Brain Cancer Linked to Contaminated Drinking Water at Camp Lejeune

Organizations that have studied water contamination at Camp Lejeune, such as the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and others have linked exposure to toxic water at Camp Lejeune to the development of various health issues, including cancer.

Camp Lejeune water contamination has been associated with an increased risk of brain cancer among military personnel and their families.

Particularly exposure to vinyl chloride, a main contaminant at Camp Lejeune, has been shown to increase risk factors for brain cancers.

Scientific evidence linking vinyl chloride to the increased risk for brain tumors and brain cancers include the following:

• American Journal of Industrial Medicine: An industry-wide epidemiologic study of vinyl chloride workers, 1942–1982
• Environmental Health Perspectives: Toxicity of vinyl chloride and poly(vinyl chloride): a critical review
• Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health: Meta-analysis of studies of occupational exposure to vinyl chloride in relation to cancer mortality
• European Journal of Cancer Prevention: Occupational exposure to vinyl chloride and cancer risk
• Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine: Vinyl Chloride and Liver and Brain Cancer at a Polymer Production Plant in Louisville, Kentucky
• Environmental Health Perspectives: Vinyl Chloride: A Case Study of Data Suppression and Misrepresentation

Chemicals in the Camp Lejeune water supply have been directly linked to an increased risk of brain tumor symptoms and different types of brain cancer.

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with brain and spinal cord cancer subsequent to being exposed to Camp Lejeune water contamination, you may be eligible to join others in filing Camp Lejeune claims.

Contact TorHoerman Law for more information, or use the chat function on this page to find out if you qualify to take action.

About Brain Cancer

Brain cancer is a devastating disease affecting thousands of individuals worldwide yearly.

Brain cancer occurs when abnormal brain cells grow uncontrollably, forming malignant brain tumors that can interfere with essential brain functions.

The brain is a complex organ filled with specialized regions and cell types.

Among these are the glial cells, which provide support and insulation between neurons.

Gliomas, a common type of brain tumor, start in these glial cells.

In the depths of the brain lies the pineal gland, responsible for melatonin production, and the pituitary gland, the master gland controlling hormonal functions in the body.

Tumors can also arise in or near these glands, affecting their vital functions.

The brain is enveloped by cerebrospinal fluid, which acts as a cushion and provides protection.

This fluid can potentially act as a pathway for tumor cells to spread to other areas of the central nervous system.

The brain’s nourishment and oxygen supply are primarily provided through blood vessels.

These vessels can sometimes be invaded or compressed by tumors, affecting their function and causing various symptoms.

Brain tumor cells can be benign (noncancerous brain tumors) or malignant (cancerous).

A malignant brain tumor, often referred to as a cancerous brain tumor, is the more severe form and can spread to other parts of the brain and to other areas of the body.

Brain tumor diagnosis often includes MRI, CT scans, biopsy, or a combination of all these methods.

Brain tumor symptoms can vary widely but may include:

• Persistent headaches (known as “brain tumor headaches”)
• Seizures
• Changes in personality or behavior
• Difficulty with coordination and balance
• Changes in vision or speech

Brain Cancer and Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

While the exact causes of brain cancer remain a subject of ongoing research, several risk factors have been identified.

Genetic factors, exposure to ionizing radiation, and certain rare genetic syndromes are known to increase the risk of brain cancer.

However, an emerging concern is the role of environmental contaminants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), in developing brain cancer.

For several decades, military personnel and their families stationed at Camp Lejeune were unknowingly exposed to hazardous chemicals in their drinking water, including:

• Trichloroethylene (TCE)
• Perchloroethylene (PCE)
• Vinyl chloride
• Benzene
• And up to 70 other toxic chemicals

These chemicals are known carcinogens linked to various health issues, including brain cancer.

Although brain cancer or brain tumors are not on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) list of health conditions that have a presumptive service connection, there have been applications for VA health care benefits accepted.

These claims for VA health care benefits were accepted even before the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was signed into law:

• Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Louisville, Kentucky (2016): “Entitlement to service connection for oligoastrocytoma, to include brain tumor.”
• Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Louisville, Kentucky (2018): “Entitlement to service connection for glioblastoma of the left temporal lobe, to include as due to exposure to chemicals at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance, or by reason of being housebound.”

Brain Cancer Complications

Brain and spinal cord cancer can lead to numerous complications that significantly impact an individual’s quality of life.

The severity of these complications often depends on the type, location, brain tumor symptoms, and stage of the brain tumor.

Some common complications of brain cancers and brain tumors include:

• Neurological deficits: Primary brain tumors can interfere with the brain’s normal functioning, leading to neurological deficits such as paralysis, speech difficulties, and memory problems.
• Seizures: Many brain cancer patients experience seizures, which can be frightening and disruptive to daily life.
• Cognitive impairment: Cognitive functions like thinking, memory, and problem-solving may be impaired, affecting a person’s ability to work and maintain relationships.
• Emotional and psychological challenges: Dealing with a brain cancer diagnosis can lead to anxiety, depression, and other emotional struggles for both the patient and their loved ones.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Overview

For over 30 years, Camp Lejeune residents, military service members, family members, workers, and more were exposed to dangerous and toxic chemicals in drinking water.

The US Military and federal government knew of the toxic water contamination at Camp Lejeune, but did little to intervene and protect residents.

Several attempts have been made to legislate change for Camp Lejeune victims over the years.

The Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 secured VA health care benefits and disability compensation for victims with qualifying medical conditions, but it was not comprehensive enough to address the needs of all victims exposed to the contaminated water supply.

President Biden signed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act into law in August 2022, allowing any person who lived or worked at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune the ability to file a claim for compensation.

Camp Lejeune victims are able to participate in the administrative claims process for two years after the signing of the bill, with a deadline of August 2024.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act also allows victims to file Camp Lejeune Lawsuits in the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina if their claims are not adjudicated within six months.

Working with experienced lawyers for the claims process and subsequent Camp Lejeune Lawsuits is highly recommended.

If you or a loved one were exposed to water contamination at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify to file a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit instantly.

Health Problems Linked to Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune

Several health conditions have been linked to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

While the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) listed out health conditions that have a presumptive service connection to Camp Lejeune, there are several other conditions that may be linked to Camp Lejeune water contamination.

Below is a comprehensive list of health conditions linked to Camp Lejeune water contamination:

• Bladder Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Cervical Cancer
• Esophageal Cancer
• Kidney Cancer
• Liver Cancer
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Adult Leukemia
• Aplastic Anemia
• Multiple Myeloma
• Renal Toxicity
• Scleroderma
• Hepatic Steatosis (Fatty Liver Disease)
• Infertility in Women
• Lung Cancer
• Neurobehavioral Effects
• ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
• Central Nervous System Cancer
• Colorectal Cancer
• Epilepsy
• Kidney Disease
• Lupus
• Microcephaly
• Miscarriage & Fetal Death
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Prostate Cancer
• Rectal Cancer

Service members, their families, civilian workers, and countless others were diagnosed with deadly health conditions and, for years, could not secure the benefits they desperately needed.

With the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, victims with conditions such as those listed above may be eligible to seek justice and compensation.

What Toxic Substances Were Found in the Water Supply at Camp Lejeune?

The two primary water treatment plants at Camp Lejeune were found to have fatal concentrations of VOCs.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a group of organic chemicals that can easily vaporize into the air at room temperature.

VOCs can be found in multiple products, such as solvents, paints, cleaning agents, fuels, and building materials.

Volatile organic compounds that contaminated the Camp Lejeune water supply include:

• TCE (trichloroethylene): TCE is a volatile organic compound commonly used as a solvent in industrial processes. It was used extensively in the dry cleaning industry for its ability to dissolve greases and stains from clothing.
• PCE (perchloroethylene or tetrachloroethylene): Perchloroethylene, known as PCE or “perc,” is another volatile organic compound commonly used in dry cleaning processes. It is highly effective at removing stains and dirt from fabrics. However, like TCE, PCE is considered a potential health hazard.
• Vinyl chlorides: Vinyl chloride is a volatile organic compound and a key chemical in producing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics.
• Benzene: Benzene is a volatile organic compound used in various industrial processes and products, including gasoline and solvents.

Do You Qualify To File a Camp Lejeune Brain Cancer Lawsuit?

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act has opened up the opportunity for victims to file claims for compensation related to their exposure to Camp Lejeune water contamination.

If you or a loved one lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune Justice Act claim or a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit instantly.

Experienced Camp Lejeune lawyers will help victims gather evidence for their claim, and assess damages to be included in demands for compensation.

Credible law firms will help victims through the entire legal process and work to ensure they are adequately compensated for what they’ve been through.

Gathering Evidence for Camp Lejeune Claims

Gathering sufficient evidence to support your case is crucial for filing a Camp Lejeune Justice Act claim.

This is a step of the legal process you can begin on your own, but an experienced Camp Lejeune attorney can help you gather and retain evidence for your Camp Lejeune Lawsuit.

Potential evidence for Camp Lejeune claims may include:

• Documents proving residence at Camp Lejeune
• Military service records indicating dates and locations served
• Medical records and diagnoses
• Medical bills
• Travel records
• Health care information
• Records on disability benefits or VA compensation benefits

Assessing Damages for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Claims

Damages refer to the total amount of losses, economic and non-economic, related to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

Your lawyer will help you assess and calculate damages so that your demand for a Camp Lejeune settlement meets your expectations and covers the extent of your suffering.

Potential damages in Camp Lejeune lawsuits may include:

• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Disability benefits
• Loss of companionship, consortium, enjoyment of life, and earning capacity
• Permanent disability

TorHoerman Law: Your Camp Lejeune Lawyers

Seeking appropriate legal help can greatly help in your fight for justice.

At TorHoerman Law, our dedicated team of attorneys has a proven track record of handling toxic exposure cases and fighting for victims’ rights.

We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll of exposure to contaminated water Camp Lejeune victims and their families have suffered.

Our attorneys are committed to helping you obtain the compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one were exposed to water contamination at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 for 30 days or more, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune claim.

Contact us today, and our legal experts will review your case, providing an accessible and instant qualification assessment.

You can contact us directly or use our chatbot for immediate assistance.

Reach out to our law firm with any questions or concerns on the Camp Lejeune Justice Act claims process, Camp Lejeune Lawsuits, and more.

We are here to help you.