The PACT Act allows Camp Lejeune veterans and families harmed by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune to file lawsuits against the federal government.
The Justice for Camp Lejeune Veterans
On Wednesday, Aug. 10, President Joe Biden signed the comprehensive Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022 into law, allowing military veterans and families harmed by contaminated water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune to file lawsuits against the federal government.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, which focuses on four decades of water contamination, is just one part of the much broader PACT Act, which expands access to health care and disability benefits for veterans harmed by toxic exposures around the world.
Biden lauded the bipartisan support for the PACT Act at the signing.
“There are a lot of issues we can disagree on, but there are issues we can work together on, and this is one of those issues. We have fought for this for so many years,” he said. “This law is long overdue. We finally got it done together.”
Biden spotlighted the critical support this legislation offers survivors and noted that as commander in chief he believes his role “includes always fighting for the care and benefits you more than earned and more than deserve. Got it done and God bless you all.”
The legislation specifically says that in any health care or disability lawsuit regarding contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, the U.S. government may not assert any claim to immunity that would typically be available.
All legal action against the government must be filed through the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, the jurisdiction covering the base.
“I am urging veterans of those decades of war to promptly file for your claims,” Biden said. “The VA will move as quickly as possible to resolve your claim and get you the benefits and the care you have earned.”
To determine if you are eligible to file a lawsuit for compensation after being exposed to water contamination at Camp Lejeune, contact us today. You must be a designated party in the class action lawsuit to receive your compensation. The Lidji Firm is a seasoned and respected class action and mass torts law firm. Our Camp Lejeune Lawyers can ensure you are not left out.
What Should You Do if Exposed to the Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune?
There are presumptive conditions for Camp Lejeune.
From the 1950s through the 1980s, people living or working at the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, were potentially exposed to drinking water contaminated with industrial solvents, benzene, and other chemicals.
Learn about research on past chemical contamination.
As a part of the Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012, qualifying Veterans can receive all their health care (except dental care) from VA if they served on active duty at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987, even if they don’t have a health condition that is presumed to be related to exposure.
For individuals with one of the 15 medical conditions presumed to be related to exposure, there is no charge for care. For other health conditions, Veterans will have a co-pay, depending on income and health eligibility priority category.
Presumptive conditions for Camp Lejeune for Immediate Health Care
The Veterans Administration or VA has established a presumptive service connection for Veterans, Reservists, and National Guard members exposed to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune from August 1, 1953 through December 31, 1987 who later developed one of the following eight diseases:
- Adult leukemia
- Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Parkinson’s disease
Presently, these conditions are the only ones for which there is sufficient scientific and medical evidence to support the creation of presumptions; however, VA will continue to review relevant information as it becomes available.
Veterans who are experiencing other health conditions that they think may be related to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune are encouraged to contact their primary care provider and to file a claim. VA reviews and decides disability compensation claims on a case-by-case basis.
Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012: Veterans’ Healthcare
In accordance with the 2012 Camp Lejeune health care law, VA provides cost-free health care for certain conditions to Veterans who served at least 30 days of active duty at Camp Lejeune from August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987.
Qualifying health conditions include:
- Esophageal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Renal toxicity
- Female infertility
- Scleroderma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Lung cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Leukemia
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Hepatic steatosis
- Miscarriage
- Neurobehavioral effects
Veterans eligible for health care under the 2012 Camp Lejeune health care law may enroll in VA health care and receive medical services for the 15 covered health conditions at no cost (including copayments).
Not yet enrolled in VA health care? Apply online or call 1-877-222-8387 for help. Inform VA staff that you served on active duty at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days during the covered time period.
Family Member Healthcare Reimbursement
Family members of Veterans who also resided at Camp Lejeune during the qualifying period are eligible for reimbursement of out-of-pocket medical expenses related to the 15 covered health conditions. VA can only pay treatment costs that remain after payment from your other health plans.
Apply online for reimbursement or call 1-866-372-1144 for help.
What type of evidence can I submit with my application?
- Documentation showing dependent relationship to a Veteran who served at Camp Lejeune, such as marriage license or birth certificate
- Documentation showing you lived on the base for 30 days or more between Aug. 1, 1953 and Dec. 31, 1987 such as copies of orders or base housing records
- You paid health care expenses for a covered condition respective to the following date ranges.
- If you lived on Camp Lejeune between January 1, 1957 and December 31, 1987, then you can be reimbursed for care that you received on or after August 6, 2012
- If you lived on Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1956, then you can be reimbursed for care that you received on or after December 16, 2014
When evidence is not submitted, VA will use all relevant evidence from internal sources and the Department of Defense (DoD) to support your application. Please be aware it may take longer to review your application.
To determine if you are eligible to file a lawsuit for compensation after being exposed to water contamination at Camp Lejeune, call The Lidji Firm at (800) 223-7455 or submit your case.
