Is it worth getting a lawyer for presumptive conditions from the water at camp lejeune ?

2023-11-16T09:49:30-05:00

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Nov 16 at 2023 9:52 AM

2023-11-16T09:52:50-05:00

It's your call but just know it won't be a fast resolution and lawyers cost money. You can get linked in with a VSO for assistance in getting this done. But fair warning as soon as you get lawyered up for Camp Lejeune water VSO's are instructed to step back and let the lawyer take lead on it because they can't get involved with ongoing litigation.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Nov 16 at 2023 11:17 AM

2023-11-16T11:17:21-05:00

Do you want to give then 1/3 or more? VA Advocates are free and trained to handle the system

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Nov 16 at 2023 11:26 AM

2023-11-16T11:26:08-05:00

Conditions aren't presumptive. If you have the condition, were at MCB Camp Lejeune in the timeframe specified, service connection is presumed. Rating schedules have not changed since 1945, 38 USC lists the degrees of disability based on how you are affected.

Response by COL Randall C. made Nov 16 at 2023 12:03 PM

2023-11-16T12:03:54-05:00

There are two things regarding Camp Lejeune that you should be involved with. The first is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act claim. You can file a claim through an attorney (there are many) or you can file a claim online through the Department of the Navy's website*. That is independent of the VA and something you'll have to decide yourself

The second is the presumed service-connection for the condition you stated is on the presumed list with regards to Camp Lejeune.

For that, you should work with a VSO. Looking at VA's statistics, the lawyers ARE more effective when it comes to appeals, but for your claim submission there is absolutely no reason you shouldn't work with a VA accredited representative from your state service organization or a VSO as that will cost you nothing to file and process your claim and even help you (again, at no cost) if you disagree with the decision and wanted a higher-level review. This is especially true if you have a straightforward case.

Representatives are just like any other category of individuals - you'll find some great ones and some ... not so great. However, they all have to meet a minimal level of competency (and keep it up on an ongoing basis) to be accredited by the VA.

If you want to higher a lawyer later ... that's a decision you'll have to make. Is the cost worth the modest improvement of granted claims that go before the appeals board? The private attorney success rate at the board is 42.1% on average while using your State's Service Organization is 34.0%. The private attorney takes a chunk of your money, but the SSO does not. It's up to you to decide which "risk/reward ratio" is better for you.
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* Camp Lejeune Justice Act website - https://www.navy.mil/clja/

Camp Lejeune Justice Act Claims

Department of the Navy

Response by CWO3 Robert Detzel made Nov 16 at 2023 2:46 PM

2023-11-16T14:46:00-05:00

Hello Brother, I have never sued anyone and I had some serious civilian medical issues I could have followed up on with several physicians. IRT CLNC...I have obtained an attorney. Basically, I want to establish that I have filed against the government. Regardless of the outcome, numerous personnel over decades covered up a serious problem. That not only endangered me but my wife and three children. That pisses me off!
SF, Detz