Senator blasts VA over handling of Lejeune veterans' claims

[unhappycamper]

Senator blasts VA over handling of Lejeune veterans' claims
By Barbara Barrett | McClatchy Newspapers
Posted on Thursday, November 18, 2010

WASHINGTON — The top Republican on the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee blasted the Department of Veterans Affairs on Thursday for not communicating about how it's handling medical claims from Marines who were once stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina said his staff learned from a constituent that medical cases from across the country were being consolidated at the Veterans Affairs regional benefits office in Louisville, Ky.

Since March, some 200 Marine veterans have applied to have their disabilities connected to water contamination at Lejeune. So far, only about 20 have been granted connections.

The water was poisoned from the mid-1950s to the mid-1980s with trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, benzene, vinyl chloride and other chemicals. The chemicals have been linked to a host of cancers and other diseases.

Some advocates and Marine veterans said they felt cautiously optimistic about the consolidation, hoping that it will streamline the process of connecting disabilities to the poisoned water.

[maxrandb]

1. I would be more impressed

if Senator Burr (R-idiot) would direct his "outrage" at the "frickin' dumbass corporate shitheads" who contaminated the water in the first place.

I would venture to bet, if you looked at the "pollutors"...they are top contributors to Burr.

Anyone want to take my bet?

[w8liftinglady]

2. and...sigh..it's not a new thing

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x9175549

My latest editorial on the subject

I have been commenting weekly for years on our government's poor regard for it's troops and veterans. This week,the disregard is extended to the families,volunteers and civilians as well as active duty Marines based at Camp Lejeune,North Carolina from 1955-1985.

Camp Lejeune is one of the busiest Marine camps in the United States.It was especially busy during The Vietnam War,and has seen over one million Marines,their families and civil service employees pass through their gates. Camp Lejeune has also seen a disproportionate amount of troops,families and unborn with cancers,diseases and birth defects. One common denominator-they were all assigned to Camp Lejeune during this time period. It appears the cause has been known for some time.


In the late 1950's,the Government installed Hadnot Point Fuel Farm,Rifle Range Chemical Fuel dump and ABC Dry Cleaners on the outskirts of Camp Lejeune. The Tarawa Terrace Well Field and subdivision were built near these. Through the period of the Vietnam War,the camp expanded,the water system was spread to cover more housing,golf courses,and a hospital. Multiple fuel leaks from Hadnot as well as suspected chemical disposal from the chemical dump and dry cleaners began to be reported in the mid-70's. Toxic levels of TCE,DDT and Benzoin were found,as well as other documented carcinogens.

Over the years,the trend has been to deny that cancer and birth defects are related to exposure to this environment despite overwhelming statistics that have proven otherwise. The VA has refused disability payment,health care or survivors' benefits to those stationed at Camp Lejeune during this period.

Recently,Congress has begun to research the camp anew. U.S. Rep. Brad Miller leads a Congressional panel that is studying the actions by the Government and VA during this time.
In the meantime,veterans and their families need some assurance that they will be taken seriously . The Few,The Proud,The Forgotten-a support group for these Marine families-has an extensive resource list,disease information,and Congressional information.You can view it at:

http://www.tftptf.com/5801.html

If you or your family member served at Camp Lejeune from 1955-1985,I encourage you to stay updated. Hopefully,the nation won't leave you behind this time.