Camp Lejeune Family Member Program

Definition

The Camp Lejeune Family Member Program is a specific VA benefits program for family members of veterans who were stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. The program provides healthcare benefits to eligible family members who may have been exposed to contaminated drinking water during their time at Camp Lejeune. These benefits cover the cost of treating medical conditions associated with the water contamination, including certain cancers and neurological disorders.

Key Takeaways

1. The Camp Lejeune Family Member Program provides healthcare benefits to eligible family members of Veterans who were stationed at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River in North Carolina between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and were exposed to contaminated drinking water.
2. Eligible family members can receive reimbursement for out-of-pocket medical expenses related to one or more of the 15 established Camp Lejeune-related health issues, such as multiple cancer types, neurological disorders, and kidney or liver diseases.
3. To apply for the program, family members must complete the VA Form 10-10068 (Family Member Program Application), providing evidence of the Veteran’s service at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River, proof of family relationship, and documents to verify medical expenses for the covered conditions.

Importance

The Camp Lejeune Family Member Program is important because it acknowledges and offers critical support to the family members of veterans who resided on the Camp Lejeune military base in North Carolina during specific periods when the base’s water supply was contaminated with harmful chemicals.

This program was established by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide healthcare benefits to designated family members who suffer from any of the medical conditions linked to the contaminated water.

Thus, the Camp Lejeune Family Member Program plays a vital role in addressing the long-term health impacts that resulted from this incident, ensuring that affected family members receive appropriate medical care and alleviate their suffering.

Explanation

The Camp Lejeune Family Member Program serves as a cornerstone in assisting and providing necessary support to family members of veterans who were stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The primary purpose of this program is to address the health issues and challenges faced by those family members who were exposed to contaminated drinking water while residing at the military base between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.

It is a well-documented event that has led to numerous health complications for the affected individuals, thus necessitating dedicated benefits and resources for the care and well-being of these affected family members. Through the Camp Lejeune Family Member Program, eligible individuals can receive healthcare benefits that cover certain medical conditions associated with this exposure to contaminated water.

These healthcare benefits are an essential lifeline, as they provide financial assistance and support in managing and treating illnesses related to this historical event. Some of these covered medical conditions include certain cancers, renal dysfunction, and neurological disorders, among others.

Overall, the program aims to alleviate the financial burden and health challenges faced by the impacted family members, ensuring that they receive adequate medical care and support for the long-term repercussions of their exposure at Camp Lejeune.

Examples of Camp Lejeune Family Member Program

The Camp Lejeune Family Member Program provides healthcare benefits to family members of veterans who resided at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and were potentially exposed to contaminated water. Here are three real-world examples of individuals who could benefit from this program:

Spouse of a Marine: A woman whose husband was stationed at Camp Lejeune during the specified time period might have lived on base with him. If she has developed any of the qualifying health conditions attributed to the contaminated water exposure, she would be eligible for healthcare benefits under the Camp Lejeune Family Member Program.

Child born to a service member: A child born to a service member who lived at Camp Lejeune during the specified period might have been exposed to the contaminated water during their early years. If the child develops any of the specified health conditions, they would be eligible for healthcare benefits through this program.

Dependent adult family member: Suppose an adult dependent, such as an elderly parent or sibling with disabilities, was living with a service member at Camp Lejeune during the exposure period. In that case, they may be eligible for healthcare benefits under the Camp Lejeune Family Member Program if they develop any of the specified health conditions tied to contaminated water exposure.

FAQ: Camp Lejeune Family Member Program

What is the Camp Lejeune Family Member Program?

The Camp Lejeune Family Member Program is a VA benefits program designed to provide healthcare to eligible family members of veterans who were stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987. This program aims to address health issues resulting from exposure to contaminated drinking water during that period.

Who is eligible for the Camp Lejeune Family Member Program?

Eligible family members include spouses, children, and certain dependents of veterans who served at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days within the specified timeframe. The family members must have a condition related to the exposure to the contaminated drinking water at the camp and must be able to provide proper documentation to support their claim.

What healthcare benefits are covered by this program?

The Camp Lejeune Family Member Program provides coverage for specific medical conditions linked to exposure to the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune, including cancer, leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Parkinson’s disease, and others. A full list of covered medical conditions can be found on the VA website.

How do I apply for the Camp Lejeune Family Member Program?

To apply for the Camp Lejeune Family Member Program, you will need to complete and submit VA Form 10-10068, “Health Benefits Application For Certain Camp Lejeune Family Members.” The form is available for download on the VA website, and must be submitted along with the required supporting documentation.

Where can I find more information on the Camp Lejeune Family Member Program?

More information about the Camp Lejeune Family Member Program can be found on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website at www.va.gov. Alternatively, you can contact your local VA medical facility or call the VA Health Benefits Service Center at 1-877-222-VETS (8387).

Related VA Benefit Terms

• Contaminated Drinking Water Exposure
• VA Health Care Eligibility
• Disability Compensation Reimbursement
• Tricare Retiree Benefit
• VA Claims Processing

Sources for More Information

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Official website of the Department of Veterans Affairs
• Veterans Benefits Administration – Homepage for information on various veterans’ benefits and programs, part of the Department of Veterans Affairs
• Military.com – A comprehensive resource for military members, veterans, and their families
• TRICARE – The official healthcare program for uniformed service members, retirees, and their families