The Camp Lejeune water contamination issue refers to the contamination of the drinking water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River in North Carolina between 1953 and 1987. As many as one million military and civilian staff and their families may have been exposed to the contaminated water, leading to serious health consequences. Those affected may be eligible for compensation if they meet certain criteria, including a diagnosis of specific injuries or conditions associated with the contamination.
Camp Lejeune, a U.S. Marine Corps Base located in North Carolina, was the site of a significant water contamination issue that occurred between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987. During this time period, as many as one million military personnel and civilian staff members along with their families may have been exposed to contaminated drinking water.
The contamination at Camp Lejeune resulted from various chemicals found in the water supply including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), benzene and other hazardous substances originating from dry cleaning waste and leaking underground fuel storage tanks.
Those who were living or working on the base during this period faced serious health risks due to exposure to these contaminants. The potential consequences include an increased risk for developing several types of cancers like kidney cancer, liver cancer, bladder cancer, and leukemia; neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease; reproductive issues like miscarriage, female infertility, and birth defects among others; liver diseases; lung conditions, etc. The long-term effects can be devastating for individuals affected by this environmental hazard.
It is estimated that up to one million people – both military personnel stationed at Camp Lejeune and their family members – could have potentially been impacted by the contaminated drinking water over those decades. This has led to numerous lawsuits against responsible parties seeking compensation for medical expenses and pain and suffering caused due to negligence.
Eligibility for Compensation
The Camp Lejeune water contamination has had devastating effects on the health of those who were exposed to the contaminated drinking water. If you or a loved one lived or worked at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987, you may be eligible for compensation if certain criteria are met.
Qualifying Injuries and Conditions
To qualify for compensation related to the Camp Lejeune water contamination issue, individuals must have been diagnosed with one of the following injuries after exposure at Camp LeJeune:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Kidney cancer
- Various types of leukemias (including myelodysplastic syndromes)
- Liver cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma
- Kidney disease (end-stage renal disease)
- Systemic sclerosis / scleroderma
- Cardiac birth defects
- Esophageal Cancer
- Male breast cancer
- Lung Cancer (if non-smoker)
- Hepatic Steatosis (Fatty Liver Disease)
- Female infertility
- Neurobehavioral effects
- Non-cardiac birth defects (eye defects, oral clefts, neural tube defects etc.)
- Female breast cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Hodgkin’s disease
- Ovarian cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Brain cancer
- Liver cirrhosis
- Soft Tissue Cancer
- Hypersensitivity Skin Disorder
- Aplastic anemia
Alternatively, if you have been diagnosed with another injury not listed above, such as any type of serious medical condition or injury that is believed to be caused by exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you might still be eligible under alternative criteria set forth in law. However, please note that lead does not provide legal representation for this matter.
If you meet the criteria and have been diagnosed with one of these injuries or conditions, you may be eligible to receive compensation. It is crucial that you take action as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected and that justice is served.
Please note that meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee automatic compensation. The process involves filing a claim and providing supporting documentation such as military records showing service at Camp Lejeune during the specified period, along with medical records confirming diagnosis of one of the qualifying injuries or conditions.
Don’t wait any longer – if you believe you qualify for compensation related to exposure at Camp Lejeune, it’s important to seek legal advice from professionals who specialize in handling cases like yours. They can guide through every step of the claims process while fighting tirelessly on your behalf.
How to Apply for Compensation
If you or a loved one were exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and have been diagnosed with one of the qualifying injuries or conditions, you may be eligible for compensation. Here is an overview of how to apply:
1. Understand the Process:
To begin your application process, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the steps involved in applying for compensation. This will help ensure that you provide all necessary information and documentation.
2. Choose Your Method of Application:
There are several methods available for submitting your claim:
- Online: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides an online portal where individuals can submit their claims electronically.
- Mail: You can also choose to mail your completed application form along with supporting documents directly to the VA.
- In Person: If preferred, applicants can visit their local VA office in person and receive assistance from trained professionals who specialize in handling these types of claims.
- Professional Help: Some individuals find it helpful to seek guidance from legal professionals experienced in dealing with military-related compensation cases.
3. Gather Required Documentation:
When applying for compensation related to Camp Lejeune water contamination, certain documents must accompany your claim:
a) Military Records – Provide evidence showing that you served at Camp Lejeune or Marine Corps Air Station New River during any period between August 1st, 1953 and December 31st, 1987.
b) Medical Records – Include medical reports confirming diagnosis(es) associated with exposure such as Parkinson’s disease; kidney cancer; liver cancer; bladder cancer; non-Hodgkin lymphoma among others listed earlier on this website).
It is crucially important that all required records are included when submitting your claim as incomplete applications may result in delays or denial.
4. Submitting Your Claim
Once you have gathered all necessary documentation according to eligibility criteria mentioned above, you’re ready to submit your claim. You can follow the instructions provided by the VA for the specific method you’ve chosen.
Remember, it is essential to keep copies of all documents submitted for your records. This will help you track the progress of your claim and provide any additional information if requested by the VA.
Applying for compensation can be a complex process, but with careful attention to detail and proper documentation, you increase your chances of receiving the benefits you deserve.
VA Health Care Benefits
The Camp Lejeune water contamination has had devastating health effects on those who were exposed to the contaminated drinking water. To provide support and care for these individuals, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers specific health care benefits.
Health Conditions Covered:
- The VA provides coverage for a range of medical conditions that have been linked to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
- These covered conditions include bladder cancer, breast cancer, kidney cancer, leukemia (including myelodysplastic syndromes), liver cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma, kidney disease, end-stage renal disease, systemic sclerosis/scleroderma, cardiac birth defects, and many more listed in our eligibility criteria section.
Exemption from Copayments:
If you have one of the covered health conditions related to your time spent at Camp Lejeune during this period, you won’t need to pay any copayment fees when receiving treatment specifically addressing these illnesses. This means that all necessary treatments will be provided without additional financial burden.
It is important if you believe you qualify under either category, to apply as soon as possible so we can help determine your eligibility status. The application process requires providing military records showing service connection along with relevant medical documentation confirming diagnosis. If approved, the comprehensive healthcare services offered by VHA would cover both primary & specialty-care needs including mental-healthcare, surgical procedures, rehabilitation therapies, prescription medications, and other medically-necessary interventions.
Please note that it’s crucial not only veterans but also family members affected by the contamination may be eligible for these health care benefits. If you are a family member of a veteran who served at Camp Lejeune during this period and have lived there for at least 30 days, you can also apply to receive reimbursement of out-of-pocket medical expenses related to the covered conditions.
It is important that those affected take advantage of these VA Health Care Benefits as they provide comprehensive coverage specifically tailored towards addressing the unique challenges posed by exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The VA remains committed in providing support and assistance throughout your healthcare journey.
Family Members’ Eligibility for Benefits
Family members of veterans who lived at Camp Lejeune during the specified time period may also be eligible for health care benefits if they meet certain requirements. To qualify, family members must have been a spouse or child (including stepchildren and adopted children) of a veteran who served at Camp Lejeune or Marine Corps Air Station New River between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.
The key requirement is that the family member must have resided on base with the veteran for at least 30 days during this timeframe. This means that simply being related to a veteran who was stationed there is not enough; actual residency on base is necessary to establish eligibility.
Gather Required Documentation:
- Proof of relationship to the qualifying veteran (e.g., marriage certificate or birth certificates)
- Evidence showing residence on base such as housing records or utility bills
- Any other supporting documents relevant to establishing eligibility
Complete Application Form:
Fill out an application form provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The form will require personal information about both yourself and your qualifying relative.
Submit Your Application:
Submit your completed application along with all required documentation either online through VA’s official website portal dedicated specifically towards claims regarding exposure from contaminated water in Camp Lejeune, by mail using certified mail service so you can track delivery status, or in person visit nearest regional office where trained professionals are available to assist applicants throughout the process.
It’s important to note that approval decisions are made based on individual circumstances and meeting specific criteria set forth by law. If approved, you’ll receive notification detailing any covered conditions applicable and further instructions regarding accessing healthcare services without copayments associated directly linked to those particular condition(s).
For additional assistance navigating through this process, it might be helpful to consult with a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or reach out to the VA directly for guidance and support.
The PACT Act
The PACT Act, also known as the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, was established to provide appropriate relief for individuals who lived, worked, or were exposed at Camp Lejeune and suffered harm due to the contaminated water. This act recognizes that those affected by the contamination deserve compensation for their health issues.
Eligibility for Filing a Claim
To be eligible for filing a claim under the PACT Act, individuals must meet certain criteria. They must have lived at Camp Lejeune or been present there while working or being exposed to the contaminated water for at least 30 days between August 1st, 1953 and December 31st, 1987. Additionally, the mothers of these individuals may file claims if they resided in Camp Lejeune while pregnant with them during this time period.
It is important to note that filing a claim under this act does not affect an individual’s eligibility for VA benefits related to Camp Lejeune. Veterans can still receive disability compensation and healthcare benefits from VA even if they choose to pursue relief through other legal avenues provided by the PACT Act. The purpose of this act is to ensure that those affected by the Camp Lejeune contamination are able to obtain appropriate compensation for their harm and suffering without impacting their VA benefits eligibility.
Importance of Not Hiring a Lawyer
When it comes to seeking compensation and benefits related to the Camp Lejeune water contamination, it is important for individuals to understand that they do not need to hire a lawyer or file a lawsuit. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides assistance and support directly without the need for legal representation.
It is crucial to be aware of commercials from lawyers or law firms claiming that they can help individuals obtain these benefits. These advertisements may create confusion and give the impression that hiring an attorney is necessary in order to receive compensation. However, it’s essential to note that these commercials are not affiliated with the VA.
The process for applying for compensation and accessing health care benefits through the VA does not require legal intervention. Eligible individuals can apply online, by mail, in person at their local VA office, or seek guidance from trained professionals who specialize in assisting veterans with benefit claims.
By avoiding unnecessary involvement with lawyers or lawsuits specifically targeting Camp Lejeune-related cases, applicants can streamline their application process while ensuring direct access to all available resources provided by the VA.
Remember – you have every right as an eligible individual affected by this issue to pursue your rightful entitlements independently through established channels within the VA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the Camp Lejeune water contamination issue?
A1: The Camp Lejeune water contamination issue refers to the contamination of the drinking water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River in North Carolina between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. Industrial solvents and benzene from drycleaning waste and leaking underground fuel storage tanks contaminated the water supply.
Q2: Who may be eligible for compensation related to this issue?
A2: Veterans who served at least 30 days at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River during that time period are potentially eligible for disability compensation if they have been diagnosed with one or more of eight presumptive conditions associated with exposure to contaminated water. Family members who lived on base during that time may also be eligible under certain criteria.
Q3: What are some examples of presumptive conditions linked to exposure?
- Adult leukemia
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Parkinson’s disease
These are just a few examples; there is an extensive list available which includes various cancers, birth defects, neurological disorders, and other serious medical conditions.
Q4: How can I apply for compensation?
A4: You can file a claim online through VA.gov, by mail using specific forms provided by the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA), in person visiting your nearest DVA office. You could even seek help from trained professionals like veterans service organizations (VSOs).
Q5: Do I need legal representation or should I hire a lawyer?
A5: No, you do not require any kind of legal representative nor hiring lawyers as commercials claiming so aren’t affiliated with DVA.
Note: It would always be better to consult with DVA or VSOs for any kind of assistance.
"Kesi ya ""Kusafishwa kwa Maji ya Kambi ya Lejeune"" ni suala la uchafuzi wa maji ya kunywa katika kambi ya Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune na Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River huko North Carolina kati ya 1953 na 1987. """ "Wafanyakazi milioni moja wa kijeshi na raia na familia zao wanaweza kuwa wamekabiliwa na maji machafu, na kusababisha matokeo mabaya ya afya. """ Watu walioathiriwa wanaweza kuwa na haki ya kupata fidia ikiwa wanakidhi vigezo fulani, ikiwa ni pamoja na utambuzi wa majeraha maalum au hali zinazohusiana na uchafuzi. Camp Lejeune, kituo cha jeshi la wanamaji la Marekani, kilikuwa na tatizo kubwa la uchafuzi wa maji kati ya Agosti 1, 1953 na Desemba 31, 1987. Katika kipindi hicho, huenda watu milioni moja wa jeshi na wafanyakazi wa kiraia pamoja na familia zao waliathiriwa na maji machafu ya kunywa. Uchafuzi wa maji katika kambi ya Lejeune ulisababishwa na kemikali mbalimbali zilizopatikana katika maji, ikiwa ni pamoja na kemikali za kikaboni zenye kuvu, kama vile trichloroethylene (TCE), perchlorethylene (PCE), benzene na vitu vingine vyenye hatari vinavyotokana na taka za kusafisha kavu na kuvuja kwa matangi ya kuhifadhi mafuta ya chini ya ardhi. Wale waliokaa au kufanya kazi katika kituo hicho wakati huo walikabili hatari kubwa za afya kwa sababu ya kuambukizwa na uchafuzi huo. Matokeo ya uwezekano ni pamoja na kuongezeka kwa hatari ya kuendeleza aina kadhaa za kansa kama vile kansa ya figo, kansa ya ini, kansa ya kibofu cha mkojo, na leukemia; matatizo ya neva kama ugonjwa wa Parkinson; masuala ya uzazi kama vile mimba, utasa wa wanawake, na kasoro za kuzaliwa kati ya wengine; magonjwa ya ini; hali ya mapafu, nk. Athari za muda mrefu zaweza kuwa zenye kuangamiza kwa watu walioathiriwa na hatari hii ya mazingira. Inakadiriwa kuwa hadi watu milioni moja - wote wanajeshi waliowekwa katika Kambi ya Lejeune na wanafamilia wao - wangeweza kuathiriwa na maji ya kunywa yaliyochafuliwa kwa miongo hiyo. Hii imesababisha kesi nyingi dhidi ya wahusika wanaotafuta fidia ya gharama za matibabu na maumivu na mateso yaliyosababishwa na uzembe. Uchafuzi wa maji katika kambi ya Lejeune umekuwa na athari mbaya kwa afya ya wale waliokabiliwa na maji ya kunywa yaliyochafuliwa. Ikiwa wewe au mtu unayempenda aliishi au kufanya kazi katika kambi ya msingi ya jeshi la wanamaji la Marekani huko Lejeune, North Carolina kati ya Agosti 1, 1953 na Desemba 31, 1987, unaweza kuwa na haki ya fidia ikiwa viwango fulani vinakidhiwa. "Kama mtu yeyote anayehusika katika maambukizi ya maji ya kambi ya Lejeune, lazima awe amepatikana na mojawapo ya maambukizi ya chini ya chini ya chini ya ""Ugonjwa wa Parkinson"" (Ugonjwa wa Parkinson's), ""Ugonjwa wa figo"" (Ugonjwa wa figo) na ""Ugonjwa wa figo"" (Ugonjwa wa figo) na ""Ugonjwa wa figo"" (Ugonjwa wa figo) na ""Ugonjwa wa figo"" (Ugonjwa wa figo) na ""Ugonjwa wa figo"" (Ugonjwa wa figo)." - Saratani ya matiti ya wanawake - Saratani ya shingo ya uzazi - Ugonjwa wa Hodgkin - Saratani ya ovari - Saratani ya tezi - Saratani ya ubongo - Cirrhosis ya ini - Saratani ya tishu laini - Ugonjwa wa ngozi ya hypersensitivity - Anemia ya aplastic - Vinginevyo, ikiwa umegunduliwa na jeraha lingine lisiloorodheshwa hapo juu, kama vile aina yoyote ya hali mbaya ya matibabu au jeraha ambalo linaaminwa kusababishwa na kuambukizwa na maji katika Camp Lejeune. Hata hivyo, tafadhali kumbuka kwamba risasi haina kutoa uwakilishi wa kisheria kwa ajili ya jambo hili. Ikiwa unakidhi vigezo na umegunduliwa kuwa na moja ya majeraha haya au hali, unaweza kuwa na haki ya kupokea fidia. Ni muhimu kuchukua hatua haraka iwezekanavyo kuhakikisha haki zako zinalindwa na haki inatekelezwa. Tafadhali kumbuka kwamba kutimiza vigezo vya kustahili haihakikishi fidia moja kwa moja. Mchakato huo unahusisha kuwasilisha madai na kutoa nyaraka za kuunga mkono kama vile rekodi za kijeshi zinazoonyesha huduma katika kambi ya Lejeune wakati wa kipindi maalum, pamoja na rekodi za matibabu zinazothibitisha utambuzi wa moja ya majeraha au hali za kufuzu. Usisubiri zaidi <unk> ikiwa unaamini unastahili fidia inayohusiana na mfiduo katika Camp Lejeune, ni muhimu kutafuta ushauri wa kisheria kutoka kwa wataalamu ambao ni wataalamu katika kushughulikia kesi kama yako. Wanaweza kuongoza kupitia kila hatua ya mchakato wa madai wakati wa kupigana bila kuchoka kwa niaba yako. Ikiwa wewe au mtu unayempenda uligunduliwa na maji ya Camp Lejeune na umegunduliwa kuwa na moja ya majeraha au hali zinazostahili, unaweza kuwa na haki ya fidia. Hapa ni muhtasari wa jinsi ya kuomba: Kuelewa mchakato: Kuanza mchakato wako wa maombi, ni muhimu kujifahamu na hatua zinazohusika katika kuomba fidia. Hii itasaidia kuhakikisha kwamba wewe kutoa taarifa zote muhimu na nyaraka. 2. Uwezekano wa kupata Njia ya maombi: Kuna njia kadhaa zinazopatikana kwa ajili ya kuwasilisha madai yako: - Online: Idara ya Veterans Affairs (VA) hutoa portal online ambapo watu binafsi wanaweza kuwasilisha madai yao elektroniki. - Barua: Unaweza pia kuchagua kutuma fomu yako ya maombi iliyojazwa pamoja na nyaraka za kuunga mkono moja kwa moja kwa VA. - Kwa kibinafsi: Ikiwa unapendelea, waombaji wanaweza kutembelea ofisi yao ya VA ya ndani kibinafsi na kupokea msaada kutoka kwa wataalamu waliozoezwa ambao ni wataalamu katika kushughulikia aina hizi za madai. - Msaada wa kitaalamu: Watu fulani huona ni muhimu kutafuta mwongozo kutoka kwa wataalamu wa sheria wenye uzoefu katika kushughulikia kesi za fidia zinazohusiana na jeshi. 3. Uwe na mtazamo wa kweli "Kama unaomba fidia inayohusiana na uchafuzi wa maji wa kambi ya Lejeune, hati fulani lazima ziambatanishwe na madai yako: ""A.""" Ni muhimu sana kwamba rekodi zote zinazohitajika zimejumuishwa wakati wa kuwasilisha madai yako kama maombi yasiyo kamili yanaweza kusababisha ucheleweshaji au kukataliwa. 4. Uwe na uhakika Kuwasilisha madai yako Mara baada ya kukusanya nyaraka zote muhimu kulingana na vigezo vya haki vilivyotajwa hapo juu, uko tayari kuwasilisha madai yako. Unaweza kufuata maelekezo yaliyotolewa na VA kwa njia maalum umechagua. Kumbuka, ni muhimu kuweka nakala za nyaraka zote zilizowasilishwa kwa rekodi zako. Hii itakusaidia kufuatilia maendeleo ya madai yako na kutoa habari yoyote ya ziada ikiwa itaombwa na VA. Kuomba fidia inaweza kuwa mchakato mgumu, lakini kwa uangalifu wa uangalifu kwa maelezo na nyaraka sahihi, unaongeza nafasi zako za kupokea faida unazostahili. Uchafuzi wa maji katika kambi ya Lejeune umekuwa na athari mbaya kwa afya ya wale waliokabiliwa na maji ya kunywa yaliyochafuliwa. Ili kuandaa huduma kwa ajili ya watu hao, Idara ya Mambo ya Wazee wa Vita (VA) inatoa faida maalum za huduma za afya. Ulinzi wa afya: Ulinzi wa afya wa VA unatoa huduma kwa ajili ya hali mbalimbali za matibabu ambazo zimeunganishwa na kuambukizwa kwa maji ya uchafuzi katika Camp Lejeune. Ugonjwa huu unajumuisha saratani ya kibofu cha mkojo, saratani ya kifua, saratani ya figo, leukemia (pamoja na ugonjwa wa myelodysplastic), saratani ya ini, lymphoma isiyo ya Hodgkin, myeloma nyingi, ugonjwa wa figo, ugonjwa wa figo wa hatua ya mwisho, sclerosis ya mfumo, kasoro za kuzaliwa za moyo, na mengine mengi yaliyoorodheshwa katika sehemu yetu ya vigezo vya kustahili. Utoaji wa malipo: Ikiwa una moja ya hali za afya zilizofunikwa zinazohusiana na wakati wako uliotumika katika Camp Lejeune wakati huu, hutahitaji kulipa ada yoyote ya malipo wakati wa kupokea matibabu maalum ya matatizo haya. Hii inamaanisha kwamba matibabu yote muhimu yatatolewa bila mzigo wa ziada wa kifedha. Ni muhimu ikiwa unaamini unastahili chini ya moja ya makundi hayo, kuomba haraka iwezekanavyo ili tuweze kukusaidia kuamua hali yako ya kustahili. Utaratibu wa maombi inahitaji kutoa rekodi za kijeshi kuonyesha uhusiano wa huduma pamoja na nyaraka husika za matibabu kuthibitisha utambuzi. Ikiwa itaidhinishwa, huduma za afya za kina zinazotolewa na VHA zitashughulikia mahitaji ya huduma ya msingi na maalum ikiwa ni pamoja na huduma za afya ya akili, taratibu za upasuaji, matibabu ya ukarabati, dawa za dawa, na uingiliaji mwingine unaohitajika kitiba. Tafadhali kumbuka kwamba ni muhimu si tu maveterani lakini pia wanafamilia walioathiriwa na uchafuzi wanaweza kuwa na haki ya faida hizi za huduma za afya. Ikiwa wewe ni mwanachama wa familia ya mkongwe aliyetumikia katika kambi ya Lejeune wakati huu na umekuwa ukiishi huko kwa angalau siku 30, unaweza pia kuomba malipo ya gharama za matibabu zinazohusiana na hali zilizofunikwa. Ni muhimu kwamba wale walioathiriwa watumie faida hizi za Huduma za Afya za VA, kwani hutoa chanjo kamili iliyoundwa maalum ili kukabiliana na changamoto za kipekee zinazosababishwa na kuambukizwa kwa maji machafu huko Camp Lejeune. VA inabaki kujitolea katika kutoa msaada na msaada katika safari yako yote ya huduma ya afya. Familia ya wanajeshi wa zamani ambao waliishi katika kambi ya Lejeune wakati wa kipindi maalum cha muda wanaweza pia kuwa na haki ya faida za huduma za afya ikiwa wanakidhi mahitaji fulani. Kwa kuwa ni mwanachama wa familia, lazima awe ni mwenzi au mtoto (ikiwa ni pamoja na watoto wa kambo na watoto waliopitishwa) wa mkongwe aliyetumikia katika kambi ya Lejeune au kituo cha ndege cha Marine Corps New River kati ya Agosti 1, 1953 na Desemba 31, 1987. Kwa mujibu wa sheria hiyo, mtu huyo lazima awe amekuwa akiishi katika kambi hiyo kwa angalau siku 30 wakati huo. Hii inamaanisha kuwa kuwa na uhusiano na mkongwe ambaye alikuwa amewekwa huko haitoshi; makazi halisi kwenye msingi ni muhimu kuanzisha haki. Kuchukua nyaraka zinazohitajika: Uthibitisho wa uhusiano na mkongwe anayestahili (kwa mfano, cheti cha ndoa au vyeti vya kuzaliwa) - Ushahidi unaoonyesha makazi kwenye msingi kama vile rekodi za makazi au bili za matumizi - nyaraka zingine za kuunga mkono zinazohusiana na kuanzisha haki Fomu ya maombi kamili: Jaza fomu ya maombi iliyotolewa na Idara ya Mambo ya Wakongwe (VA). Fomu hiyo itahitaji habari za kibinafsi kuhusu wewe na jamaa yako anayestahili. Kuwasilisha maombi yako: kuwasilisha maombi yako kamili pamoja na nyaraka zote zinazohitajika ama mtandaoni kupitia tovuti rasmi ya VA iliyojitolea hasa kwa madai kuhusu mfiduo kutoka maji machafu katika Camp Lejeune, kwa barua kupitia huduma ya barua iliyothibitishwa ili uweze kufuatilia hali ya utoaji, au kwa mtu binafsi kutembelea ofisi ya karibu ya mkoa ambapo wataalamu waliozoezwa wanapatikana kusaidia waombaji katika mchakato wote. Ni muhimu kutambua kwamba maamuzi ya idhini hufanywa kulingana na hali za mtu binafsi na kukidhi vigezo maalum vilivyowekwa na sheria. Kama kupitishwa, utapokea taarifa maelezo yoyote cover hali husika na maelekezo zaidi kuhusu kupata huduma za afya bila copayments kuhusishwa moja kwa moja kuhusiana na hali hizo maalum. Kwa msaada wa ziada wa kuendesha mchakato huu, inaweza kuwa na manufaa kushauriana na Shirika la Huduma ya Wazee (VSO) au kuwasiliana moja kwa moja na VA kwa mwongozo na msaada. Sheria ya PACT, inayojulikana pia kama Sheria ya Haki ya Kambi ya Lejeune ya 2022, ilianzishwa ili kutoa misaada sahihi kwa watu ambao waliishi, walifanya kazi, au walifunuliwa katika Kambi ya Lejeune na walipatwa na madhara kutokana na maji ya uchafuzi. Sheria hii inatambua kwamba wale walioathiriwa na uchafuzi wanastahili fidia kwa ajili ya masuala yao ya afya. Ili kuwa na haki ya kuwasilisha madai chini ya Sheria ya PACT, watu binafsi lazima wakidhi vigezo fulani. "Wanapaswa kuwa wamekaa au kuwapo katika kambi ya Lejeune wakati wa kufanya kazi au kuwa wazi kwa maji ya uchafuzi kwa angalau siku 30 kati ya Agosti 1, 1953 na Desemba 31, 1987.""" Kwa kuongezea, mama wa watu hawa wanaweza kuwasilisha madai ikiwa waliishi katika Kambi ya Lejeune wakati wa ujauzito wao wakati huu. Ni muhimu kutambua kwamba kuwasilisha madai chini ya sheria hii haina kuathiri mtu binafsi's haki ya faida VA kuhusiana na Camp Lejeune. Wazee wanaweza kupata fidia ya ulemavu na faida za huduma za afya kutoka kwa VA hata kama watachagua kutafuta misaada kupitia njia zingine za kisheria zinazotolewa na Sheria ya PACT. Sheria hiyo inahakikisha kwamba watu walioathiriwa na uchafuzi wa hewa wa kambi ya Lejeune wanaweza kupata fidia ya kutosha kwa madhara na mateso yao bila kuathiri haki yao ya kupata faida za VA. Kwa wale ambao wanataka kupata fidia na faida zinazohusiana na uchafuzi wa maji wa kambi ya Lejeune, ni muhimu kuelewa kwamba hawana haja ya kuajiri wakili au kuwasilisha kesi. Idara ya Masuala ya Wazee (VA) hutoa msaada na msaada moja kwa moja bila haja ya uwakilishi wa kisheria. Ni muhimu kuwa na ufahamu wa matangazo ya biashara kutoka kwa wanasheria au makampuni ya sheria yanayodai kwamba wanaweza kusaidia watu kupata faida hizi. Matangazo hayo yaweza kusababisha mvurugo na kutoa hisia kwamba kuajiri wakili ni muhimu ili kupokea fidia. Hata hivyo, ni muhimu kutambua kwamba matangazo haya si washirika na VA. Mchakato wa kuomba fidia na kupata faida za huduma za afya kupitia VA hauhitaji uingiliaji wa kisheria. Wanafunzi wanaostahili wanaweza kuomba mtandaoni, kwa barua, au kwa mtu binafsi katika ofisi yao ya VA, au kutafuta mwongozo kutoka kwa wataalamu waliozoezwa ambao ni wataalamu katika kusaidia maveterani na madai ya faida. Kwa kuepuka kuhusika bila haja na wanasheria au kesi maalum zinazolenga kesi zinazohusiana na Camp Lejeune, waombaji wanaweza kurahisisha mchakato wao wa maombi wakati wa kuhakikisha upatikanaji wa moja kwa moja wa rasilimali zote zinazopatikana zinazotolewa na VA. Kumbuka: Una haki zote kama mtu anayestahili aliyeathiriwa na suala hili kufuatilia haki zako za haki kwa kujitegemea kupitia njia zilizowekwa ndani ya VA. Maswali ya mara kwa mara: Je, unajua nini kuhusu maji ya Camp Lejeune? "Kama ilivyoelezwa hapo juu, ""Tatizo la uchafuzi wa maji ya kambi ya Lejeune linahusu uchafuzi wa maji ya kunywa katika kambi ya msingi ya Marine Corps ya Lejeune na kituo cha ndege cha Marine Corps (MCAS) New River huko North Carolina kati ya Agosti 1, 1953 na Desemba 31, 1987.""" Vimumunyifu vya viwandani na benzeni kutoka kwa taka za kusafisha kwa maji na matangi ya kuhifadhi mafuta ya chini ya ardhi yaliyovuja yalitia uchafuzi maji. Swali: Ni nani anayestahili kulipwa fidia kwa sababu ya hali hii? Kwa wale ambao wametumikia kwa angalau siku 30 katika kambi ya Lejeune au New River, wanaweza kustahili kupata fidia ya ulemavu ikiwa wamegunduliwa kuwa na moja au zaidi ya hali nane zinazohusiana na kuambukizwa maji. Washiriki wa familia ambao waliishi katika msingi wakati huo wanaweza pia kuwa na haki chini ya vigezo fulani. Q3: Ni nini baadhi ya mifano ya hali ya kudhani kuhusishwa na mfiduo? - Leukemia ya watu wazima - Saratani ya kibofu cha mkojo - Saratani ya figo - Saratani ya ini - Myeloma nyingi - Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma - Ugonjwa wa Parkinson Hizi ni mifano michache tu; kuna orodha kubwa inayopatikana ambayo inajumuisha saratani mbalimbali, kasoro za kuzaliwa, matatizo ya neva, na hali nyingine mbaya za matibabu. Q4: Ninaweza kuomba fidia kwa njia gani? Unaweza kuwasilisha madai yako mtandaoni kupitia VA.gov, kwa barua kupitia fomu maalum zinazotolewa na Idara ya Mambo ya Wazee, au kwa kutembelea ofisi yako ya karibu ya VA. Unaweza pia kutafuta msaada kutoka kwa wataalamu waliozoezwa kama vile mashirika ya huduma ya maveterani (VSOs). Swali: Je, ninahitaji uwakilishi wa kisheria au ni lazima nipe wakili? A: Hapana, unahitaji aina yoyote ya mwakilishi wa kisheria wala kuajiri wanasheria kama matangazo ya biashara kudai hivyo si washirika na DVA. Kumbuka: Ni bora kuwasiliana na DAVO au VSO kwa aina yoyote ya msaada.