If you were diagnosed with lung cancer and were also a veteran, worker, or resident at Camp Lejeune, you have to meet certain qualifications to prove that your condition originated from the toxic water, including:
- You lived or worked at Camp Lejeune or a qualifying satellite installation between 1953 and 1987
- You have received a lung cancer diagnosis
- There is a link (or nexus) between the toxic water and your cancer
Certain documentation will help you meet these requirements. Your primary care physician will provide evidence that your attorney can use to prove the nexus between your condition and your time at Camp Lejeune.
What Kind of Documentation do You Need to Prove Your Cancer Is from Toxic Water Contamination?
To establish that you qualify for compensation through the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) benefits or a lawsuit, you may need certain documentation. Here are some pieces of evidence that your lawyer can use to establish your eligibility:
- Discharge or residency papers linking you to Camp Lejeune for at least 30 consecutive or non-consecutive days
- Documentation of your diagnosis from your physician
- A nexus letter from your physician establishing a link between your cancer and your time at Camp Lejeune
- Scientific studies and reports linking lung cancer to chemicals found in the water at Camp Lejeune
How do You Get a Nexus Letter from Your Doctor?
If you believe that your lung cancer was caused by toxic water exposure, talk with your doctor about writing a nexus letter. A nexus letter links your illness to your military service. If you or your doctor are unsure of what may be required, your attorney can point you in the right direction through your VA representative.
Research Linking Camp Lejeune Toxic Water to Lung Cancer
Scientific research can help your attorney provide a link between your cancer and the chemicals you were exposed to at Camp Lejeune. Some of this research includes:
- A report from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) warning that Vinyl Chloride increases the risk of lung cancer
- A study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) linking Perchloroethylene (PCE) to lung cancer
- Animal research published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finding that rats and mice exposed to PCE had an increased risk of lung cancer
Because of this research and many incidences of lung cancer among those who were exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune, an attorney may be able to strengthen the connection you need to receive compensation.
VA Already Recognizes Lung Cancer as an Associated Health Condition
If you elect to receive benefits from VA, it already recognizes lung cancer as a health condition related to toxic water exposure at Camp Lejeune. To apply, you will need to show documentation establishing your connection to the military base (such as discharge or residency papers) and your diagnosis.
In addition, you will also need to show that you were not dishonorably discharged and provide documentation of your healthcare expenses.
For a free legal consultation, call: (614) 545-3930
Call Now »Can You File a Toxic Water Lawsuit if You Have Lung Cancer from Camp Lejeune?
Your attorney can determine your eligibility to file a toxic water lawsuit through a free consultation. Recent legislation, such as the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, has opened up opportunities for veterans to receive additional compensation through participation in a lawsuit. However, your time to file may be limited.
How Can a Lawyer Help You Prove You Deserve Compensation for Your Camp Lejeune Illness?
Whether you choose to pursue compensation through a benefits claim, a lawsuit, or both, a lawyer can help you file your case and negotiate for a financial award that will help you cover your medical expenses. Here are some of the services your toxic water attorney can offer:
- Filing your claim or lawsuit on time
- Gathering evidence to support your case
- Representing you in court proceedings
- Connecting you to VA resources to make sure your claim is accurately completed
- Filing appeals with VA and guiding you through the administrative review process
- Negotiating with the responsible parties for a settlement or verdict, should your case proceed to a lawsuit
- Consulting with your physician and other experts to strengthen your claim
- Keeping up with developments in other lung cancer and Camp Lejeune cases, so your case benefits from new studies and knowledge
- Pooling their resources, so you don’t have to pay for representation upfront
Your attorneys will aim to keep much of the burden of the process off of your shoulders. If you’re suffering from lung cancer as a result of your connection to Camp Lejeune, you deserve an advocate who will take on the legal system and the claims process for you.
At The Fitch Law Firm LLC, We Will Find the Proof Your Camp Lejeune Lung Cancer Case Needs
Whether you’ve been struggling with health conditions related to your service for a long time, or you’ve just recently been diagnosed, you shouldn’t have to shoulder the financial consequences on your own. We want to support you in your fight for compensation, so you can focus on your priorities.
Call us to receive your free consultation.