Guest Post:
Toxic contamination has been identified as an epidemic at most of the U.S. military bases. Toxins arise as a result of military-related operations as well as natural or industrial sources. It has been observed that merely living on or in the vicinity of a military base results in exposure to harmful toxins that eventually poison the military service personnel and their families. Studies conducted among veteran populations have shown a higher incidence of certain cancers due to their heightened exposure to environmental toxins. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers several benefits to veterans who demonstrate a link between their illness and service in the military.
Camp Lejeune is a military community with high concentrations of environmental toxins and associated illnesses. The base was home to nearly 170,000 active duty military service members, civilian employees, retirees, and their families between the years 1953 and 1987. The residents, workers, and Naval personnel at Camp Lejeune who were exposed to contaminants are at an increased risk of developing kidney cancer, multiple myeloma, leukemia, birth defects, and other adverse health effects.
Advocacy in the support of these veterans and their families can not only decrease the hazards military communities are often exposed to but also increase the chances of recovery in case of illness or damage.
Former military personnel and their families who served at the Camp Lejeune deserve rightful compensation
Military veterans are eligible to receive medical care and disability compensation from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for their service-connected medical conditions. The VA has set up a presumptive military service connection for the veterans, national guard members, and reservists who served at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and developed any of the conditions associated with toxic exposure.
Veterans who served at Camp Lejeune can receive two kinds of benefits including:
● VA health care facilities
● Financial compensation in the form of payments
As per the Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act, 2012, those veterans who served at Camp Lejuene for a total period of 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, are eligible to receive healthcare benefits from the VA. Veterans with any of the exposure-related conditions are treated free of cost and a co-pay option will be provided for other health problems. Veteran’s family members who resided along with them at Camp Lejeune are also eligible to receive out-of-pocket medical expenses associated with the covered health conditions.
Camp Lejeune veterans and their families can file a claim to receive disability compensation if they believe their health problems are linked to their toxic exposure years back while serving at the base. Veterans are given a disability rating depending on the severity of their condition so that they receive payments ranging from $133-$3,447 every month. They need to provide evidence of service in the form of documents such as military records showing Camp Lejeune service for at least 30 days and medical records stating any of the presumptive illnesses mentioned by the VA. These payments help to supplement income for veterans and their families who are likely to have reduced earning potential because of their injuries. Additionally, the disabled veteran can avail free health care for service-connected illness at any VA hospital or clinic throughout the country. Therefore, we can say that the benefits received through the VA are the most likely way for veterans to recover from their toxic exposure injuries.
This is a sponsored post: At Environmental Litigation Group, P.C., we provide legal assistance to toxic exposure victims and we can help veterans who were posted at Camp Lejeune receive a fair amount of compensation for the serious injuries caused by their service-related exposure.
The Deployment Diatribes 