Long-awaited news is positive for veterans and their loved ones who suffered due to the toxic drinking water at the Camp Lejeune, NC base from 1957-1987. As promised two years ago by law, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced a few weeks ago that it will soon cover out-of-pocket healthcare costs for Marine dependents who contracted cancer and other illnesses due to this toxic exposure.
This announcement was precipitated by Congress’s 2012 Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act, which provided healthcare for the estimated 750,000 Marines and their family members who lived on the Camp Lejeune base while the water was contaminated and developed any of 15 illnesses.This allowed for full care for veterans, but said dependents would have to wait for reimbursement.
That will change later this year after the new rules are published in the Federal Register and a 30-day waiting period expires. Out-of-pocket healthcare expenses not covered by insurance will be reimbursed dating back to March 26, 2013, the day Congress appropriated funding. This date only applies to the family members, however; veterans’ reimbursement backdates to August 6, 2012, when the law was signed.
Camp Lejeune veterans and family members who can prove they lived or worked at the base during that time period can apply for these benefits online through the VA website or in person at a VA healthcare center.
If you are a veteran with questions about VA benefits, the expert staff of Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law, can help. Call us toll-free at1.877.526.3457 or send us an e-mail to schedule your free initial consultation today.
