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The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has proposed to amend its adjudication regulations relating to presumptive service connection to add certain diseases associated with contaminants present in the base water supply at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune (Camp Lejeune), North Carolina, from August 1, 1953 to December 31, 1987. The chemical compounds involved have been associated by various scientific organizations with the development of certain diseases. The proposed rule would establish that veterans, former reservists, and former National Guard members, who served at Camp Lejeune during this period, and who have been diagnosed with any of nine associated diseases, are presumed to have a service-connected disability for purposes of entitlement to VA benefits. In addition, VA would establish a presumption that these individuals were disabled during the relevant period of service, thus establishing active military service for benefit purposes. Under this presumption, affected former reservists and National Guard members have veteran status for purposes of entitlement to some VA benefits. This amendment implements a decision by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that service connection on a presumptive basis is warranted for claimants who served at Camp Lejeune and later develop certain diseases. VA plans to finalize this proposal after considering public comments.

Statement of Need:

VA is responding to health concerns based on potentially service-connected exposure to contaminants in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune.  Environmental Protection Agency standards came out in the early 1980s.  In 1982, the Marine Corps discovered elevated levels of the VOCs in two of the eight on-base water supply systems at Camp Lejeune.  These water systems served housing, administrative, and recreational facilities, as well as the base hospital.

Summary of the Legal Basis:

38 U.S.C. 501(a)

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Anticipated Costs and Benefits:

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