VA Proposes Rule to Implement Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act

On Wednesday, the VA published in the Federal Register proposed rules to provide health care for veterans under the Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act. These proposals govern health care for veterans only. The VA will publish rules governing health care for families at a later date. Most of the provisions describe the eligibility requirements, but a few provide for reimbursement and copay rules.

• The VA proposes to broadly define the affected area as “any area within the borders of the U.S. Marine Corp Base Camp Lejeune.” The statute had not established specific areas of exposure like water from the Tarawa Terrace or Hadnot Point treatment plant which was contaminated with perchloroethylene or tetrachloroethylene. So, the regulation is broader than the water model reports may suggest.
• An eligible veteran is anyone who served at Camp Lejeune on active duty for at least 30 days – consecutive or nonconsecutive – between January 1, 1957, and December 31, 1987, thirty years.
• Fifteen illnesses are lists are associated with exposure to Perc. Treatment for those listed diseases does not require a copayment.
• The VA will reimburse copayments made for qualifying illnesses and conditions. Unfortunately, the reimbursements will cover copayments made after August 6, 2012.

The VA is accepting comments on its plan to implement the Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act until October 11, 2013.

Veterans Disability Compensation for Illness from Camp Lejeune

If you were exposed to toxins at Camp Lejeune, we encourage you to learn more about disability benefits for illness from Camp Lejeune. Have a question about your eligibility or a disability benefits application you filed? Contact us for a free evaluation.