By Andy Gero

Camp Lejeune vs. Water
U.S. Marines who were stationed at Camp Lejeune between Aug. 1, 1953 and Dec. 31, 1987 for more than 30 days may have been exposed to the drinking water that was laced with fuel and dry-cleaning fluid. The 30 days may be consecutive or non-consecutive. If in fact you were stationed there at the above-mentioned dates you may have acquired one of eight presumptive diseases and are eligible for VA benefits.
Now a presumption of service connection has been established and the VA will provide disability benefits for eight diseases: adult leukemia, aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Parkinson’s disease.
If a physician for any of the above-mentioned diseases is treating you currently you may be eligible for VA benefits. Go online to www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/camp-lejeune, or go to www.federalregister.gov and search for “Diseases Associated With Exposure Supply at Camp Lejeune.” If you have an illness that might be connected to your time at Camp Lejeune, tell your doctor about this list of illnesses, contact our Post Service Officer and file a VA claim.
Andy Gero is a life member of the American Legion Post 288 and the VFW Post 1614. He may be reached through the CV Weekly, (818) 248-2740, or write Crescenta Valley Weekly at 3800 La Crescenta Ave., Suite 101,
La Crescenta, CA 91214.