Last Updated on August 29, 2024 by Uzma Sagheer
If you’re in the military, worked as a civilian contractor, or were the family member of a loved one stationed at Camp Lejeune, you might be entitled to VA disability and compensation.
The new PACT act allows civilians, such as government employees and contractors, and loved ones of military members to file for disability benefits with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs. In addition, the new PACT act also allows people to file a lawsuit against the federal government for compensation. This has never been done before, and is a new process you or a loved one might need help with if you were a victim of Camp Lejeune Water Contamination.
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What is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022?
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 is an act that allows military members, civilian employees, and others living on the military base of Camp Lejeune to file for disability and seek compensation if they were exposed to toxic water.
This toxic ground water has caused several distressing illnesses due to having high levels of solvents and toxic chemicals, including:
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Perchloroethylene (PCE)
- Benzene
- Vinyl chloride
- Other compounds
It’s estimated that millions of people could have been exposed to this toxic water supply between 1953 and 1987. Unfortunately, many people that were exposed to this toxic water supply developed illnesses such as certain cancers, neurological disorders, miscarriages, and infertility issues among others.
These diseases have life-long effects, and victims deserve to receive compensation for the lack of action taken during this time on behalf of the federal government.
How Do I File For VA Disability Benefits?
If you were stationed, worked at, or were exposed to the water at the Camp Lejeune military base in North Carolina between January 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, you are entitled to compensation and VA Disability benefits.
To file for VA disability, you must first file a claim online, fax, or through mail. You must submit your intent to file within the next 2 years since the PACT act was signed, meaning before August 10, 2022.
Although two years sounds like a long time, this is not the case when it comes to filing for VA disability. To prove you are eligible for disability benefits, you must prove that you underwent stressful events due to exposure to Camp Lejeune toxic water, that you need compensation for further medical care, and that you were stationed or lived in the area for more than 30 days.
How Much Does VA Disability Pay?
The amount you receive will depend on several factors. Here is a useful reference to help you understand how compensation works for this claim. The severity of your illness, whether or not you had long-lasting effects from the disease, or if you suffered from 15 specific diseases will determine how much disability you are allowed.
Unfortunately, the VA might deny your claim altogether, or provide you with less-than-adequate disability benefits to account for your pain and suffering. You may file an appeal, or proceed to file a civil lawsuit.
Any earnings from your civil lawsuit will be offset by the amount of disability benefits you receive.
Get the Most Compensation with Help From the Dolman Law Group
Dolman Law Group wants to help you and your family build the best case possible, so you get the settlement you deserve. Call us today for your consultation, and to get the best legal representation you deserve. We’ll help you navigate through the process of filing a disability claim, and filing a civil lawsuit as well.
New Opportunities for Compensation Under the PACT Act
If you’re among the military personnel, civilian contractors, or family members who have been affected by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune, there’s now a pathway to seek justice and compensation. The recently enacted PACT Act opens up avenues for civilians, including government employees and contractors, as well as the loved ones of military personnel, to pursue disability benefits through the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA). Furthermore, this landmark legislation allows individuals to take legal action against the federal government for rightful compensation, marking a significant shift in addressing the grievances stemming from the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination issue. This new process represents a crucial opportunity for individuals affected by the toxic exposure to secure the support and compensation they deserve.
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