In Jacksonville, North Carolina, there is a base for the US Marine Corps known as Camp Lejeune. This base had a water contamination problem from 1953 until 1987. This problem led to many health issues and recent research has connected contaminated water at Camp Lejeune to hepatic steatosis.
Link Between Camp Lejeune and Hepatic Steatosis
Hepatic steatosis, or fatty liver disease, has recently been linked to water contamination exposure at Camp Lejeune. In this condition, extra fat basically builds up in the liver. Hepatic steatosis mostly has no symptoms, yet it can cause major health problems like liver cancer and liver failure.
The Marine Corps has taken action to enhance Camp Lejeune’s water quality in response to the exposure and to offer impacted individuals the needed medical care. Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, anyone who was diagnosed with hepatic steatosis or otherwise harmed by the contamination can file a lawsuit and receive a sum of money. In addition, veterans who were exposed can file for VA benefits.
VA Benefits
Veterans and their families who were stationed at or were on base during the contamination period can file for certain benefits. Unfortunately, as a result of the Camp Lejeune water contamination, many people were diagnosed with a number of health issues. Fortunately, anyone impacted by the water contamination can get financial aid and medical attention through the Camp Lejeune VA Benefits Program.
This program provides benefits for the following medical problems:
- 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
Qualified veterans and their families will be reimbursed for out-of-pocket health care fees. Additionally, those who meet the requirements can get completely free medical care through the program. Take advantage of this helpful service if you or someone you know was harmed by the Camp Lejeune water poisoning.
Who Is Covered?
In terms of who is covered, there are three main groups of people. Essentially, veterans, guardsmen, and reservists are all covered, according to VA.gov. Additionally, any person who would like to submit a benefits claim must first prove that they were at Camp Lejeune during the years of contamination. Also, they must prove that they were there for a minimum of 30 days in that specified period. Lastly, their claim becomes much more valid with their medical records. Proof of exposure is imperative.
Family members who resided on base at the time may also be qualified for medical insurance under the Justice Act. The Justice Act is a part of a wider act known as the “Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act.” This law also establishes reparations for veterans who were harmed by Agent Orange, burn pits, and toxic and dangerous substances, such as the tainted water at Camp Lejeune.
To conclude, people who were harmed by the water contamination deserve to see justice for the suffering they and their families have endured. Take action today.