Camp Lejeune Support & Compensation for Survivors
If you are a veteran survivor or a family member of a veteran, you can access support resources for Camp Lejeune through various channels. These resources are designed to help you cope with any challenges you may be facing and provide you with the necessary assistance.
5 Camp Lejeune Support Resources
Camp Lejeune, a Marine Corps base in North Carolina, experienced a tragic chapter from the 1950s to the 1980s with severe water contamination. The water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with toxic chemicals such as trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and other volatile organic compounds. The contamination was a result of several sources, including improper disposal practices and leaking storage tanks, leaving many in need of Camp Lejeune support resources.
Unfortunately, exposure to these toxic chemicals has led to serious health problems among military personnel, their families, and civilian workers at the base. Many individuals have suffered from various health conditions, such as neurological disorders, birth defects, and different cancers, due to their exposure to these toxins. The toxic chemicals found in the water not only caused severe health issues but also resulted in legal battles, seeking justice for negligence. Even though the Office of Veterans Affairs recognizes some of the conditions linked to the contamination, not all health issues are covered. This is where seeking specialized care and compensation outside the VA becomes essential.
For those affected by this tragedy, navigating the complexities of medical treatment and legal recourse can be overwhelming. That’s why counsel and support are vital. As a Camp Lejeune survivor, it’s crucial to acknowledge the importance of seeking assistance and compensation beyond VA coverage. This blog delves into different support methods for Camp Lejeune toxic water survivors.
1) Camp Lejeune Community Counseling Center
The Camp Lejeune Community Counseling Center offers tailored support for those impacted by the water contamination, including individual and group counseling, mental health resources, and guidance on legal and medical processes. The impact of the Camp Lejeune water contamination extends beyond just the military personnel stationed there. Family members, including spouses and children, may also have been exposed to the contaminated water and could be experiencing health issues or emotional distress as a result. Counseling provided at medical centers can improve veterans’ mental health and help them access medical support for physical side effects. To access services, individuals can contact the center directly via phone, email, or the Camp Lejeune MCCS website to schedule appointments or inquire about available support, as there is no referral needed, and services are free.
Camp Lejeune Community Counseling Center
Phone Number: 910-451-2864
Address: Bldg. LCH 4007, (Corner of Butler Dr. S and 4th Street) Midway Park, Camp Lejeune, NC 28547
2) Military OneSource Anger Management
Experiencing a life-altering contamination while serving your country can be a highly frustrating and challenging experience. Camp Lejeune survivors who are struggling to manage their anger and emotional distress after service contamination need personalized support and guidance to navigate their complex emotions. Military OneSource offers veterans confidential Camp Lejeune counseling sessions tailored to manage anger, coping strategies, and access to resources through their toll-free number, website, or mobile app. These services play a significant role in providing vital assistance to Camp Lejeune survivors, offering tools for healthier coping, improved well-being, and a chance to enhance their overall quality of life.
Military OneSource
Phone Number: 800-342-9647
3) Camp Lejeune Education Center
The Camp Lejeune Education Center offers a wide range of educational opportunities aimed at improving and enhancing the lives of survivors impacted by water contamination. These programs include academic courses, vocational training, career counseling, and certifications, providing avenues for personal and professional growth. Survivors can benefit from enrolling in these initiatives, as they can acquire new skills, expand their knowledge base, and enhance their career prospects despite the challenges they have faced. To participate, individuals can explore available programs, courses, and enrollment procedures through the center’s website, contact their administrative offices directly, or visit the center in person for guidance on how to enroll and make the most of these educational opportunities.
Camp Lejeune Education Center
Phone Number: 910-451-3091
Address: 825 Stone St., Camp Lejeune, North Carolina 28547
4) Camp Lejeune Self-Help and Support Groups
Peer support holds immense value for Camp Lejeune survivors and families navigating the complex aftermath of the contamination. Connecting with others who have shared similar experiences can offer a unique form of understanding, empathy, and solidarity. These support groups provide emotional solace, practical advice, and a sense of community, all vital for coping with the challenges stemming from the base’s contamination effects. Survivors can join various self-help and support groups available in Onslow County, often facilitated by local organizations, veteran associations, or online platforms dedicated to Camp Lejeune survivors. Through these groups, individuals can find a safe space to share experiences, access valuable resources, and receive both emotional and practical assistance. Typically, joining these groups involves reaching out to the organizing bodies via their websites, social media platforms, or local community centers to inquire about meeting schedules.
Veterans with mesothelioma can take action without affecting their benefits.
5) Compensation for Camp Lejeune Survivors
If you were a veteran or resident at Camp Lejeune, you may be eligible for compensation through the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. Camp Lejeune survivors have several avenues for compensation due to the detrimental effects of water contamination. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides Camp Lejeune survivor benefits for those who developed specific medical conditions due to exposure during their service at Camp Lejeune. To apply for VA benefits, survivors must gather relevant medical records documenting their health conditions related to the contamination and submit a claim through the VA’s website, in person at a VA regional office, or by mail. Additionally, survivors may explore legal options to seek compensation beyond what the VA offers, which could involve filing lawsuits against responsible parties or joining class-action lawsuits.
Navigating the compensation claims process effectively requires thorough documentation of medical conditions, understanding eligibility criteria, and seeking legal counsel or assistance from veterans’ service organizations to ensure a comprehensive and successful application for benefits or legal compensation. This process can be complicated and overwhelming. That’s why Mesothelioma Vets provides assistance, working tirelessly with survivors to help them navigate the claims process.