opportunity to seek justice.

Our law firm is here to serve the Marines, their families, and the many civilians who spent years serving our country at Camp Lejeune. Whether you, your spouse, your children, your parent, or someone you care about has experienced an injury or illness due to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune, we are here to help. For more information, contact our personal injury lawyer or fill out this form, so we can immediately begin assessing the connection between the poisoned water and your illness/injury.

Illnesses Caused By the Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune 

Exposure to the toxic chemicals in Camp Lejeune’s water has been connected to a list of 17 illnesses/conditions. Eight of these illnesses are presumptive conditions, which means the VA presumes that they were caused by the poisonous water at Camp Lejeune. The remaining 9 conditions have been linked to Camp Lejeune, but are not considered presumptive illnesses.

8 Presumptive Illnesses Caused by Camp Lejeune’s Toxic Water

Presumptive service connection has been established for the below list of illnesses, which means if a person spent at least 30 days at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 and has been diagnosed with one of these illnesses, the VA automatically assumes it was caused by the toxic water at Camp Lejeune. Presumptive service connection allows those affected to receive VA benefits without the burden of proving that their illness was caused by the chemicals in the water.Camp Lejeune Presumptive Illnesses

  1. Adult leukemia
  2. Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
  3. Bladder cancer
  4. Kidney cancer
  5. Liver cancer
  6. Multiple myeloma
  7. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
  8. Parkinson's disease

VA Disability Benefits

If you or a family member spent at least 30 days at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 and have been diagnosed with one of the above presumptive illnesses, you are likely eligible to receive VA disability benefits.

How Presumptive Service Connection May Affect My Legal Claim for the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

The strength of your legal claim will depend on the severity of your condition and how clearly we are able to connect your illness to the contaminated water.

Presumptive service connection was established for the above eight conditions when the VA had sufficient evidence to connect the illnesses to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. This will be extremely helpful when submitting your legal claim for additional damages because the evidence of the connection is readily available for our team to use when building your case. The presumptive classification will make it difficult for the government to argue that you or your family’s condition is not connected to Camp Lejeune.

Additional Illnesses Linked to Camp Lejeune

The below nine illnesses have also been linked to the toxic water, but has not been classified as presumptive by the VA. However, research has shown that there is a strong link between these conditions and the toxic chemicals in Camp Lejeune’s water. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with one of the below conditions, our team of Camp Lejeune lawyers are here to help you submit your claim and begin seeking justice.

  1. Breast cancer
  2. Esophageal cancer
  3. Female infertility
  4. Hepatic steatosis
  5. Lung Cancer
  6. Miscarriage
  7. Neurobehavioral effects (like Parkinson’s Disease and ALS)
  8. Renal Toxicity
  9. Sclerodoma

What Can I Do If I Have Been Diagnosed with a Serious Illness After Exposure to Toxic Water at Camp Lejeune?

If you or a loved one were exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune for more than 30 days between 1953 and 1987 and have been diagnosed with one of the above 17 conditions, you may be able to seek compensation for the harm you have experienced. To get started, you can fill out this form or call our office today at (803) 790-2800.

At the Law Office of Kenneth Berger, we began taking these cases because we want to ensure the military men and women who served our country and their families receive the time and attention they deserve throughout the duration of their case. One of our attorneys, Janek Kazmierski, is a former Marine who served as an infantry officer with the 6th Marine Regiment. Janek remains connected with the military community as a member of the Marine Corps Association & Foundation and a life-member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Janek and our team will handle each case as if it were our own mothers, fathers, and children who were affected by the poisoned water at Camp Lejeune.

Lawsuit vs. VA Disability Claims for Camp Lejeune Victims

Applying for VA disability benefits and filing a legal claim are not the same. Service members and their family members can apply for VA disability benefits that will cover the cost of healthcare for injuries and illnesses connected to your service. There are Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) that offer free assistance with VA disability claims related to Camp Lejeune.

Filing a legal claim for the harm you experienced due to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune is totally separate from the disability claims process with the VA. While disability benefits can help cover monetary losses from your illness, such as medical expenses and compensation to supplement wages, they will not cover non-economic damages that resulted from your illness - like pain, mental anguish, and lost enjoyment of life. That is where our firm can help.

Our team is here to help you file a claim seeking compensation for the harm caused by the poisonous chemicals in Camp Lejeune’s water. To get started, fill out this form, so we can immediately begin assessing your eligibility for a claim. Once determined, we will handle everything from there - filling out and submitting your claim form, gathering documentation to prove your presence at Camp Lejeune, working with medical experts to link your illness to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water, and most importantly, advocating on your behalf to help you secure compensation beyond your disability benefits.

Conditions and Symptoms Caused By Camp Lejeune’s Contaminated Water

*indicates the illness has presumptive service connection for people who lived and/or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987

  1. Adult Leukemia*

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the body’s blood-forming tissues, including bone marrow and the lymphatic system, causing your bone marrow to overproduce white blood cells that don’t function properly.1 Common symptoms of leukemia include:

  • Fever or chills
  • Persistent fatigue/weakness
  • Frequent or severe infections
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen
  • Easy bleeding or bruising
  • Recurrent nosebleeds
  • Tiny red spots in your skin (petechiae)
  • Excessive sweating (especially at night)
  • Bone pain or tenderness

Benzene, one of the chemicals found in the water at Camp Lejeune, has been linked to  an increased risk of leukemia.

  1. Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)*

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of disorders caused by poorly formed blood cells that die within the bone marrow or just after entering the bloodstream.2 Overtime, the defective cells outnumber the healthy cells leading to symptoms like:

  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Unusual paleness
  • Easy or unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Tiny red spots in your skin (petechiae)
  • Frequent infections

MDS has also been linked to benzene, a toxic chemical found in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune.

  1. Bladder cancer*

Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the bladder. Though this type of cancer is treatable, it has a high recurrence rate, which means you will typically need follow-up tests for many years after treatment to ensure it has not returned.3 Symptoms of bladder cancer include:

  • Blood in urine, causing it to appear bright red or cola-colored
  • Frequent urination
  • Painful urination
  • Back pain

Your kidneys filter out harmful chemicals from your bloodstream and send them to your bladder. Exposure to certain chemicals, like the ones found in Camp Lejeune’s water, have been linked to bladder cancer. Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) is suspected by researchers to lead to a higher risk of bladder cancer.4 

  1. Kidney cancer*

Like many types of cancer, kidney cancer is caused by mutated cells within the kidneys.5 Symptoms of kidney cancer may include:

  • Blood in urine, causing it to appear bright red or cola-colored
  • Pain in your back or side that doesn’t go away
  • Loss of appetite
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Fever

Veterans and people who lived and worked at Camp Lejeune have an increased risk of developing kidney cancer because of their exposure to the toxic chemicals in the water. Scientific evidence strongly connects trichloroethylene (TCE) to kidney cancer in humans.6

  1. Liver cancer* 

Liver cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the cells of your liver. Although many types of cancer spread to the liver after starting in another organ, it is only considered liver cancer if it begins within the liver.7 Symptoms of liver cancer may include:

  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Upper abdominal pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • General weakness and fatigue
  • Abdominal swelling
  • Jaundice (yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes)
  • White, chalky stools

Veterans and people who lived and worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days have an increased risk of developing liver cancer because of their exposure to the toxic chemicals in the water. According to the CDC, there is some evidence that trichloroethylene (TCE) causes liver cancer in humans.6 

  1. Multiple myeloma*

Multiple myeloma is a cancer that forms in your plasma cells which are white blood cells that help you fight infections. These cancerous plasma cells produce quickly and overwhelm healthy cells, causing fatigue and an inability to fight infections.8 Symptoms of multiple myeloma may include:

  • Bone pain, especially in the spine or chest
  • Nausea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Mental fogginess or confusion
  • Fatigue
  • Frequent infections
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Weakness or numbness in the legs
  • Excessive thirst

Multiple myeloma is one of the most common illnesses associated with exposure to Camp Lejeune’s toxic water. Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) is a proven cause of multiple myeloma in humans and was one of the chemicals present in the water at Camp Lejeune.4

  1. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma*

Non-hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in your body’s germ-fighting immune system, known as the lymphatic system, when your body overproduces lymphocytes, a certain type of white blood cell. Cancerous lymphocytes often begin in your lymph nodes but can easily spread through your lymphatic system, including your tonsils, adenoids, spleen, thymus, and bone marrow.9 Symptoms may include:

  • Swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits, and groin
  • Abdominal pain or swelling
  • Chest pain, coughing, or trouble breathing
  • Persistent fatigue
  • Fever
  • Night sweats
  • Unexplained weight loss

The VA considers non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma a presumptive condition, so if you spent at least 30 days at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 and have been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, you are eligible for VA disability benefits. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can be caused by tetrachloroethylene (PCE), one of the four chemicals known to be in the water at Camp Lejeune.4 

  1. Parkinson's disease*

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nerve disorder in which neurons, a type of nerve cell in the brain, slowly break down over time. This loss of nerve cells results in lack of dopamine, a chemical that your brain needs to function properly. With this decrease in functional capability, you will begin to lose motor control, which will worsen with time.10 Symptoms may include:

  • Tremors
  • Slowed movement
  • Rigid muscles
  • Impaired posture and balance
  • Loss of automatic movements
  • Speech changes
  • Writing changes

Parkinson’s disease is listed by the VA as one of the presumptive conditions for benefits, meaning that if you or a loved one spent 30 days at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you are eligible for compensation if diagnosed with this disease.

  1. Breast cancer 

Breast cancer forms when some cells in your breast begin to divide more quickly than other cells. These cells can then begin to spread throughout the body to cause cancer in other areas. Breast cancer occurs more commonly in women, but it can occur in men.11 Symptoms may include:

  • Lump or thickening in the breast that feels different than surrounding tissue
  • Change in size, shape, or appearance of a breast
  • Changes in skin over breast, such as dimpling
  • Newly inverted nipple
  • Peeling, scaling, crusting, or flaking of the areola or skin
  • Redness or pitting of skin

Breast cancer is not one of the presumptive conditions listed by the VA. However, if you have been diagnosed with breast cancer after spending at least 30 days at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, our team is here to help link your illness to your exposure and seek justice.

  1. Esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer is cancer in the esophagus. The esophagus is the long, narrow tube that connects your throat to your stomach and is used primarily for eating and drinking. This cancer usually begins when cancerous cells develop within the tissue of the esophagus.12 Symptoms may include:

  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Weight loss without trying
  • Chest pain
  • Chest pressure
  • Burning in chest
  • Worsening indigestion or heartburn
  • Coughing
  • Hoarseness

If you have been diagnosed with this condition after spending at least 30 days at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, a lawyer could help you seek compensation for the harm you’ve experienced.

  1. Female infertility

Female infertility is a condition that encompasses many similar conditions. Infertility in women is defined as an inability to get pregnant within one year, or 6 months if the woman is over 35, when an individual is actively trying to conceive. It can also refer to repeated miscarriages during the same time frame.13 Symptoms may include:

  • Irregular menstrual cycles
  • Menstrual cycles that are too far apart (35 days or more)
  • Menstrual cycles that are too close together (21 days or less)
  • Absent menstrual cycles

Some studies indicate that trichloroethylene (TCE), which was present in the Camp Lejeune water, can be linked to female infertility.6 

  1. Hepatic steatosis

Also referred to as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, Hepatic Steatosis refers to a range of liver conditions which affect people who drink little or no alcohol. The main characteristic of this condition is the storage of too much fat in the liver cells. This condition typically is not accompanied by any symptoms, even at its late stages, but there may be some present.14 Symptoms may include:

  • Fatigue
  • Pain or discomfort in upper right abdomen

Exposure to the chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune could be linked to this disease.

  1. Lung Cancer

Lung cancer begins in the lungs, the organs which allow you to breathe.15 Symptoms may include:

  • Persistent cough
  • Coughing up blood
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Hoarseness
  • Losing weight without trying
  • Bone pain
  • Headache

Lung cancer is possibly caused by some of the chemicals found in the water at Camp Lejeune during the period between 1953 and 1987.

  1. Miscarriage

A miscarriage is defined as when a baby dies in the womb before 20 weeks of pregnancy. Repeat miscarriages are when a woman has 2 or more miscarriages consecutively.16 Symptoms may include:

  • Bleeding from the vagina
  • Spotting
  • Cramps similar to menstrual cramps
  • Severe belly pain

The emotional pain from a miscarriage can take often much longer to heal from than the physical pain. If you or a loved one have suffered miscarriages that are related to the chemicals in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune, you are able to file a claim to seek damages for the harm you’ve experienced.

  1. Neurobehavioral effects (like Parkinson’s Disease and ALS)

Neurobehavioral effects include a variety of conditions which relate to the relationship between the nervous system and behavior. Symptoms may include:

  • Poor memory
  • Dementia
  • Poor concentration
  • PTSD
  • Insomnia
  • Fatigue
  • Motor problems

Being exposed to the chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune could lead to neurobehavioral effects, including Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and others.

  1. Renal Toxicity

Renal toxicity occurs when your kidneys lose their ability to filter toxins and chemicals out of your blood. When these chemicals cannot be filtered out, dangerous levels of them may accumulate. This condition typically develops rapidly, within a few days. It can be fatal, but with proper treatment, the effects can be reversed.17 Symptoms may include:

  • Decreased urine output
  • Fluid retention
  • Swelling in legs, ankles, and feet
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • Weakness
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Chest pain
  • Chest pressure
  • Seizures
  • Coma

Renal toxicity has been linked to the toxic chemicals found in Camp Lejeune’s drinking water. If you were diagnosed with renal toxicity after being exposed during the qualifying period, our team is here to help you file a claim for the harm you’ve experienced.

  1. Sclerodoma

Sclerodoma, also referred to as systemic sclerosis, is a group of conditions which affect the skin, resulting in hardening and tightening. It is rare and has no cure, but treatments can improve quality of life and reduce symptoms for those who have it.18 Symptoms may include:

  • Hardening of skin
  • Tightening of skin
  • Swelling
  • Itchiness
  • Skin lightening
  • Skin darkening
  • Skin becoming shiny
  • Red spots on hands and face
  • Fingers or toes turning red, blue, or white and becoming numb
  • Heartburn
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Bloating
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Fecal incontinence
  • Shortness of breath
  • Decreased exercise tolerance
  • Dizziness
  • Heartbeat irregularity
  • Heart failure

Sclerodoma could be caused by the chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987.

Get Started with Our Camp Lejeune Lawyers Today

If you have been diagnosed with one of the above conditions after exposure to the chemicals in Camp Lejeune’s water, we are here to help you. When working with our firm, you can expect clear communication and respectful guidance throughout the entire legal process.

We are not a volume firm. We believe that every man, woman, and child who has been harmed by the poisonous water at Camp Lejeune deserves to have quality, attentive legal representation. It is truly our honor to be able to serve the military men and women who have served our country.

To begin the claims process, please contact our firm by filling out the form on this page or by calling us at (803) 790-2800. We look forward to speaking with you and seeing how we can help.

 

Resources

  1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/leukemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20374373
  2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/myelodysplastic-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20366977
  3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bladder-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20356104
  4. https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/ToxFAQs/ToxFAQsDetails.aspx?faqid=264&toxid=48
  5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352664
  6. https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/ToxFAQs/ToxFAQsDetails.aspx?faqid=172&toxid=30
  7. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/liver-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353659
  8. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-myeloma/symptoms-causes/syc-20353378
  9. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/non-hodgkins-lymphoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20375680
  10. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20376055
  11. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/breast-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352470
  12. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/esophageal-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20356084
  13. https://medlineplus.gov/femaleinfertility.html
  14. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20354567
  15. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lung-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20374620
  16. https://www.marchofdimes.org/complications/miscarriage.aspx
  17. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-failure/symptoms-causes/syc-20369048
  18. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/scleroderma/symptoms-causes/syc-20351952
Kenneth Berger
Kenneth Berger
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Columbia and Myrtle Beach car accident and personal injury lawyer dedicated to securing justice for clients.