• Nov 22, 2024
  • 2:33 AM

New Information from the VA Regarding Eight Presumptive Diseases due to Contaminants in the Water Supply at Camp Lejeune


(Washington, D.C.)– The Department of Veterans Affairs published new regulations on January 13, 2017 establishing a presumption of service connection for eight conditions associated with exposure to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune. The rule became effective March 14, 2017. 
 
The VA says based on evidence from several internationally recognized scientific authorities, including the National Academies of Science, it has been determined there is sufficient scientific and medical evidence to establish a presumption of service connection between exposure to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune and the occurrence of eight health conditions.  
 
The eight presumptive diseases are: 
Adult Leukemia  
Aplastic anemia and other Myelodysplastic syndromes 
Bladder Cancer 
Kidney Cancer  
Liver Cancer  
Multiple Myeloma  
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma  
Parkinson’s Disease  
The VA will not limit entitlement to active duty military. Rather, the VA will also presume exposure for reserve and National Guard members who served at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days (cumulative) between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987.  
 
In addition, the VA will establish a presumption that members of the reserves and the National Guard who served at Camp Lejeune during this period and later develop one of the presumptive diseases became disabled during the relevant period of service for purposes of establishing active military service for benefit purposes. 
 
Presumptive service connection for a disease alleged to have been caused by contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune requires medical evidence of a current disease on the presumptive list and evidence from military records or other official service department records of service at Camp Lejeune during the period of contamination.  
 
Veterans meeting these criteria should file a VA Form 21-526EZ with information showing that they have a current diagnosis and their service information. Visit the Nevada Department of Veterans Services website at http://www.veterans.nv.gov/page/veterans-service-officers to set up an appointment to meet with a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) who may be able to assist you.  
 
The Veterans Advocacy and Support Team (VAST) Offices can be contacted to help you obtain an appointment with a VSO. The VAST Offices in Nevada are at the following locations:  
 
VAST Las Vegas  
(702) 224-6025 OR 791-9000, Ext. 46025 
FAX (702) 224-6927 
6900 N. Pecos Rd., Rm. 1C237, North Las Vegas, NV, 89086 (located at the VA Hospital in North Las Vegas) 
 
VAST Reno  
(775) 321-4880 
FAX (775) 688-1656 
5460 Reno Corporate Dr. Suite 131 Reno, NV 89511 (Located in the VA Regional Office) 
 
VAST Fallon  
(775) 428-1177 
FAX (775) 423-9371 
485 W. B Street, Suite 103 Fallon, NV 89406 (located in the Churchill County Offices) 
 
VAST Elko  
(775) 777-1000 
FAX (775) 777-1055 
1500 College Parkway, Elko, NV 89801 
 
VAST Pahrump  
(775) 751-6372 
FAX (775) 751-6371 
1981 E Calvada Blvd #110 Pahrump, NV 89048 
 
VAST Rural Outreach Coordinator 
(702) 791-9000 x 15518 FAX (702) 224-6927 
6900 N. Pecos Rd. Room 1C238, North Las Vegas, NV 89086  
 
Veterans can also file a claim electronically through www.eBenefits.va.gov. should state on their application that their claim is presumptive due to service at Camp Lejeune.