Toxic Exposure & Presumptive Conditions
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination — VA Claims & Presumptive Conditions
PACT Act recognized
From 1953 to 1987, the drinking water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River was contaminated with industrial solvents. Veterans, reservists, and guardsmen who served there at least 30 days qualify for presumptive disability benefits for several conditions.
Who's covered
VA recognizes exposure for service in these locations and time periods:
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
August 1, 1953 – December 31, 1987Drinking water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River, North Carolina was contaminated with volatile organic compounds (TCE, PCE, vinyl chloride, benzene). ATSDR identified TCE peaking at 1,400 ppb at Hadnot Point and PCE at 2
Presumptive conditions (8)
If you have a qualifying diagnosis and the service above, VA presumes these are connected to your exposure — you don't have to prove causation:
Adult leukemiaAplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromesBladder cancerKidney cancerLiver cancerMultiple myelomaNon-Hodgkin lymphomaParkinson's disease
See your conditions and what they rate, then build your combined rating — open the free calculator →
What you need to file
- DD-214 — Establishes service period and duty station
- Personnel/duty assignment records — Proves 30+ cumulative days at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River
- Medical diagnosis — Confirms one of the 8 presumptive conditions
How to file
File a disability claim for your diagnosed condition and note the exposure. The usual path: lock your date with an Intent to File, get a current diagnosis, gather your service records, and prepare for your C&P exam. If service connection isn't obvious, a nexus letter can help.
Legal authority & sources
Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 (PACT Act 2022, Pub.L.117-168 §804); 38 CFR 3.307
See every benefit you've earned — free
VA Ready checks your rating against state and federal benefits for all 50 states, builds your combined rating with real VA math, and walks you through filing. No account required.
With ProGet your full Benefits & Exposure Profile PDF, every-state lookups, and the complete criteria for all 755 conditions.
More from VA Ready: all toxic exposures · ratings by condition · pay rates
Common questions
What conditions are presumptive for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
VA recognizes 8 presumptive conditions, including Adult leukemia, Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes, Bladder cancer, Kidney cancer. With qualifying service you don't have to prove the connection.
Who qualifies for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination benefits?
You generally need qualifying service in a recognized location and time period (listed above), a current diagnosis, and a discharge that isn't dishonorable.
Is Camp Lejeune Water Contamination covered under the PACT Act?
Yes. This exposure is recognized under the PACT Act, which expanded presumptive conditions and eligibility for toxic-exposed veterans.
How do I file an exposure claim?
File a disability claim listing your condition and exposure. Start with an Intent to File to lock your effective date, get a current diagnosis, and bring your service records. The VA Ready app and guides walk you through each step.
Presumptive conditions, eligible locations, and dates are summarized from VA.gov and the cited authorities and can change. Always confirm current eligibility at VA.gov or with a VA-accredited representative. VA Ready is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and this page is not legal or medical advice.