Department of Veterans Affairs: Diseases Associated With Exposure to Contaminants in the Water Supply at Camp Lejeune
Abstract
GAO reviewed the Department of Veterans Affairs' new rule on diseases associated with exposure to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune. GAO found that (1) the final rule (a) amends VA's adjudication regulations regarding presumptive service connection, adding certain diseases associated with contaminants present in the base water supply at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune (Camp Lejeune), North Carolina, from August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987; (b) establishes that veterans, former reservists, and former National Guard members, who served at Camp Lejeune for no less than 30 days (consecutive or nonconsecutive) during this period, and who have been diagnosed with any of eight associated diseases, are presumed to have incurred or aggravated the disease in service for purposes of entitlement to VA benefits; and (c) establishes a presumption that these individuals were disabled during the relevant period of service for purposes of establishing active military service for benefits purposes; and (2) VA complied with the applicable requirements in promulgating the rule.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 30, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1154094
Entities
People
- Robert J Cramer
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office