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VA RIN: 2900-AP66 Publication ID: Spring 2017 
Title: Diseases Associated With Exposure to Contaminants in the Water Supply at Camp Lejeune 
Abstract:

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amends its adjudication regulations regarding presumptive service connection, adding 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. This final rule establishes that veterans, former reservists, and former National Guard members, who served at Camp Lejeune for no less than 30 days (consecutive or nonconsecutive) during this period, and who have been diagnosed with any of eight associated diseases, are presumed to have incurred or aggravated the disease in service for purposes of entitlement to VA benefits. In addition, this final rule establishes a presumption that these individuals were disabled during the relevant period of service for purposes of establishing active military service for benefits 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 during the relevant period and for the requisite amount of time and later develop certain diseases.

 
Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs(VA)  Priority: Economically Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Completed Actions 
Major: Yes  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 38 CFR 3.307    38 CFR 3.309   
Legal Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501(a)   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  09/09/2016  81 FR 62419   
NPRM Comment Period End  10/11/2016 
Final Action  01/13/2017  82 FR 4173   
Final Action Effective  03/14/2017 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: No  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: Yes 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Eric Mandle
Policy Analyst, Regulations Staff (211D)
Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Benefits Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue NW.,
Washington, DC 20420
Phone:202 461-9694
Email: eric.mandle@va.gov