Cognitive Disabilities Linked to Contaminated Drinking Water at Camp Lejeune

The water at Camp Lejeune was found to be contaminated between 1953 and 1987.

Organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency and The Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) discovered a myriad of toxic chemicals in Camp Lejeune’s water supply.

The ATSDR discovered at least seventy toxic chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune, with the four most prominent contaminants being:

• Trichloroethylene (TCE)
• Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)
• Benzene
• Vinyl Chloride

These chemicals have been linked to various cancers and autoimmune conditions — and all were in high concentrations in Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water supply between 1953 and 1987.

As a result, during these years, Camp Lejeune veterans and their family members were exposed to the water and developed a range of conditions.

Some of the illnesses discovered were found in children born during the three-decade water contamination period at Camp Lejeune.

These illnesses ranged from cardiac birth defects to other congenital disorders.

Besides these congenital disorders, cognitive disabilities afflicted many children born between 1953 and 1987 at Camp Lejeune.

Camp Lejeune victims who have suffered from neurological disorders, cognitive disabilities, or any other intellectual disability linked to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in the water at Camp Lejeune may be eligible to file a claim.

If you or your child received a diagnosis of intellectual disabilities, and you were exposed to Camp Lejeune’s water between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to join others filing Camp Lejeune lawsuits.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free case evaluation.

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

About Cognitive Disabilities

Cognitive disabilities encompass a collection of mental and sensory impairments.

These impairments limit cognitive functioning and adaptive behavior.

Cognitive disabilities are often lifelong conditions that hinder a person’s ability to learn and retain information.

Affected individuals also have challenges with problem-solving, reasoning, and adapting to new situations.

In short, these disabilities can have severe consequences on a child’s ability to live an independent life.

Cognitive Disabilities and Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

Prenatal exposure to toxic substances like the TCE and PCE found in contaminated water at Camp Lejeune may increase the risk for cognitive disabilities and learning disabilities.

There has been a long-standing consensus about the connection between prenatal chemical exposure and the development of intellectual disabilities in children.

A 2018 study published in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health suggests that even mild prenatal VOC exposure can predispose a growing fetus to develop an intellectual disability.

These findings were echoed by another study published two years later in the Journal of Environmental Research.

In 2021, another study highlighted how prenatal VOC exposure leads to the development of intellectual disabilities.

The study was a longitudinal cohort study that examined the effects of prenatal VOC exposure on 12-month-old children.

Based on the study’s findings, the majority of the examined children of exposed mothers displayed signs of neurodevelopmental delays.

Other Causes of Cognitive Disabilities

Cognitive disabilities can be caused by several different things.

Listed below are different causes of cognitive disabilities in children:

• Genetic Factors:  Cognitive disabilities can be inherited. Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome are some cognitive disabilities related to genetics.
• Complications During Pregnancy:  Alcohol or drug exposure in utero (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder), malnutrition during pregnancy, infections during pregnancy (e.g., rubella, cytomegalovirus), and other complications during pregnancy can lead to cognitive disabilities.
• Complications at Birth:  Premature birth, lack of oxygen (hypoxia or birth asphyxia), and neonatal infections can result in cognitive disabilities.
• Health Conditions:  Certain health conditions in mothers can result in cognitive disabilities. Lead poisoning, meningitis or encephalitis, and severe and chronic malnutrition may contribute to cognitive disabilities.
• Brain Injury:  Traumatic brain injury (e.g., from accidents or falls) and non-traumatic brain injuries (e.g., strokes, tumors) can result in cognitive disabilities in children.
• Environmental Factors:  As we’ve mentioned previously, exposure to toxic substances (e.g., solvents) can increase the risk of cognitive disabilities, both in-utero and while developing as a young child.

Complications of Cognitive Disability

Cognitive disabilities can be associated with various complications and challenges that affect an individual’s daily life and overall well-being.

The specific complications can vary widely depending on the severity of the cognitive disability and the presence of any co-occurring conditions.

Here are some common complications and challenges associated with cognitive disabilities:

• Difficulties in school
• Communication problems
• Interpersonal issues
• Behavioral and emotional challenges
• Poor daily living skills
• Higher healthcare needs
• Safety issues
• Limited independence

In the worst-case scenario, a cognitive disability can occur alongside other neurodevelopmental conditions.

Some examples of co-occurring conditions are attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

What Are the Different Types of Cognitive Disabilities Suffered by Camp Lejeune Victims?

Exposure to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated drinking water can lead to various cognitive disabilities.

Intellectual disabilities suffered by Camp Lejeune victims include:

• Memory challenges
• Concentration issues
• Learning disabilities
• Problem-solving difficulties
• Attention problems
• Language complications
• Visual-spatial challenges
• Motor coordination issues

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Overview

The drinking water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with toxic chemicals for over 30 years, from approximately 1953 to 1987.

During that time, active duty military service members, their dependents, civilian workers, National Guard members, and others consumed contaminated drinking water without knowing the health risks associated with the toxic water contamination.

For decades, those exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune went without proper acknowledgment, relief, or compensation from Camp Lejeune officials and the federal government.

The Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 attempted to secure expanded VA health care benefits, disability compensation, and other forms of relief, but many veterans and family members faced denials.

It wasn’t until the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 that Camp Lejeune veterans and victims could finally seek justice on a comprehensive scale.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act was signed into law under the Honoring Our PACT Act, and establishes the Camp Lejeune administrative claims process.

Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, victims can file compensation claims with the federal government and demand a certain amount of compensation for Camp Lejeune linked health conditions and related damages.

The Navy’s Tort Claims Unit (TCU) handles this process and will promptly review compensation claims filed.

If the Navy TCU does not adjudicate a claim or deliver a decision within six months, victims may be eligible to file Camp Lejeune Lawsuits in the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina federal court.

Experienced Camp Lejeune lawyers can help victims throughout the administrative claims process and subsequent Camp Lejeune litigation if necessary.

Adverse Health Effects of Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

Consuming water contaminated with toxic chemicals can result in a number of serious health conditions.

Camp Lejeune veterans, their family members, and others exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune have reported numerous health conditions, both cancer and non-cancer.

Certain cancer diagnoses potentially linked to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune include:

• Bladder Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Esophageal Cancer
• Kidney Cancer
• Leukemia
• Lung Cancer
• Multiple Myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Prostate Cancer
• Colorectal Cancer
• Rectal Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Central Nervous System Cancer
• Myelodysplastic Syndromes
• Brain Cancer
• Cervical Cancer
• Ovarian Cancer
• Appendix Cancer
• Bile Duct Cancer
• Gallbladder Cancer
• Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Intestinal Cancer
• Sinus Cancer
• Soft Tissue Sarcoma
• Spinal Cancer
• Thyroid Cancer

Non-cancer diagnoses suffered by Camp Lejeune victims include:

• Hepatic Steatosis
• Miscarriage & Fetal Death
• Neurobehavioral Effects
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Aplastic Anemia
• Kidney Disease
• Scleroderma
• ALS
• Lupus
• Epilepsy
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Cardiac Birth Defects
• Infertility
• Renal Toxicity
• Autoimmune Disease
• Birth Defects
• Liver Disease
• Cognitive Disability
• Microcephaly
• Renal Disease
• Tooth Decay
• Hypersensitive Skin Disorder
• Nerve Damage
• Oral Cleft

Camp Lejeune victims can pursue claims without the help of law firms, but it is highly recommended to work with experienced Camp Lejeune lawyers to accurately demand the full amount of compensation you deserve in a Camp Lejeune settlement.

If you or a loved one lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between 1953 and 1987, and developed any of the above health problems, you may be eligible to pursue a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law’s team of Camp Lejeune lawyers 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.

What Caused Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune?

Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water was the result of chemicals seeping from waste disposal sites in and around Camp Lejeune.

The chemicals from these sites infiltrated two of the eight water treatment plants that served Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and nearby Marine Corps Air Station New River.

The water treatment plants with the highest concentrations of solvents and VOCs were the Hadnot Point Treatment Plant and the Tarawa Terrace Treatment Plant.

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

Various agencies like the ATSDR identified 70 toxic substances and chemical solvents in Camp Lejeune’s water supply.

Of these toxic substances, there were four that were most significant:

• Trichloroethylene (TCE)
• Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)
• Benzene
• Vinyl Chloride

These substances are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that have been linked to cancer, non-cancer illnesses, and cognitive disabilities.

What Is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 is a piece of legislation filed in response to the limitations of the Camp Lejeune Families Act.

Before 2022, the Camp Lejeune Families Act was already in place for the families affected by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

This act enabled affected victims and their family members to claim VA benefits, ranging from disability benefits to health care benefits.

Unfortunately, many of the claims filed before the Department of Veterans Affairs have yet to be approved.

Because many victims were denied their benefits, Congress and President Biden signed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act into law.

The Act enables any affected individual to file a Camp Lejeune water lawsuit to recover compensation for the harm caused by the contaminated water.

Also, with the provisions within the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, victims can claim the benefits they couldn’t recover through the traditional administrative claims process.

Do You Qualify To File a Camp Lejeune Justice Act Claim?

Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, victims can file claims if they were exposed to the water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 for at least 30 days.

The process for claims filed under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act can seem daunting, but an experienced Camp Lejeune lawyer can help you throughout.

If you or a loved one were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune claim.

Contact us for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify to file a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit instantly.

Camp Lejeune attorneys can help victims file their claims, completing the steps necessary to prove your residence at Camp Lejeune and secure a Camp Lejeune settlement that is full and fair.

This process requires steps such as gathering evidence and assessing/calculating damages.

Gathering Evidence for Camp Lejeune Claims

Quality evidence is the cornerstone of a successful Camp Lejeune claim.

Evidence relating to water contamination can include a number of documents relating to your or a loved one’s time spent at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

Evidence in a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit 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, incurred as a result of exposure to Camp Lejeune water contamination.

Damages in a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit 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

Camp Lejeune water contamination has resulted in devastating health problems and wrongful death of countless individuals.

Through the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, victims can finally pursue the compensation they are owed.

Camp Lejeune lawyers can help victims throughout this process, acting as an advocate on their behalf and working to ensure that Camp Lejeune settlements meet demands.

If you or a loved one were exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more 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 for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit instantly.

Our law firm is dedicated to seeking justice for people harmed at no fault of their own, and we are prepared to represent you for the harm caused by toxic water contamination at Camp Lejeune.

Reach out to us with any questions you may have about the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, Camp Lejeune administrative claims process, Camp Lejeune Lawsuits, and more.

We are here to help you.