For over three decades, from 1953 to 1987, the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina was the epicenter of a silent health crisis.
The very water that service members, their families, and civilian staff relied on was laced with dangerous chemicals.
The long-term effects of this exposure have resulted in numerous health challenges that continue to come to light even today.
Among these health concerns, Parkinson’s disease has been an area of growing investigation and concern.
Parkinson’s Disease and Camp Lejeune
The legacy of Camp Lejeune is twofold: a testament to the bravery and dedication of the Marines and a sobering reminder of the inadvertent health dangers associated with contaminated drinking water.
Increasing research suggests a potential link between Parkinson’s disease and the toxic contaminants in Camp Lejeune’s water supply.
To underline the extent of this environmental disaster, the VA has established that individuals who spent time at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River from August 1953 to December 1987 might have consumed or come into contact with the polluted water.
Focused investigations by the CDC highlighted two specific on-base water wells as the major contributors to this contamination.
These wells contained a slew of harmful chemicals, such as:
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Perchloroethylene (PCE)
- Trans-1
- Dichloroethylene (DCE)
- Benzene
- Vinyl chloride
Further research revealed an even larger list of contaminants, accentuating the wide-ranging contamination.
By 1985, the scope of the contamination had become starkly clear, leading to the closure of the affected wells.
The primary sources of this contamination were attributed to irresponsible waste disposal from a nearby dry cleaner located outside the base and other toxic practices, which introduced these hazardous chemicals to the water supply.
About Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder affecting movement.
Symptoms start gradually, often with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand.
Over time, the disease affects the entire body, leading to slowed movement, stiffness, and a loss of balance.
While the exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, certain environmental exposures have been linked to an increased risk of developing the condition.
Chemicals such as those found in the Camp Lejeune water may contribute to the onset or progression of diseases like Parkinson’s, although research is ongoing.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Timely identification of Parkinson’s disease can lead to early intervention, potentially slowing the progression and improving the quality of life for affected individuals.
Some primary symptoms to monitor include:
- Tremors or shaking, often beginning in a limb
- Slowed movement (bradykinesia)
- Rigid muscles, causing stiffness
- Impaired balance and coordination
- Changes in speech and writing
Individuals with a history linked to Camp Lejeune during the contamination period should be particularly attuned to these symptoms.
If any such symptoms are observed, seeking medical evaluation is essential for a timely diagnosis and appropriate management.
Am I eligible for VA disability compensation?
You may be eligible for disability compensation payments on a presumptive basis if you meet all of these requirements.
These requirements apply to Veterans, Reservists, and National Guard members.
Both of these descriptions must be true:
- You served at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River, North Carolina, for at least 30 days total between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and
- You didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge when you separated from the military
And you must have a diagnosis of 1 or more of these presumptive conditions:
- Adult leukemia
- Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Parkinson’s disease
Evidence shows a link between these conditions and exposure to chemicals found in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River during this time.
If you resided at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River, North Carolina, you also may be able to participate in the class-action lawsuit under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022.
Can I also get health care benefits?
Yes. If you meet the service requirements for Camp Lejeune, you may be eligible to enroll in VA health care.
If you have any of the 15 covered health conditions listed here, you won’t have to pay a copay for care for that condition.
Here are the 15 covered conditions related to Camp Lejeune:
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Female infertility
- Hepatic steatosis
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Lung cancer
- Miscarriage
- Multiple myeloma
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Neurobehavioral effects
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Renal toxicity
- Scleroderma
Note: If you also get VA health care for other conditions that aren’t on this list, you may need to pay a copay for that care.
How Hill & Ponton is Committed to Supporting Affected Veterans
The tragic legacy of Camp Lejeune’s water contamination continues to impact countless lives.
However, with the right legal support, affected individuals can seek and secure the benefits they rightly deserve.
At Hill & Ponton, our primary mission is to advocate for veterans’ rights.
We specialize in VA disability benefits, striving tirelessly to navigate the intricate legal processes on behalf of those who served.
If you or a loved one have been affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination, a lawyer from Hill&Ponton can help you.
Reach Out Today: You’ve served our country; now let us serve you.
Call Hill & Ponton at 1-888-477-2363 for professional assistance.
If you’ve been denied VA benefits and need help filing a claim, we’re here to support you.
Don’t delay—contact us and secure the compensation you deserve.
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