Veterans denied disability benefits by VA

DUNNELLON, Fla. – A Central Florida veteran is fighting for his life, as well as disability and insurance benefits, after he said the kidney cancer that is costing him his life was caused by water contamination at Camp Lejeune.

He said thousands of others are in the same boat, many of whom, live in Central Florida. He said many might not even be aware their illnesses could possibly have been caused by the toxic water.

Scientists said from January 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987, two water treatment plants on the North Carolina base were contaminated with several chemicals, including trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and benzene, which are known or suspected human carcinogens. Those water systems were Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point, and included several wells. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry found the contamination was due to a dry cleaner on base, as well as leaking fuel and chemicals from other base activities. The Marine Corps said the affected wells have since been shut down and said the current drinking water meets all government standards and is tested more often than required.

“Our Marine Corps family is very important to us and their health and welfare is a primary concern,” said U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Maureen Krebs. “The Marine Corps continues to work with ATSDR/VA to help identify service members and their families that may have been exposed, and are therefore potentially eligible for health care.”

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