Contaminated water at Camp Lejeune exposed thousands of people to toxic chemicals. For these U.S. Marine Corps members and their families, the warnings came too late. Many have developed cancer because of their exposure.
Through population studies and related research, officials have identified several types of cancer that are presumptively related to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water. Some of these cancers have been named presumptive conditions for the purposes of a service connection and veteran benefit eligibility. In addition, individuals contracting cancer may be eligible to receive compensation under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.
Types of Presumptive Cancers Linked to Camp Lejeune
What types of cancers are linked to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has identified the following types of cancers that are presumptively linked to Camp Lejeune contaminated water:
- Kidney cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Liver cancer
- Blood cancers including leukemia and multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
These cancers appear on the list of presumptive conditions published by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, used to determine the right to benefits for individuals meeting qualifying requirements.
See the complete list of Camp Lejeune presumptive medical conditions.
What If I Have Presumptive Cancer from Camp Lejeune?
If you have a cancer that appears on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs presumptive list, it means government authorities assume that the cancer is the result of toxic exposures while serving at Camp Lejeune. The person must have spent at least 30 days at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. In addition to benefits, the victim may qualify to receive tort compensation through the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.
When a service member has a listed cancer and the requisite period of service at Camp Lejeune, they are not required to prove that their military service caused their cancer. Instead, it is presumed, that they may proceed to other steps in the benefits process.
What studies have been done to determine what cancers are on the Camp Lejeune presumptive list?
United States officials have conducted population studies to determine what cancers are linked to Camp Lejeune service. In addition, scientific testing confirms the toxicities of the various substances found in contaminated water at the military base.
Studies of the Camp Lejeune Population, conducted by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (1997), resulted in two published papers analyzing outcomes following exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE).
Bove, Ruckart, Maslia, and Larson, Mortality study of civilian employees exposed to contaminated drinking water at USMC Base Camp Lejeune, Environmental Health (2014), finding elevated levels of various cancers in the Camp Lejeune population.
Ruckart, Bove, Shanley III and Maslia, Evaluation of contaminated drinking water and male breast cancer at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune (2015), suggesting possible associations between toxic exposure and male breast cancer.
ATSDR Health Survey of Marine Corps Personnel and Civilians (distributed 2011), surveying health outcomes for the Camp Lejeune population, comparing it to a control group.
Further study is expected.
Non-Presumptive Cancers Linked to Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water
Other types of cancers that may be linked to Camp Lejeune service:
- Breast (male and female)
- Prostate
- Colon
- Lung
- Cervical
- Esophageal
- Pancreatic
- Rectum
What does it mean if I have another type of cancer that is not on the presumptive list?
If you have a type of cancer that is not on the presumptive list, it is still possible to receive compensation because of the Camp Lejeune contaminated water. You must present evidence to show that the cancer was caused by, associated with, or linked to water exposure. Medical studies may be used to satisfy the preponderance of the evidence burden of proof.
Is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act limited to only those who have presumptive cancers?
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is not limited to only victims with presumptive cancers. If you have another type of medical condition, you may still receive compensation.
A victim having a cancer that is not presumptive should know the following:
- Camp Lejeune toxic water compensation may be available
- The victim must prove the link between the exposure and their cancer
- Scientific studies may provide these links, but the importance of satisfying evidentiary standards should not be overlooked
If you have cancer and you served or lived at Camp Lejeune, our lawyers can help. Camp Lejeune cases are starting now, and our lawyers can explore every avenue for you to receive compensation. Contact Bobby Jones Law today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.
