Camp Lejeune FAQs

What Types of Toxic Chemicals Were Present in the Water at Camp Lejeune?

Investigators found that a business that provided dry-cleaning services near Camp Lejeune was disposing of chemicals improperly, causing wells and water systems in the area to become contaminated. Other sources of toxic chemicals may also have caused water contamination, including industrial waste dumps, burn pits, fuel tanks, and materials used for fire-fighting training. The harmful chemicals people may have been exposed to include:

• Perchloroethylene (PCE)
• Trichloroethylene (TCE)
• Dichloroethylene (DCE)
• Benzene
• Vinyl chloride
• Methylene chloride
• Toluene

What Are the Health Issues That May Affect Those Who Were Exposed to Harmful Chemicals at Camp Lejeune?

The chemicals present in the water at Camp Lejeune have been linked a wide variety of health issues, including:

• Kidney cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Liver cancer
• Breast cancer
• Lung cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Brain cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Rectal cancer
• Soft tissue cancer
• Bone marrow cancer
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Multiple myeloma
• Leukemia
• Heart defects
• Parkinson’s disease
• Neurological issues, including delayed reaction times, problems with short-term memory, impairments to visual perception, attention deficit disorders, or color blindness
• Behavioral issues, including depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders
• Renal disease, potentially leading to kidney failure
• Aplastic anemia
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Immune system disorders
• Scleroderma, which involves hardening or tightening of the skin and connective tissues in the body
• Hypersensitivity skin disorders
• Infertility
• Increased risk of miscarriage
• Low birth weight
• Birth defects, including eye defects, choanal atresia resulting in blocked nasal passages, cleft lip or palate, neural tube defects such as spina bifida or anencephaly, and other major malformations

Who Can Pursue Compensation for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Injuries?

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 allows veterans and family members who were affected by water contaminated with toxic chemicals at Camp Lejeune to pursue lawsuits seeking compensation for damages related to the health issues they have experienced. If a veteran or family member lived in the area around Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between 1953 and 1987, they will be eligible to pursue compensation. Those who were in utero during this time will also be able to take legal action to address birth defects or other health issues they have experienced.

A person can seek compensation if they can demonstrate one of the following:

• They suffered health issues or other injuries that were caused by exposure to toxic chemicals in contaminated water.
• They experienced health issues that are associated or linked with the harmful chemicals in contaminated water.
• Their exposure to toxic chemicals in contaminated water increased the likelihood that they would suffer harm.

What Are the Time Limits for Pursuing a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Injury Lawsuit?

A two-year statute of limitations generally applies in cases where veterans or family members suffered injuries due to water contamination at Camp Lejeune. A person may pursue a lawsuit within two years after they discovered that they had suffered harm. If the person pursues an administrative claim, they may file a lawsuit within 180 days after the denial of the claim. In cases where a victim discovered that they had suffered harm more than two years ago, lawsuits may be filed within two years after the passage of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.

How Will Lawsuits Addressing Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Affect Veteran’s Disability Benefits?

Veterans who have experienced injuries or health issues related to their military service may qualify for disability benefits. However, these benefits are handled separately from civil lawsuits seeking to recover monetary damages for health issues caused by exposure to toxic chemicals at Camp Lejeune. If a person had previously received disability benefits, they may be entitled to additional compensation addressing damages such as medical expenses, loss of past and future income, and pain and suffering.