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I received a letter from the Marine Corps Today. A new law was signed by President Obama back in August, the law is "Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012".
This law requires that the VA provide health care for veterans who served no less than 30 days at Camp Lejeune between January 1, 1957 and December 31, 1987 at Camp Lejeune for the following conditions:
Bladder Cancer, Breast Cancer, Esophageal Cancer, Female infertility, Hepatic Steatosis, Kidney Cancer, Leukemia, Lung Cancer, Miscarriage, Multiple Myeloma, Myelodysplastic Syndromes, Neurobehavioral Effects, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Renal Toxicity and Scleroderma.
Support for health care costs may also be provided for family members for these conditions once Congress appropriates funds and new regulations are published.
Veterans who are eligible for care under this Act, regardless of current enrollment with the VA, will not be charged a co-payment for health care related to the listed illnesses or conditions, nor will a third party insurance company be billed for these services.
My Dad served 2 1/2 years at Camp Lejeune (he's now deceased). My older brother and I lived there for these 2 1/2 years, my younger brothers lived there 1 1/2 years and 1/2 year. I was affected by female infertility & we keep an eye on my brother who had a breast fibroadenoma removed a few years ago. This is a brother who was conceived at Lejeune.
Any Vets you know, who may have one of these illnesses/conditions and who may have served at Camp Lejeune, let them know about this.
KT2000
(20,544 posts)acknowledging toxic induced illness is next to impossible. To provide medical care is a miracle.
pinboy3niner
(53,339 posts)This has been a long fight, but one that at last has been resolved in a way that recognizes and cares for the victims.
Dyedinthewoolliberal
(15,485 posts)at Montford Point, Camp Lejeune from November 1968 until June 1969. How did they know to send you a letter?
mrmpa
(4,033 posts)because a few years back, I saw a news article about this. It listed an address to register to get more info. I listed myself, my mom and my 3 brotehrs. About 1 1/2 ago we all receved a huge packet from the National Institue of Health asking assorted questions about our health.
Since we registered originally, we receive updates and info from the Marines.
emsimon33
(3,128 posts)mrmpa
(4,033 posts)my only hope, is that Congress may one day address those dependents who also served at Camp Lejeune.
HereSince1628
(36,063 posts)It's possible that the program will be funded as part of the current national sense of responsibility toward 'heroes'.
Once the adulation of all things military dies down, I would be as suspect as you that funding won't be available.
AnotherMcIntosh
(11,064 posts)At Pendleton, in part,
http://yosemite.epa.gov/r9/sfund/r9sfdocw.nsf/vwsoalphabetic/camp+pendleton+marine+corps+base?opendocument
bathroommonkey76
(3,827 posts)had a tumor the size of a softball removed from her three years ago. She lived on base and blamed the contamination with her cancer. At the time she was working as a waitress and didn't have any medical coverage. Each doctor's visit to Wilmington's hospital was paid for out of her pocket and when she started treatments she was unable to work. Family tried their best to help her out, but the bills continued to mount. Right now she has hundreds of thousands in unpaid hospital bills.
mrmpa
(4,033 posts)though it may not help with past care and bills, you might suggest that she contact the VA and/or her US Senator for help with her health issues.