Camp Lejeune Justice Act 2022

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act, H.R. 6482, is part of the larger Honoring Our PACT Act that is set to pass in 2022. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act will protect Veterans and citizens affected by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

Military veteran shaking hands with citizen

Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 – H.R.6482

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 will allow Veterans and their loved ones to recover damages caused by Camp Lejeune. Camp Lejeune, located in North Carolina, is an active military base from which Marines and Sailors have trained and operated since 1941. The base and surrounding community is home to over 150,000 people including active duty, dependents, retiree, and civilian employee populations.

From August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987, individuals were exposed to contaminated water at the military base. Tests from routine water treatment plants identified that trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), vinyl chloride (VC), and benzene contaminated drinking water sources at Camp Lejeune. Both Veterans and civilians alike were exposed to toxic drinking water during this time period. The government was aware of these toxins and negligently exposed nearly one million people over three decades. The Environmental Protection Agency later established Camp Lejeune as a superfund site due to the large amount of VOCs at the military base.

infographic representing only 25% of camp lejeune water contamination calims were approved between January 2011 and June 2019

As a result of negligent exposure to toxic chemicals, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry has established sufficient causation to exist in the case of several medical conditions. Health effects with sufficient evidence for causation include lung cancer, miscarriage, neurological effects, alongside many more. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 would allow individuals to recover damages for the harm caused by contaminated water exposure.

As part of the Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 is soon set to be signed into law. Learn more about this bill and its predicted effects on Veterans and their loved ones.

Improving the Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012

The Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 extends VA disability and cost-free health care for certain Veterans who served at least thirty days of active duty at Camp Lejune from August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987. However, for thousands, North Carolina statutes of limitations, alongside other issues have prevented them from seeking compensation in court. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act will change that.

Notable Changes to Veteran Benefits

The new bill will allow individuals a two-year window for VA survivors and Veterans to bring claims and recover damages for harm due to contaminated water exposure. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 will allow individuals to sue and recover damages if they were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune from August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987, for at least thirty days. The bill will also prohibit individuals to bring a separate tort action against the US based on the same harm.

Related Camp Lejeune Bills

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is part of the larger Honoring Our PACT Act. Introduced in 2021, the PACT Act directs attention to health care, the presumption of service connection, research, and resources related to Camp Lejeune Veterans exposed to toxic substances during military service. The PACT Act addresses Veteran exposure to comprehensive toxins and expansion of health care eligibility. Additional bills included in the PACT Act relate to:

When Will the Camp Lejeune Justice Act 2022 Be Official?

The Camp Lejeune Act has been passed in the Senate and House of Representatives. However, the bill will return to the Senate as the House recently made changes to it. After being approved by Congress, the bill will move to President Joe Biden. President Biden has expressed strong support for the bill and the Honoring Our PACT Act. Many expect President Biden to sign the bill without hesitation. Many estimate the bill will be passed sometime in late July or early August 2022. You can check the status of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act on the official Congress website.

How Do I File for Camp Lejeune Contamination Benefits?

If you were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, for at least thirty days you may be eligible for compensation. VA disability and health care can help citizens access treatment, cancer centers, and oncology programs. Veterans, workers, and family members may seek legal recourse through an attorney.

Get in contact with Mesothelioma Vets to prepare for the passing of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022.