Did Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Cause Heart Disease?
Possibly, yes. While heart disease is not currently one of the conditions recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as being linked to toxic water, many people have developed heart problems after exposure to contaminated water at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.
Tragically, many families have faced denied VA benefits, even in cases where a connection between the Camp Lejeune water and heart disease seems apparent.
One notable case involved a veteran diagnosed with coronary artery disease and deep vein thrombosis at only 30 years old. His initial denial was appealed, and he was ultimately granted disability benefits.
However, this is not how most Camp Lejeune VA claims have played out. Most have resulted in repeated denials, causing immense frustration and financial hardship for veterans and their family members.
Thankfully, those affected can finally pursue justice due to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) of 2022. You may qualify if you were exposed to Camp Lejeune water for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987 and later got sick.
If you or a loved one has a heart problem that could be linked to exposure to Camp Lejeune’s water, we may be able to help, but you only have until August 2024 to take action.
Even if you were denied VA benefits in the past or your loved one has since passed away, you may be eligible for compensation.
Find out if you can file a Camp Lejeune water contamination heart disease claim right now.
What Camp Lejeune Water Chemicals Are Linked With Heart Disease?
In a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), major heart defects were linked to TCE-contaminated drinking water. Therefore, it is believed that the Camp Lejeune water contamination and heart disease link may be due to TCE.
TCE is a human-made organic chemical. It is used as a degreasing solvent and to make refrigerants. It is also used by commercial dry cleaners.
8 Suspected Camp Lejeune Heart Problems
Over the years, families have reported a suspected link between heart disease and Camp Lejeune water contamination.
For instance, a group of Marines petitioned for a health registry to document cases where Camp Lejeune water contamination caused heart disease or other health problems, according to North Carolina Health News.
- Cardiomyopathy: Weakening of heart muscle that leads to reduced efficiency in pumping blood.
- Congenital heart defects: Structural anomalies in the heart at birth. These birth defects change blood flow through the heart, ranging from minor and symptomless to complex and lifelong problems.
- Coronary artery disease: Plaque buildup in the heart’s arteries that reduces blood flow. It can cause chest pain, heart attack, or other heart problems.
- Heart arrhythmia: Irregular heart rhythms, varying from harmless to life-threatening. Symptoms include palpitations, dizziness, and chest pain.
- Heart attack: A medical emergency caused by a sudden blood flow blockage to the heart muscle, often due to a clot. Symptoms are chest pain, shortness of breath, and nausea. Prompt treatment is vital to prevent heart damage.
- Heart failure: A chronic condition occurring when the heart can’t effectively pump blood. Symptoms are fatigue, shortness of breath, and leg swelling.
- Hypertension (high blood pressure): Occurs when pressure against artery walls is too high. It’s often symptomless but can lead to heart disease, stroke, and kidney issues.
- Stroke: When the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Symptoms include sudden numbness, confusion, and difficulty speaking. Immediate treatment is critical for reducing brain damage.
If you developed a heart condition or your loved one passed away from a heart-related issue after spending time on base, call now to discuss your options for financial compensation.
Compensation Options for Heart Disease and Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
Camp Lejeune water contamination heart disease victims may have several pathways to pursuing compensation.
The VA offers benefits to qualifying veterans who developed illnesses from Camp Lejeune’s drinking water.
Additionally, the CLJA allows anyone affected to pursue compensation from lawsuits against the federal government if they meet the eligibility requirements.
Camp Lejeune Heart Disease VA Benefits
Veterans and eligible family members affected by the water at Camp Lejeune and heart disease can file a claim with the VA for health care, disability compensation, and survivor benefits.
The 2024 VA monthly payment for a 100% disability rating can be over $4,000, based on dependent status.
The Camp Lejeune Claims Center partners with VA-accredited attorneys who can help veterans in all 50 states with no upfront costs.
- Access VA benefits
- Increase your current disability rating
- Reapply if you were denied in the past
Lawsuits for Heart Disease and Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
Anyone who worked or lived on the base for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987 can file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit.
A lawsuit could award you and your family compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and much more. This is in addition to any VA benefits you or your loved one may have already received.
Remember, you may be able to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination heart disease lawsuit even if you have been denied disability benefits in the past. But don’t wait to take action — you do not want to miss your chance to finally get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Find out your eligibility to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination heart disease claim.
Camp Lejeune and Heart Disease Settlement Amounts
As of February 2024, there have not been any Camp Lejeune water contamination heart disease settlements. Therefore, it’s difficult to predict the exact settlement timeline and payout amounts for these cases.
However, the government has set aside over $21 billion for anyone impacted by the polluted water at Camp Lejeune.
Generally speaking, payouts under the CLJA will depend upon the severity of the harm caused by the toxic water.
That said, legal experts are projecting Camp Lejeune settlements could be worth anywhere from $10,000 to over $1 million in more severe cases.
Is There a Time Limit to File a Heart Disease Camp Lejeune Claim?
Yes, all Camp Lejeune claims must be filed by August 2024.
Camp Lejeune water contamination heart disease victims might think they are ineligible if they have been denied VA benefits in the past. Their family members may worry that since their loved one has already passed away, they will not qualify to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit.
Another common concern for many veterans is that they believe their exposure occurred too long ago to do anything now.
Fortunately, eligible victims may still be able to receive a Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement. Family members of victims who have died may also qualify for compensation.
Remember, it doesn’t matter how far back exposure was. However, the deadline to file a Camp Lejeune claim is strict and should be taken very seriously.
What Other Health Issues Did Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Cause?
Unfortunately, there are many Camp Lejeune water contamination health issues besides heart disease.
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease
- Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
- Birth defects
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer (in women and men)
- Cervical cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Crohn’s disease
- Esophageal cancer
- Female infertility & miscarriage
- Hepatic steatosis (fatty liver)
- Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
- Lymphomas
- Multiple myeloma
- Neurological disorders
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Pancreatic cancer
- Parkinson’s disease
- Prostate cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Renal toxicity
- Sarcoma
- Scleroderma
Many Camp Lejeune contaminated water health issues are chronic diseases, causing lifetime suffering for victims.
Additionally, some may not show up until decades after exposure, leaving victims unaware that their illnesses were caused by Camp Lejeune’s toxic water.
What Caused the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
The groundwater at Camp Lejeune was toxic between 1953 and 1987 due to two contaminated on-base water supply systems — Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point.
The drinking water contamination is linked to a nearby dry cleaning business and regular on-base operations. Additionally, an ongoing fuel leak hidden from service members by the U.S. Marine Corps contributed to Camp Lejeune’s water contamination problems.
Camp Lejeune’s contaminated drinking water wells were identified and shut down by February 1985.
Since the late 1980s, the federal government’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has evaluated the health risks from Camp Lejeune’s water. The official report was released in 2017.
What Contaminants Were in Camp Lejeune Water?
The ATSDR has identified several toxic chemicals in Camp Lejeune’s water systems — some of which could cause heart problems. The chemicals are known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Benzene
- Dichloroethylene (DCE)
- Tetrachloroethylene — also known as perchloroethylene (PCE)
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Vinyl chloride
- Other contaminants
There is not yet an established connection between Camp Lejeune water contamination and heart disease. However, the ATSDR recognizes that TCE exposure can cause cardiac defects.
Additionally, benzene and other organic solvents are known to affect cardiovascular health.
Marine and Navy personnel and their loved ones have long since believed that the toxic water at Camp Lejeune is responsible for far more than the government is letting on.
Thankfully, relief may finally be available for all conditions, not just the short list of those the government currently recognizes.
Find a Camp Lejeune Heart Disease Law Firm
If your family was affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination heart disease, the Camp Lejeune Claims Center team is here to assist you in pursuing justice and financial compensation.
We help victims in all 50 states with no upfront costs, and our legal partners have already helped over 30,000 families with their Camp Lejeune claims.
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Heart Disease FAQs
Does heart disease qualify for Camp Lejeune?
Heart disease may qualify for compensation in the Camp Lejeune lawsuit if the person affected spent at least 30 days on base during the contamination period.
Heart disease and Camp Lejeune water contamination are linked. However, heart disease is not one of the qualifying presumptive illnesses established by the VA.
While the medical evidence is not as clear-cut as some of the other illnesses, there have been a number of reports from military service members with Camp Lejeune heart problems.
Can contaminated water cause heart problems?
Yes, contaminated water can lead to heart problems. Depending on what chemicals have polluted the water, the damage to the cardiovascular system can vary.
However, prolonged or regular exposure to contaminated water can increase the chances of heart disease and pose many other serious health risks.
What heart issues are related to Camp Lejeune?
A number of heart issues have been linked to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. These include arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart defects, heart failure, and stroke.
What are the complications from Camp Lejeune water contamination?
The water contamination at Camp Lejeune is linked to various health problems, including heart problems, kidney and liver cancer, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Parkinson’s disease, miscarriage, and birth defects.
Long-term exposure to the contaminated water is also associated with various neurological disorders (like Parkinson’s disease), impairments in cognitive functions, and severe lung diseases, such as lung cancer.
