At the Department of Texas 2023 Fall Conference, attorney Jason Johns, an Iraq War veteran and Purple Heart recipient, presented information about the Camp Lejeune Water Act. The Department Board authorized that information to be posted here for all who may be affected.

To be eligible for filing a lawsuit you must have:

• Resided, worked, or were otherwise exposed (including in utero) to the groundwater (Not exclusive to veterans who served there. Family members and civilian contractors are also eligible to file suit).
• For 30 cumulative days or more.
• From August 1, 1953 to December 31, 1987; and.
• Have been diagnosed with a serious health condition, disease, or other injury.
• Of note: Surviving family members may pursue a lawsuit on behalf of their deceased loved one.

Important Things to Remember for Lejeune Marines and Families:

• Pursuing a lawsuit under the CLJA will NOT:
  • (a) reduce your VA monthly disability compensation.
  • (b) impact your VA health care benefits.
  • (c) impact your eligibility to apply for future VA disability compensation and healthcare benefits.

• A VA claim and a lawsuit under the CLJA are two separate lanes, and BOTH are available to you as a veteran.

• If you have not yet filed a VA claim for disability and compensation benefits related to the Lejeune Water, contact an Accredited Service Officer today (**can throw in Jennifer’s contact info here).
• To pursue a federal lawsuit under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act you should identify a law firm that has extensive experience in groundwater mass tort contamination, is asking a reasonable contingency fee, has no upfront out-of-pocket costs, or fees; and has a history of working with veterans and their families. One such firm is Baird, Mandalas, Brockstedt and Federico (“BMBF Law”). The MCL of Texas does not endorse law firms but BMBF Law is entrusted by the national VFW to represent veterans and their families with their lawsuits under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. If you wish to learn more about them you may do so at www.camplejeunegroundwater.com/vfw, call Jason Johns at (608) 209-0805, or email him at jason@johnslaw.biz.

You may view the entire presentation by downloading the presentation below: