Paralyzed Veterans of America Applauds VA's Action for Veterans with Service-Connected Diseases as Result of Camp Lejeune Water Supply

VA to provide disability benefits for related diseases

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Mar 14, 2017, 20:15 ET

WASHINGTON, March 14, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) today commended the VA for the long-awaited rule to establish presumptions for the service connection of eight diseases associated with exposure to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune, N.C.:

"Paralyzed Veterans welcomes this new regulation establishing presumptive conditions for service members exposed to contaminants at Camp Lejeune," stated Associate Director of Veterans Benefits Peter Gaytan. "Those who have suffered from these conditions have waited too long for this regulation and we applaud VA for recognizing the link to exposure for these deserving veterans."

According to the VA, the presumption of service connection applies to active duty, reserve and National Guard members who served at Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River for a minimum of 30 cumulative days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987, and have been diagnosed with adult leukemia, aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes, bladder cancer, kidney cancer liver cancer, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, or Parkinson's disease.

For more information on this or to file a claim, veterans should visit www.eBenefits.va.gov.

About Paralyzed Veterans of America:

Paralyzed Veterans of America is the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or disease. For 70 years, we have ensured that veterans have received the benefits earned through their service to our nation; monitored their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funded research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.

As a partner for life, Paralyzed Veterans also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation and advocates for veterans and all people with disabilities. With more than 70 offices and 34 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans serves veterans, their families and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. (pva.org)

SOURCE Paralyzed Veterans of America