Located in North Carolina, Camp Lejeune is a base for the US Marine Corps. There were years of chemical contamination, including benzene and trichloroethylene, in the base’s water supply. Some studies show that this contamination at Camp Lejeune is connected to cardiac defects. So, let us discuss this in depth.
Tie Between Camp Lejeune and Cardiac Defects
Cardiac defects are the most prevalent type of birth defect. The water contamination at Camp Lejeune was responsible for many cases of birth defects and disorders. Residents of Camp Lejeune were exposed to dangerous chemicals in their drinking and bathing water for a long time. This led to a number of health problems and deaths. Additionally, studies show that the tainted water can worsen heart disease symptoms already present and also lead to new ones.
Although the actual reason for cardiac defects is not yet confirmed, it is assumed that water supply contamination is to blame. Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are birth defects that can affect the structure and function of a baby’s heart. CHDs are present at birth and stick around for life. The majority of birth defects are of this kind. As of late, infants with congenital heart abnormalities are living longer and healthier lives as medical care and treatment have improved over the years.
Camp Lejeune Compensation
Anyone who was at Camp Lejeune during the time frame of contamination and has a diagnosis of cardiac defects or another type of birth defect is eligible to file a lawsuit and receive compensation for their suffering. This compensation is intended to cover medical expenses and other essential utilities and make up for damages.
People who were exposed to the water contamination and were diagnosed with another health issue are also qualified to file for compensation, according to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022. This recent law addresses a broad range of issues regarding Camp Lejeune victims and what their rights are.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act was signed in August under the Biden administration. This law was long overdue since more than a million people were affected by the tainted water. This law also falls under the broader “Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act.”
Regarding the PACT Act
The Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act is a very wide law that covers all aspects of VA benefits and more. This measure will increase service personnel’s access to health care and other benefits. It focuses on veterans who suffered because of any of the following:
- Burn pits
- Agent Orange
- Hazardous and toxic substances
The last group includes the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. Additionally, a list of presumptive medical problems was broadened by this regulation. As for the Camp Lejeune lawsuit, this act also addresses which locations qualify.
The Geographical Borders of the PACT Act
The main issue with the legal boundaries of Camp Lejeune is that, besides the main base camp, there are six satellite facilities. These are the Marine Corps Air Station New River, Courthouse Bay, Camp Geiger, Camp Johnson, the Greater Sandy Run Training Area, and Stone Bay.
The locations listed above make up the greater area of the base. All of them may have been affected by the water contamination epidemic. Consequently, all of them could be covered under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act and, by extension, the PACT Act. Some areas are still in contention, though.
So the confusion stems from this issue. A lot is still very unclear due to how new the lawsuit is. With that being said, people who believe they have a valid case are still urged to act now and file their claims.
Read more about the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 by clicking here.