For decades, the U.S. government failed to protect the brave servicemen and women stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. For a staggering 34 years, from 1953 to 1987, a toxic brew of chemicals contaminated the water supply at Camp Lejeune, jeopardizing the health of hundreds of thousands.
The consequences of this negligence have been devastating, with countless individuals suffering from various cancers, birth defects, and other debilitating illnesses.
As the truth about Camp Lejeune’s toxic legacy came to light, the government faced intense pressure to take responsibility and provide support for the victims.
This blog post explores the U.S. government’s solemn pledge to right the wrongs of the past and ensure that Camp Lejeune victims receive the care and compensation they deserve.
The Long Road to Recognition and Justice
The fight for justice for Camp Lejeune victims has been a long and difficult one. For years, the government denied any wrongdoing and resisted calls for accountability. However, the persistence of victims and advocates gradually began to shift the tide.
2012
A turning point arrived in 2012 with the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act. This act, a hard-won concession, granted healthcare access to veterans and their families exposed to the toxins.
However, the specter of compensation—a crucial solace for many—remained unaddressed.
2017
A glimmer of progress emerged in 2017 when the VA Secretary authorized disability benefits for veterans afflicted by specific illnesses linked to the contamination.
These included leukemia, aplastic anemia, and bladder cancer. However, many victims still felt that the government’s response was inadequate. They argued that the list of covered diseases was too narrow and that the process for obtaining benefits was too complex and burdensome.
2022
Undeterred, advocates and lawmakers began pushing for more comprehensive legislation. They sought to establish a clear path to payout for Camp Lejeune victims.
Decades of struggle reached a turning point in 2022 with the enactment of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. This groundbreaking legislation allows the service people to seek legal compensation against the water toxicity at the Camp.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) and Its Significance
According to TorHoerman Law, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 stands as a watershed moment in environmental health law. This landmark ruling bypasses sovereign immunity and enables veterans and their families to sue the US government.
Before this Act, the Feres Doctrine generally shielded the government from such lawsuits by military personnel.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act offers a lifeline even if you lack a specific diagnosis like cancer or Parkinson’s, both linked to contaminated water. It allows anyone demonstrably harmed by the toxins to pursue financial compensation.
You just have time untill August 2024 to file a federal case. Take charge of your health. Explore your options for support if you have received a definitive diagnosis.
The Government’s Ongoing Efforts to Supporting Victims
Beyond the groundbreaking Camp Lejeune Justice Act, the U.S. government and its agencies are taking concrete steps to support those affected by the base’s contamination crisis.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
The VA has established a presumptive service connection for certain conditions linked to the tainted water. This streamlines the process for veterans to obtain disability compensation. The VA is also providing no-cost healthcare to eligible veterans and their families through the Camp Lejeune Family Member Program.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
Through educational initiatives, the ATSDR actively engages in assessing potential health risks and empowering affected communities. Moreover, it has undertaken a crucial project to understand the extent of contamination at Camp Lejeune. They have modeled the water distribution systems that served the base.
This allows them to estimate the monthly average levels of contaminants in the drinking water at specific locations. Focusing on three critical water treatment plants—Hadnot Point, Tarawa Terrace, and Holcomb Boulevard—the ATSDR’s work provides invaluable data for assessing potential health risks.
The Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency is leading the remediation efforts at Camp Lejeune, ensuring a thorough cleansing of the site under the Superfund program.
It has also set maximum permitted levels of various types of toxins in the water around the camp.
Moreover, the government has funded several scientific studies, such as the Camp Lejeune Cancer Incidence Study, to better understand the health impacts of the contamination. These efforts demonstrate the government’s commitment to not only compensating victims but also preventing future tragedies.
In conclusion, while the fight for Camp Lejeune victims has been long, a new era of accountability has begun. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act empowers you to seek the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait—explore your options and access the healthcare resources available through the VA and ATSDR.
Remember, you are not alone. Together, we can ensure the government’s solemn pledge to protect those who served becomes a lasting reality.
