What was in the water
The chemicals VA recognizes as the cause of injury
From August 1953 through December 1987, two of the eight water systems serving Camp Lejeune were contaminated. Tarawa Terrace was contaminated by an off-base dry cleaner with tetrachloroethylene (PCE). Hadnot Point had multiple sources, including leaking underground storage tanks and industrial activities, with trichloroethylene (TCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride. Levels regularly exceeded federal safety standards by 240-3,400 times. ATSDR has identified populations exposed via drinking, bathing, and cooking water on base.
Eligibility
Service or residence at Camp Lejeune during the qualifying period
- Served, resided, or worked at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune for at least 30 cumulative days.
- Presence between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987.
- Diagnosed with one of the presumptive or additional conditions linked to the contamination.
Presumptive conditions
No nexus letter required for these diagnoses
Additional CLJA-covered conditions
Conditions covered under CLJA but requiring nexus evidence for VA disability
Esophageal cancerBreast cancerLung cancerFemale infertilityHepatic steatosisMiscarriageMyelodysplastic syndromesNeurobehavioral effectsRenal toxicityScleroderma
Educational tool. Cites Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 (PACT Act § 804), 38 C.F.R. § 17.400 (eligibility for hospital care), § 3.320 (PACT presumptions). CLJA suits and VA claims interact: settlements may offset benefits.