By Daily News Staff - Localdesk@JDNews.com
Published: Friday, December 19, 2014 at 04:58 PM.
A law signed this week expanded the eligibility for family members affected by the historic water contamination on Camp Lejeune, according to the VA.
Under the amendment, family members who lived on Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between Aug. 1, 1953, and Dec. 31, 1987, could be eligible for VA health benefits. The initial dates before the change were between Jan. 1, 1957, and Dec. 31, 1987.
Family members who apply through the program for health benefits could receive out-of-pocket medical expenses reimbursed by the VA. The VA would be able to cover expenses related to one of 15 medical conditons: including esophageal cancer, breast cancer, kidney cancer, multiple myeloma, renal toxicity, female infertility, scleroderma, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, lung cancer, bladder cancer, leukemia, Myelodysplastic syndromes, hepatic steatosis, miscarriage and neurobehavioral effects.
Family members would have to show proof of relationship to a veteran who served at Camp Lejeune and provide copies of orders or base housing records as proof of residence on the installation.
To enroll online or for more information, call 1-866-372-1144 or visit publichealth.va.gov/exposures/camp-lejeune.