Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Neurological Effects

What Are the Neurological Effects of Camp Lejeune Water?

The dangerous chemicals found in the water supply at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina have been connected to various neurological diseases that affect the brain and the nerves that run throughout the body.

Military personnel, their families, and civilian workers who spent time on the base from 1953 to 1987 may be at risk of developing Camp Lejeune neurological diseases.

Neurological disorders linked to the toxic water include:

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease)
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Parkinson’s disease

These health conditions can make it difficult for people to concentrate, learn, work, and enjoy time with family and friends. In many cases, Camp Lejeune water contamination neurological effects can be so debilitating that victims may have difficulty walking or talking.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA), passed in August 2022 as part of the PACT Act, allows victims and their families to file a claim and pursue compensation for certain health problems related to the contaminated drinking water.

Did the Water at Camp Lejeune Cause Neurological Problems?

Yes, it’s possible that the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune caused some residents to suffer neurological issues. In some cases, Camp Lejeune water contamination neurological effects may not appear until decades after exposure to the water.

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) found dangerous chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the water on base. The contamination came from dry cleaning solvents, fuel leaks, and on-base activities by the military.

The hazardous chemicals found in the water supply included:

• Benzene
• PCE (perchloroethylene, also known as tetrachloroethylene)
• TCE (trichloroethylene)
• Vinyl chloride

Government agencies, including ATSDR and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have linked these chemical exposures to dozens of adverse health effects, including Parkinson’s disease.

Research has also connected the toxic chemicals in the water to other neurological effects, including issues related to memory, visual perception, attention, and mood (depression and confusion).

TCE, for example, is a known human carcinogen that may cause central nervous system defects in children. Long-term exposure to PCE has been shown to cause changes in brain chemistry in animal studies.

Symptoms of Camp Lejeune Neurological Diseases

While Camp Lejeune water contamination neurological effects like Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and MS present in different ways, they share some common symptoms.

Symptoms that could indicate Camp Lejeune neurological effects include:

• Balance difficulties
• Behavioral disorders
• Breathing or swallowing problems
• Changes in posture, walking, or facial expressions
• Confusion
• Depression or anxiety
• Headaches
• Memory loss
• Motor function impairment
• Muscle weakness or twitching
• Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
• Problems thinking and learning
• Sensory disturbances
• Slurred speech
• Tight and stiff muscles
• Vision problems

Camp Lejeune water contamination neurological effects may progress slowly, and in many cases, a specialist is needed to make an accurate diagnosis and provide treatment.

“Understanding symptoms of neurological disorders is important, as it can lead you to an appropriate diagnosis and treatment.”
– Banner Health

If you or a family member lived or worked on the military base and are now showing symptoms of Camp Lejeune water contamination neurological effects, consider making an appointment with your health care provider. Be sure to tell them about the time you spent on base to see if you may be eligible for compensation.

Filing a Lawsuit for Camp Lejeune Neurological Diseases

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act provides a way forward for all victims of the contaminated water, as they may be able to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit and pursue compensation to help pay for medical bills and other expenses.

You may be able to file a lawsuit for Camp Lejeune neurological diseases, like Parkinson’s disease, ALS, or MS, if you spent at least 30 days at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 and later developed a neurological condition.

While the process will vary from case to case, the basic steps of a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit are outlined below.

1. Connect with a Camp Lejeune lawyer: A Camp Lejeune lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf and pursue justice and compensation for the suffering you’ve endured.
2. File the Camp Lejeune lawsuit: Your Camp Lejeune lawyer will collect evidence showing that the toxic water caused your health problem and proving your damages. They will ensure that your lawsuit is filed correctly and before the August 2024 deadline.
3. Fight for maximum compensation: Your lawyer will try to negotiate a Camp Lejeune settlement with the federal government to secure as much money as possible. If a settlement can’t be reached, they will argue your case in court.

Settlement Amounts for Camp Lejeune Neurological Diseases

As of January 24, 2024, two Camp Lejeune victims with Parkinson’s disease have settled their claims by accepting payments — one for $250,000 and another for $400,000 — from the U.S. government through its Elective Option (EO).

These expedited payouts can range from $100,000 to $400,000 for victims with Parkinson’s disease, depending on how much time they spent on base, with an additional $100,000 available to families with a loved one who passed away from the disease.

Learn more about the Elective Option for Parkinson’s disease in the chart below.

Legal experts predict that those who push forward with Camp Lejeune lawsuits instead of accepting an EO payout may be awarded more money, although it could take them more time to reach a settlement and get compensation.

Legal Help for Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Neurological Effects

The toxic water at Camp Lejeune put many Americans at an increased risk of serious health conditions, including debilitating neurological issues. A Camp Lejeune law firm may be able to help you get compensation and justice for all you’ve endured.

Our legal partners have already helped over 30,000 families with their Camp Lejeune claims, including claims for Camp Lejeune water contamination neurological effects.