Getting Your Due: Make the Most of Long Overdue Presumption of Service-Connection for Camp LeJeune Vets and Agent Orange Exposure
Recently created regulations favor veterans in claims for previously unrecognized Agent Orange related health conditions
For years, the Veterans’ Administration continuously denied service-connected disability benefits for Veterans who suffer from severe medical conditions as a result to their exposure to contaminants while serving their country at Camp LeJeune and surrounding bases. The science was there to support the veteran’s claims, but unfortunately the V.A. was less supportive. Until recently.
Early this year, VA enacted a new regulation that gives a presumption of service-connection to veterans who served at Camp LeJeune and the surrounding bases and have certain medical conditions (listed below). This will allow veterans and their families to finally receive some long-awaited relief.
Now, veterans who are suffering because of their exposure at Camp LeJeune will have a significantly easier time receiving disability benefits.
What Does This Mean For You?
Were you previously denied for a claim? Appeal, if you have time! If more than a year has passed, it is likely too late to file your appeal, but you can reopen your claim. If you were denied before March of this year, you will want to get your case back in front of VA now that this new regulation has gone into effect making it easier for qualifying veterans and their families, to be approved for benefits.
So, Do You Qualify? Answer These 5 Questions to Find Out!
1. Were you stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C. or surrounding camps including Brewster Complex, Camp Johnson, Camp Lejeune Mainside, Courthouse Bay, Midway Park, MCAS New River, Onslow Beach, Stone Bay, or Tarawa Terrace?
2. Did you serve Active duty, reserve, or National Guard at Camp Lejeune, N.C. or MCAS New River?
3. Were you at Camp Lejeune, N.C. or MCAS New River for a least thirty days from August 1, 1953, through December 31, 1987?
4. Did you receive any discharge other than dishonorable?
5. Do you suffer from any of the following conditions?
● Adult leukemia
● Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
● Bladder cancer
● Kidney cancer
● Liver cancer
● Multiple myeloma
● Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and
● Parkinson’s disease
If you answered “yes” to all five questions, you might be eligible for disability benefits or Camp Lejeune healthcare benefits.
Be sure to file your appeal or reopen your claim soon! If you are appealing, please contact our office for a free evaluation – an attorney can give you a thorough legal evaluation of your case which could make the difference, or you may not require the assistance of an attorney. We’ll be honest and let you know!
The VA, service organizations, and accredited attorneys can help you. If you are denied benefits, contact an accredited attorney at Marquardt Law Firm, P.C.