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It is estimated that at least one million people were affected by polluted water at Camp Lejeune. Many claims have been filed and you can be sure that the VA will be receiving many more claims. One of the most common questions that affected veterans and their family members ask is about how much compensation they will receive.
Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement amounts are a popular topic of discussion among service members and within the legal community that represents them. Due to a newly passed federal law called the PACT Act, affected veterans and their families will be able to make claims and receive compensation. Yet, how much a person will receive is often less clear.
Types of Compensation Affected Veterans Can Receive
While exact amounts are difficult to determine, the types of injuries incurred by polluted water exposure are more firm. Any medical care that affected service members and their families have paid for can be reimbursed. It is also possible for veterans to receive ongoing health care to help treat the long-term effects of toxic water from Camp Lejeune.
These injuries are also known as presumptive conditions that are directly related to polluted water exposure at Camp Lejeune. While the list is extensive, it is not comprehensive. There are a larger number of medical issues and diseases that can strike affected veterans and their families, whether it’s on the list or not.
The federal government has set aside $6.7 billion dollars to help compensate victims of toxic water exposure at Camp Lejeune. While that fund is specifically meant for affected service members, it is an estimated amount based on statistical information from the VA. In short, those funds could increase as more service members come forward.
What If Your Situation Doesn’t Fit The Guidelines?
There is a multitude of health conditions that polluted water causes and it affects people in different ways. In fact, most people don’t have the same symptoms or diseases but were similarly exposed. In addition to that, many veterans’ families were also affected. Although spouses and children weren’t service members, they were also exposed to the toxic water.
Fortunately, compensation is also available for these family members. While the VA has established a guideline for who is eligible, it’s not exactly a textbook protocol. What if your health issue doesn’t fall into the list of presumptive conditions or you don’t present symptoms that are obvious?
It doesn’t matter. If you were stationed at Camp Lejeune during the time span and consumed drinking water, you are eligible to file a claim and be compensated. Many health conditions develop much later or are secondary to a primary health issue.
So, you may want to think of the VA’s guidelines as more of a suggestion. However, remember that it is not necessarily the rule. Victims are still coming forward and more legislation is forthcoming. Filing a claim and having representation are two of the best things you can do to make sure you receive the compensation that you deserve.
