[2026 Update] Camp Lejeune Aplastic Anemia Lawsuit

Aplastic Anemia Linked to Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune

From approximately 1953 to 1987, military personnel and family members living at Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base suffered repeated exposure to toxic substances in drinking water.

Those potentially exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune have suffered from numerous health problems including aplastic anemia, bladder cancer, multiple myeloma, kidney cancer, and other severe health issues.

The widespread emergence of cancers and non-cancer diseases prompted an investigation into two of the Marine Corps base camp’s water treatment plants — the Hadnot Point and Holcomb Boulevard water treatment facilities.

After the investigation, the Marine Corps found traces of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the water supply.

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Research Council stepped in to examine the various VOCs found in the water.

Their findings yielded traces of trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, vinyl chloride, and benzene.

All of these VOCs are toxic chemicals that have been linked to various forms of cancer and non-cancer illnesses.

Benzene, in particular, has been found to cause several maladies like aplastic anemia.

About Aplastic Anemia

Aplastic anemia is a rare medical condition characterized by the bone marrow’s inability to produce sufficient blood cells.

This deficiency encompasses key blood cell types, namely: 

• Red blood cells: Responsible for oxygen transport
• White blood cells: Integral to immune function
• Platelets: Crucial for blood clotting

Consequently, individuals with aplastic anemia might experience fatigue, heightened vulnerability to infections, and unexplained bleeding or bruising.

Aplastic Anemia and Its Causes

Aplastic anemia is an often fatal health condition caused by disorders, diseases, medical treatments, and exposure to toxic chemicals.

As an autoimmune disorder, it occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the bone marrow.

Several factors can trigger the autoimmune response that threatens the bone marrow’s ability to produce blood cells.

Besides genetics, evidence suggests that chemical exposure (to VOCs) can contribute to the development of aplastic anemia.

According to the Mayo Clinic, aplastic anemia may be caused by:

• Radiation and chemotherapy treatments
• Exposure to toxic chemicals (specifically benzene, pesticides, and insecticides)
• Use of certain drugs (such as those for rheumatoid arthritis and certain antibiotics)
• Autoimmune disorders
• Viral infections
• Pregnancy (in rare cases)
• Unknown factors

Aplastic Anemia Complications

Delaying medical treatment can lead to complications.

Complications that can arise from aplastic anemia include:

• Infections: The decreased number of white blood cells makes the body more susceptible to infections.
• Bleeding: Insufficient platelets hinder the blood clotting process, potentially leading to prolonged bleeding from minor injuries or cuts.
• Anemia-Related Symptoms: Fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath due to low red blood cell count can significantly impact daily life.

In the worst-case scenario, aplastic anemia can progress to life-threatening conditions.

Among these are shock from bleeding and heart failure.

What Other Health Conditions Has Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune Been Linked To?

Health conditions identified in VA clinical guidance include several conditions that have a “presumptive service connection” to life at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

Victims seeking monetary recovery and disability compensation for the following health conditions in the VA presumptive service connection list may be automatically qualified:

• Adult leukemia
• Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
• Bladder cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Liver cancer
• Multiple myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Parkinson’s disease

The consumption of Camp Lejeune contaminated water has been linked to several other health conditions not mentioned in the VA presumptive service connection list:

• Lung Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Brain Cancer
• Esophageal Cancer
• ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Colorectal Cancer
• Rectal Cancer
• Ovarian Cancer
• Central Nervous System Cancer
• Gallbladder Cancer
• Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Intestinal Cancer
• Thyroid Cancer
• Cervical Cancer
• Bile Duct Cancer
• Sinus Cancer
• Soft Tissue Sarcoma
• Spinal Cancer
• Appendix Cancer
• Cardiac Birth Defects
• Lupus
• Scleroderma
• Autoimmune Disease
• Renal Toxicity
• Renal Disease
• Epilepsy
• Miscarriage & Fetal Death
• Infertility
• Cognitive Disability
• Microcephaly
• Birth Defects
• Neurobehavioral Effects
• Tooth Decay
• Oral Cleft
• Nerve Damage
• Hypersensitive Skin Disorder

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

If you or a loved one was in Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 and has been diagnosed with any of the above conditions, you may be eligible to file a claim.

Certain health conditions can place you or your loved one in the health eligibility priority category.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Overview

Over one million military service members, their families, civilian workers, contractors, and others were exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune.

Highly toxic chemicals linked to cancer and other serious health conditions were found to have leaked from underground fuel storage tanks and other contamination sources.

Camp Lejeune victims drank, bathed in, and used the water from approximately 1953 to 1987.

Multiple legislative efforts have been made over the years to rectify the situation and compensate victims seeking compensation and health care benefits.

Victims were not able to file Camp Lejeune claims and seek financial compensation for their health problems and related costs until the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022.

Thousands of Camp Lejeune claims have been filed since the passing of the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act.

If you or a loved one were exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 and developed health problems, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination 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.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act: Helping Those Exposed To Camp Lejeune’s Contaminated Water Supply

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is a new piece of legislation that has been signed into law by President Biden.

The PACT Act encompasses this bill, which grants new VA health care, disability benefits, and Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits to veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows Camp Lejeune residents, National Guard members, family members, former and active duty military personnel, and others to sue and recover damages for exposure to the toxic substances in the water supply.

Camp Lejeune veterans and Camp Lejeune families will be able to secure compensation for health problems and medical expenses related to the toxic chemicals they were exposed to while living on the base.

They will be able to file Camp Lejeune lawsuits in the U.S. District Court: Eastern District of North Carolina.

In the past, several bills were introduced to address the issue at the North Carolina military base, but none have had any widespread impact on victims and families.

Now, people who were denied benefits or compensation in the past may have a fair shot at adequate compensation.

How Does the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 Help Veterans Get Health Care Benefits?

Before 2022, victims could approach the VA for health benefits.

Under the Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012, personnel and their family members could have all their health care expenses paid for by the VA if they suffered from any condition linked to the contaminated Camp Lejeune water supply.

Unfortunately, the VA can deny victims and their family members.

If they have been denied, families or active duty personnel would have to wait before reapplying.

However, with the passing of the act, victims seeking monetary recovery can file lawsuits against the U.S. government instead of reapplying to the VA for health benefits.

Camp Lejeune VA-Recognized Presumptive Service Connection Illnesses

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has added eight illnesses to its list of presumptive service connection illnesses.

A diagnosis containing any of these conditions will be deemed the result of service in Camp Lejeune and harmful exposure to its contaminated water supply.

These conditions are:

• Adult leukemia
• Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
• Bladder cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Liver cancer
• Multiple myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• Soft-tissue sarcoma

Do You Qualify for the Camp Lejeune Aplastic Anemia Lawsuit?

Contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune has been linked to many health problems, including aplastic anemia.

If you or a loved one were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and subsequently developed aplastic anemia, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination 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.

Our experienced Camp Lejeune lawyers will help qualifying veterans and family members gather evidence and assess damages related to the contaminated water supplies at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

Gathering Evidence for Camp Lejeune Claims

Gathering and retaining evidence for a claim involves securing proof of service and/or residency on the base.

This proof includes retaining military service records, orders of assignment, and any official documents that verify your presence at Camp Lejeune during the period of water contamination.

Besides proof of service and residency, you’ll also need medical records.

Vital medical records for your claim will include your treatment records, lab or diagnostic tests, and any record showing your aplastic anemia diagnosis.

Assessing Damages for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuits

Camp Lejeune attorneys can help you determine your damages based on our evaluation of your losses and damages.

We consider your medical expenses related to illnesses resulting from the contamination.

We will also factor in your loss of income due to health issues, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.

TorHoerman Law: Your Camp Lejeune Law Firm

If you, a family member, or a loved one was exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune, you may qualify to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit.

Those seeking recovery options for exposure to contaminated Camp Lejeune water are encouraged to reach out to qualified Camp Lejeune lawyers.

The new Camp Lejeune legislation allows qualifying veterans and family members seek financial compensation for what they’ve experienced.

We thank the brave veterans for their service to our country.

Now let us serve you. Our law firm is dedicated to achieving justice for service members and their families.

TorHoerman Law is accepting clients for the Camp Lejeune lawsuits in all 50 states.

Contact us or use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify for legal action instantly.

Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you are not required to pay attorney fees unless your case wins compensation.