senator burr

In addition, the typical language of “limited or suggestive evidence” and “conflicting scientific evidence” that once again surfaces from the VA. As we all know all too well, there is plenty of definitive scientific evidence that shows elevated risks for certain cancers and other health concerns as a result of exposure to Camp Lejeune toxic water contamination.  Four studies in 2014 from the ATSDR reveal this in the military, spouses, children and civilian workers from the base.  The results are neither “limited or suggestive”.  All of those studies can be found here.

This is a long-standing issue with military families, spouses, children and civilian DOD personnel that were on the base between the early 1950s and late 1980s.  Many have suffered due to elevated risks of cancers and other debilitating illnesses due to exposure to extremely elevated levels of chemicals in the groundwater and soil aboard the base, including benzene, TCE, PCE and vinyl chloride.

Today, U.S. Senator Burr (R-NC) introduced a bill that would expand the eligibility timeframe for the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012.  Current law extends health care to veterans and their family members who have certain diseases and conditions as a result of exposure to contaminated well-water at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina from 1957 to the 1980s.  As a result of recent scientific findings, this bill would extend care to individuals exposed to contaminated water as early as 1953.