Kidney Disease Linked to Contaminated Drinking Water at Camp Lejeune

Over the years, scientists and health professionals have found an increased risk of kidney disease among those who lived and worked at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune from 1953 to 1987.

Camp Lejeune’s water is thought to be the main cause of this prevalence, contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that affect many organ systems in the body.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in the water at Camp Lejeune include:

• Trichloroethylene (TCE)
• Tetrachloroethylene (PCE or PERC)
• Benzene
• Vinyl chloride
• Several other toxic chemicals

Exposure to TCE specifically has been linked to an increased risk for kidney disease.

About Kidney Disease

Kidney disease also known as renal disease, refers to a medical condition where the kidneys, vital organs responsible for filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood, become damaged or dysfunctional.

This impairment can lead to a variety of health issues, including a buildup of toxins in the body, imbalances in electrolytes, and problems with blood pressure regulation.

Depending on the severity, kidney disease may require lifestyle changes, medications, or even dialysis or kidney transplantation to manage or treat.

Chronic kidney disease is a common issue faced by Americans.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases estimates that 37 million U.S. adults are affected by kidney disease.

Kidney Disease and Its Causes

Kidney disease can arise from various causes, each affecting the kidneys’ ability to function correctly.

Listed below are some of the common causes of kidney disease:

• Pre-existing medical conditions and diseases
• Lifestyle and personal choices
• Exposure to toxic substances

Pre-existing Conditions

• Diabetes: Diabetes is a leading cause of kidney disease. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their filtration capabilities over time.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Uncontrolled high blood pressure can strain the blood vessels in the kidneys, affecting their ability to filter blood effectively.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like lupus and autoimmune vasculitis can cause inflammation and damage to the organ system.
• Urinary Tract Obstruction: Blockages in the urinary tract, such as an enlarged prostate or kidney stones, can disrupt urine flow and lead to kidney damage.

Lifestyle Causes

A person’s lifestyle can also result in chronic kidney disease.

Having an unhealthy diet with lots of processed and fatty foods has been linked to kidney problems.

Alcohol consumption and alcohol can also accelerate oxidative stress and reduce blood flow to the organs.

Exposure to Toxic Substances

Exposure to environmental toxins can damage the kidneys over time.

Individuals living in areas with poor air and water quality may be at a higher risk.

The contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune falls under possible environmental factors linked to kidney disease.

The primary contaminants in the water at Camp Lejeune were volatile organic compounds, such as trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride.

These chemicals are known to be toxic and can leach into water supplies, especially with improper waste disposal methods.

The exposure to these contaminants through the consumption of contaminated water has been linked to various health problems, including kidney issues.

The toxins present in the water supply can potentially damage the kidneys through several mechanisms.

Here are some studies that have shown a link between kidney disease among Camp Lejeune veterans and contaminated drinking water:

• Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry: A Summary of Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Study Design and Results
• National Research Council Committee on Contaminated Drinking Water at Camp Lejeune: National Research Council Review of VA Clinical Guidance for the Health Conditions Identified by the Camp Lejeune Legislation

Kidney Disease Complications

Chronic kidney disease doesn’t manifest symptoms during the early stages, making it hard to detect as it continuously damages the organ system.

For those who have other diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure, doctors recommend routine checkups to assess the state of the kidneys.

However, these conditions may not apply to those who were simply exposed to toxic substances in the water at Camp Lejeune.

Victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination may experience the following symptoms:

• Fluid retention in extremities
• Fatigue
• Increased urination
• Blood in urine
• High blood pressure
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Excess proteins in urine

Kidneys are important for filtering out wastes in the body.

If the kidneys can’t function properly, then the body could become compromised.

As the disease worsens, it can start affecting other organ systems.

Here are the serious complications of kidney disease that may emerge:

• End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Fluid Overload and Pulmonary Edema
• Bone and Mineral Disorders

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

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act aims to give a path of justice to military personnel and their family members who were exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune between the years of 1953 and 1987.

For over 30 years, toxic chemicals contaminated water at Camp Lejeune that was consumed by service members, family members, workers, and others who lived and worked at the base.

The Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act was signed into law by President Biden in August 2022.

The PACT Act includes the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.

Through the Camp Lejeune administrative claims process, victims can hold liable entities accountable for the suffering they caused.

The Navy JAG is tasked to promptly review compensation claims and adjudicate them, paying out compensation to veterans exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune.

If compensation claims are not adjudicated within six months of filing, victims may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit in the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

The North Carolina federal court is handling all Camp Lejeune Lawsuits that make it to this stage.

If you or a loved one were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file Camp Lejeune claims and seek justice.

Contact TorHoerman Law’s team of Camp Lejeune attorneys for a free consultation.

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

What Caused Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune?

The contamination of the water supply at Camp Lejeune resulted from a combination of factors, including improper waste disposal, leaks, and the presence of hazardous chemicals due to industrial and fuel storage activities.

Key contaminants included volatile organic compounds such as TCE, PCE, benzene, and vinyl chloride.

To learn more about what caused Camp Lejeune water contamination, visit this page.

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

Several toxic chemicals were found in the water at Camp Lejeune.

High level studies conducted by organizations such as the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and others confirmed the presence of several toxic chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune.

Here are the key toxic substances that were found in the water at Camp Lejeune:

• TCE: TCE is a VOC used as a solvent for various industrial and cleaning purposes. It is a known carcinogen.
• PCE: PCE, another VOC, was commonly used in dry cleaning and degreasing operations.
• Benzene: Benzene is a highly toxic compound found in gasoline, solvents, and various industrial processes.
• Vinyl Chloride: Vinyl chloride is another carcinogenic VOC used in the production of plastics, particularly polyvinyl chloride. Studies in animals show that this substance can cause severe damage to several organ systems.

What Is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?

In August 2022, President Biden signed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act into law.

This act was encompassed by the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act.

Thanks to this new legislation, Camp Lejeune Victims can access VA health care benefits, disability benefits, and Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits should they be able to prove that they were exposed to contaminated drinking water during their service.

While there have been other laws that afforded similar benefits — like the Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 — none are as comprehensive as the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.

Through it, veterans and their families can secure monetary compensation if they file a Camp Lejeune settlement claim and prove how their injuries more likely than not stemmed from the contaminated Camp Lejeune water supply.

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

An experienced lawyer can help you determine whether you qualify to file a Camp Lejeune Justice Act claim.

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

Attorneys and staff at law firms will help qualifying victims through the administrative claims and legal process, helping them to gather evidence and assess damages relevant to their claims.

Gathering Evidence for Camp Lejeune Claims

When gathering evidence for a Camp Lejeune claim under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, it’s important to provide comprehensive documentation that establishes a clear link between your service at Camp Lejeune during the period of water contamination and the medical conditions you’re claiming.

You can begin this part of the legal process on your own, but experienced Camp Lejeune lawyers can help you in locating and securing necessary evidence.

Potential evidence used for Camp Lejeune claims may include:

• Medical Records: Obtain complete medical records that detail your diagnosis, treatment history, and any medical tests related to the condition you’re claiming.
• Service Records: Collect records that show your dates of service at Camp Lejeune during the period of water contamination. These records might include duty assignments, orders, and discharge paperwork.
• Photos or Documentation: If you have any photos or documentation related to your time at Camp Lejeune — such as documents showing the water supply sources or living conditions — include them as supporting evidence.
• Witness Statements: If there were witnesses to military service or stay at Camp Lejeune, ask them to provide statements that support your claims.

Assessing Damages for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Claims

Assessing damages to Camp Lejeune settlements involves evaluating the physical, emotional, and financial impacts of exposure to the contaminated water and any resulting health conditions.

The damages sought in these claims can vary based on the individual’s circumstances and the specific health issues they have experienced.

Potential damages related to Camp Lejeune water contamination may include:

1. Medical Expenses: Damages often include reimbursement for past and future medical expenses related to diagnosing, treating, and managing the health conditions caused by the water contamination.
2. Pain and Suffering: Compensation may be sought for physical pain, emotional distress, and suffering resulting from the health conditions linked to the contaminated water. This can encompass both the physical discomfort and the mental anguish caused by the illness.
3. Lost Income and Earning Capacity: If the health conditions have resulted in missed work, reduced work hours, or the inability to work altogether, compensation for lost wages and future earning capacity may be pursued.
4. Disability and Impairment: You can pursue compensation for disabilities and impairments resulting from the health conditions caused by the water contamination, including permanent physical limitations, cognitive impairments, and more.
5. Wrongful Death: If an individual has passed away due to health conditions related to toxic chemicals, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims seeking damages for loss of financial support, companionship, and more.

TorHoerman Law: Your Camp Lejeune Lawyers

TorHoerman Law is accepting claims for Camp Lejeune linked diseases and conditions, and we are prepared to represent you and your family members.

We are here to help victims present their cases in federal court, go through Camp Lejeune litigation if necessary, and help them gain the monetary compensation they deserve.

If you or a loved one were exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune Justice Act 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.