Myelodysplastic Syndromes Linked to Contaminated Drinking Water at Camp Lejeune

Exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune has been linked to a number of health problems.

One of the adverse health effects of Camp Lejeune water contamination is a group of bone marrow disorders known as myelodysplastic syndromes.

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of diverse bone marrow disorders where the bone marrow does not produce enough healthy blood cells.

These syndromes can lead to anemia, increased risk of infections, and bleeding.

Over time, some cases of MDS may progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

“Myelodysplastic” means relating to abnormal development or function of bone marrow cells.

Aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndromes are listed on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) list of health conditions that have a presumptive service connection.

Being placed on the list of conditions that have a presumptive service connection, aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes have a causal relationship to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

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

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

About Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of rare but grave bone marrow disorders that affect the production of healthy blood cells, leading to the overproduction of immature blood cells.

In MDS, the bone marrow fails to produce enough functional blood-forming cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets), leading to various complications.

These conditions are often characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis, meaning the bone marrow can’t produce normal blood cells or fails to produce enough normal blood stem cells.

MDS can occur in people of all ages, but it is most commonly diagnosed in older individuals — typically those over 65.

The exact cause of MDS is not always clear, but exposure to certain environmental toxins and genetic mutations can increase the risk of developing MDS.

Causes of Myelodysplastic Syndromes

While MDS can develop spontaneously in some cases, there is growing evidence linking exposure to specific environmental contaminants to the development of MDS.

Exposure to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune has been directly linked to the development of myelodysplastic syndromes.

Under other circumstances, several risk factors affect the likelihood of developing MDS in individuals.

Other risk factors for myelodysplastic syndromes apart from Camp Lejeune water contamination include:

• Genetic Mutations: Some people inherit genetic mutations that increase their risk of developing MDS. These mutations can affect the normal functioning of blood cells and predispose individuals to MDS.
• Radiation Exposure: Ionizing radiation, which can come from medical treatments, occupational exposure, or environmental sources, can damage bone marrow and increase the risk of MDS.
• Smoking: Cigarette smoke contains benzene and other harmful chemicals, which can increase the risk of MDS and other cancers.

Complications of Myelodysplastic Syndromes

MDS can have a profound impact on a person’s health and quality of life.

The complications associated with MDS can include:

• Anemia: MDS often leads to a low red blood cell count, causing fatigue, weakness, and pale skin.
• Increased Infection Risk: A shortage of functional white blood cells in MDS patients can make them more susceptible to infections.
• Bleeding and Bruising: A low platelet count can result in excessive bleeding and bruising, even from minor injuries.
• Higher Risk of Leukemia: In some cases, MDS can progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a more aggressive and life-threatening form of blood cancer.
• Fatigue: The cumulative effects of MDS and its complications can lead to persistent fatigue and a decreased ability to perform daily activities.

How are Myelodysplastic Syndromes Treated?

While Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) can be challenging to treat, several options are available to manage the disease or potentially lead to a cure.

Treatment options for myelodysplastic syndromes include:

• Supportive care: Supportive therapy primarily involves blood transfusions, growth factors, and medications to treat symptoms and improve quality of life without directly addressing the disease.
• Hypomethylating agents: Drugs like azacitidine (Vidaza) and decitabine (Dacogen), known as hypomethylating agents, can help control the disease by modifying the behavior of the abnormal cells.
• Immunosuppressive therapy: Immunosuppressive drugs like antithymocyte globulin (ATG) can be effective for some patients, particularly those with a specific subtype of MDS.
• Chemotherapy: While more commonly used for MDS that has transformed into acute myeloid leukemia, certain chemotherapy drugs can be used to treat MDS directly.
• Stem cell transplant: A hematopoietic stem cell transplant, often from a matched donor, has the potential to cure MDS but comes with significant risks and is generally considered for younger patients or those with high-risk MDS.

According to the American Cancer Society, the most effective treatment for MDS is stem cell transplant even though most patients are not eligible for this type of treatment.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Overview

Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune was the site of toxic water contamination for a period of over 30 years.

Camp Lejeune officials and the military knew about the contaminated wells and water at Camp Lejeune for years, but failed to act.

Scientific evidence published by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other organizations confirmed the presence of toxic chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune.

Exposure to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune has resulted in severe health conditions and complications for former residents and family members.

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

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation, or use our chatbot for a free and instant case evaluation.

For years, former residents of Camp Lejeune were unable to secure health care benefits and other forms of relief.

The Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 established pathways to secure VA health care benefits, disability compensation, and other forms of relief for victims, but it wasn’t comprehensive enough to address the breadth of the issue.

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

Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, victims can submit administrative claims for compensation.

The Navy’s Tort Claims Unit will review relevant information and are supposed to deliver a decision within 6 months of a claim’s submission.

If a Camp Lejeune claim is not adjudicated within 6 months, victims may be eligible to pursue a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit in the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

Adverse Health Effects Linked to Contaminated Water Supplies at Camp Lejeune

Exposure to the contaminated water supply at Camp Lejeune has been linked to a number of cancer and non-cancer health conditions.

Health problems linked to Camp Lejeune water contamination include:

• Prostate Cancer
• Lung Cancer
• Liver Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Kidney Cancer
• Adult Leukemia
• Aplastic Anemia
• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
• Renal Toxicity
• Multiple Myeloma
• Other myelodysplastic syndromes
• Miscarriage, female infertility and birth defects
• Many more diagnoses

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

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

The primary contaminants found in the affected water wells were industrial solvents.

Other toxic substances like vinyl chloride and benzene were also detected in the water supply.

The four main toxic substances found in the Camp Lejeune water supply were:

• Trichloroethylene (TCE): TCE is a volatile organic compound (VOC) primarily used as a solvent in various industrial processes and applications. TCE is often used as a degreasing agent, solvent, and primary ingredient for aerosol cleaners and spot removers.
• Tetrachloroethylene (PCE): PCE, or perchloroethylene, is a chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent widely used in dry cleaning and other industrial applications. Like TCE, PCE is also used as a metal degreaser and paint coating.
• Vinyl Chloride: Vinyl chloride is a crucial building block in producing polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a versatile plastic material used in various industries.
• Benzene: Benzene is a highly flammable and aromatic hydrocarbon predominantly used as a precursor in manufacturing various chemicals and plastics. You can usually find benzene in detergents and pesticides.

Do You Qualify for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act provides a path for individuals to seek compensation for health conditions resulting from exposure to toxic chemicals in the water supply.

If you or a loved one suffered from Camp Lejeune water contamination, you may be eligible to file a claim.

To determine if you or a loved one qualifies for a Camp Lejeune claim, here are some of the most common considerations:

• Exposure Period: The contaminated water exposure at Camp Lejeune occurred primarily between 1953 and 1987. You may be eligible if you lived or worked on the base for at least 30 days during this period.
• Diagnosis: MDS is one of the health conditions linked to contaminated water, but there are others, including various cancers and birth defects.
• Medical Records: It’s essential to gather medical records that document your MDS diagnosis and establish a connection to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

Experienced law firms can help Camp Lejeune veterans and their family members seek justice through the Camp Lejeune Justice Act and litigation.

Camp Lejeune lawyers will help victims complete the steps necessary to filing Camp Lejeune claims, including the steps of gathering evidence and assessing damages.

Gathering Evidence for Camp Lejeune Claims

Gathering and retaining evidence is extremely important for the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit.

This is a step you can begin on your own, but experience law firms can help clients gather and retain crucial evidence.

To strengthen your Camp Lejeune water contamination claim, you’ll need to gather supporting evidence, which 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 or non-economic, suffered as a result of toxic exposure to contaminated water supplies at Camp Lejeune.

Your attorney can help you assess and determine your total damages, advocating for adequate compensation on your behalf.

Damages to consider in a Camp Lejeune claim 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

Navigating a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit can be complex, and having experienced legal representation can be extremely helpful to victims.

At TorHoerman Law, we specialize in helping individuals suffering from exposure to toxic substances like those found in the water at Camp Lejeune.

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

Contact us today or use our chatbot to see if you qualify instantly.

Our experienced legal team is committed to helping Camp Lejeune veterans, family members, and others impacted seek the justice and compensation they deserve.

Reach out to our Camp Lejeune attorneys today.