The Recent ATSDR Study Camp Lejeune
Today, I want to discuss the recent release of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) study concerning Camp Lejeune’s water contamination and what this means for us, the widows and families of those brave souls who’ve departed due to the tragedy that unfolded at the base.
Understanding the ATSDR Report
The ATSDR’s report is a landmark achievement in our long quest for justice and acknowledgment. It confirmed what many of us have suspected for years: that military and civilian personnel stationed at Camp Lejeune from the mid-1970s to ’80s were more likely to be diagnosed with certain cancers compared to those at Camp Pendleton, due to the water contamination at Lejeune. This contamination included harmful chemicals such as trichloroethylene (TCE), vinyl chloride, and benzene, known to cause various cancers and other serious health conditions.
What This Means for Us
For those of us whose loved ones have already passed away, this report is a bittersweet vindication. It doesn’t bring back our beloved spouses, but it reinforces the legitimacy of our claims and the gravity of our losses. It’s a critical step forward in our fight for justice, ensuring that the sacrifices of our loved ones are recognized and honored.
Expanded List of Recognized Conditions
The study’s findings could potentially lead to an expansion of the list of conditions for which veterans and civilians can receive government compensation. Currently, the Department of Justice recognizes nine health conditions related to Camp Lejeune’s water contamination. With the new evidence, we might see additional diseases, including types of cancers previously unacknowledged, being considered for compensation.
Legal and Compensation Implications
The timing of the study is crucial as it comes before the August 10, 2024, deadline for filing claims under the federal law passed in 2022. This means that the families and individuals affected have a concrete basis to file or support their compensation claims, potentially easing the process for those seeking justice.
Moving Forward
- Advocacy and Support: As LEAWs, we will continue to advocate for the expansion of recognized conditions and ensure that the findings of the ATSDR study are fully leveraged for the benefit of all affected families. Our mission remains to stand by each of you, offering support, guidance, and advocacy as we navigate these developments together.
- Awareness and Screening: The study also highlights the importance of being vigilant about our health. Those who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune during the contamination years should be aware of their increased risk and seek regular medical screenings for the cancers identified in the report.
- Community and Solidarity: We find strength in our unity. Let us continue to share our stories, support each other, and keep the memory of our loved ones alive. Our collective voice is powerful, and together, we can forge a path toward healing and justice.
Help a Marine Widow Today
“In the relentless quest for justice, our widows face daunting challenges, compelled by the VA to prove their husbands’ deaths were service-connected. The battle for evidence is steep, requiring expert support and funding. Your donation empowers us to gather the necessary scientific proof, offering a beacon of hope to those fighting for their rights. Stand with us—your generosity is their strength in this critical fight. Donate now and champion the cause of justice and recognition for our heroes’ families.”