How Do I File for Camp Lejeune Veteran Benefits as a Family Member?

Camp Lejeune Family Members Program

Working for Camp Lejeune Victims Since 2009 – Fighting for Camp Lejeune Family Members.

Generally, to qualify for VA healthcare benefits, veterans must have served in the active military, received an other-than-dishonorable discharge and have a service-connected, qualifying condition.

When veterans apply for benefits, the VA will evaluate their eligibility and, if they are eligible, will assign them a Priority Group. The Priority Groups typically allow access to the same medical services (with a few exceptions), but each Priority Group has its own rules for copayments. Veterans who served at least thirty days of active-duty military service at Camp LeJeune or MCAS New River between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 will generally be assigned Priority 6.

On August 6, 2012, the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 was enacted, to address extensive evidence of injuries caused by Camp Lejeune Water Contamination. The Act requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to reimburse not only veterans but also eligible Camp Lejeune Family Members (CLFM) for eligible health care costs, related to Camp Lejeune Water Contamination. Family members of Marines who also resided at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River during the qualifying period may also be eligible for reimbursement of out-of-pocket medical expenses and disability compensation for 15 covered health conditions.

To receive compensation from the VA for injuries caused by the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination, CLFMs must fill out a VA form (Application – VA Form 10-10068). The Camp Lejeune Family Member Program requires following evidence:

• Proof of relationship to the Veteran who served on active duty at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River. Examples of good documents include: marriage license, birth certificate, adoption papers
• Proof of residence for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River. Examples of good documents: utility bills, housing records, tax forms, military orders.
• Medical records showing diagnosis and treatment for one of the following 15 illnesses or conditions:
  • Bladder cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Female infertility
  • Hepatic steatosis
  • Kidney cancer
  • Leukemia
  • Lung cancer
  • Miscarriage
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Myelodysplastic syndromes
  • Neurobehavioral effects
  • Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
  • Renal toxicity
  • Scleroderma
• Proof of payment for health care expenses for your claimed condition during specific periods. Reimbursement for medical claims can be paid for care up to two years prior to the date of application for benefits.

It can be helpful to provide a Camp Lejeune Family Members Program Treating Physician Report (VA Form 10-10068b) if you have one.

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