In 2012, Congress passed the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejume Families Act, which provided, in part, for health care (for veterans who served at least 30 days in Camp Lejune) and co-pay reimbursements for veterans and family members who lived at Camp Lejune from January 1, 1957, through December 31, 1987, and who suffered from any of the fifteen diseases deemed related to the toxic water. The covered diseases include esophageal cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, leukemia, multiple myeloma, myleodysplasic syndromes, renal toxicity, hepatic steatosis, female infertility, miscarriage, scleroderma, neurobehavioral effects, and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
The 2012 law provided for immediate health care and reimbursement of copays to veterans, but delayed reimbursement to veterans’ dependents. On September 9, 2014, a Final Rule was issued providing for health care and co-pay reimbursements for “Camp Lejune family members.” The final rule defines a Camp Lejune family member as an individual who resided (or was in utero while his or her mother either resided at Camp Lejune or served at Camp Lejune) for at least 30 days during the January 1, 1957, through December 31, 1987, time period. In addition, the individual must be related to a Camp Lejune veteran by birth, was married to such a veteran, or was a legal dependent of the veteran.
Reimbursement of co-pays for veterans can date back to August 6, 2012, and March 26, 2013, for Camp Lejune family members. Veterans and Camp Lejune family members can apply for Camp Lejune toxic water benefits by enrolling online with the VA or at a local VA facility.
The experienced veteran’s disability attorneys at Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. serve veterans throughout the Gulf Coast area, including, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Contact us at 251-343-1111 for a free case evaluation.