3 minute read

Are You Clear on the Camp Lejeune Ads?

from Wise Guide 2023/2024

from Wise Guide 2023/2024, page 29

Veterans Events & Services

by Bryan Hult, Bonner County Veterans Service Officer

You’ve heard those ads many times if you spend 30 minutes a day or more watching television. You know the commercial, “If you were stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you were likely exposed to toxin contaminated drinking water…You may be able to qualify for significant compensation for your medical costs or if you’ve lost loved ones.”

The commercials sound enticing and fuel the desire to get something immediately without having to do anything…they’ll take care of everything. You might end up receiving some kind of settlement or dividend, but then both the VA and the lawyers will likely end up with most of what has been set aside for you; attorney fees eat up more than what you can imagine. This may not be totally accurate, but consider the following.

On August 10, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022. There were chemicals like Benzene and other industrial solvents which were dumped into the Camp Lejeune drains that worked their way to the aquifers and into the drinking, cooking and showering waters. The VA has already determined eight presumptive conditions associated with the water: Leukemia, aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndromes, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, multiple myeloma, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Parkinson’s Disease. If you are diagnosed with one or more of them, you can be service-connected rated and receive compensation for the rest of your life. And if you are married for more than one year at awarded, would you really get anything once all those lawyers are compensated? Those answers are not known. Are the offers from the commercials and representatives promising to answer your questions going to give you all the information you need to know? I cannot honestly know the answer to that question.

Additionally, if you are awarded through the lawsuit, would you have to pay back benefits related to those conditions if awarded by the VA in the future? If you are married, would your spouse be able to receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)?

Before I would sign a retainer, I’d want to get an objective second opinion. I’d want to not be quick to sign up, but find out when the last opportunity would be to sign up. I’d want to strongly consider just going through the VA system already set up by the government.

You’ve already heard the slick, fast-talking commercials paid for by attorneys that have one thing in mind — $$$. I, in no way, know the character of any of the attorneys. They may ALL be upright and provide you excellent service. However, you do have Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) who are paid by your Counties to serve veterans, and do not receive any extra percentage if the veteran is awarded except the satisfaction of “serving America’s veterans, one hero at a time.” Check the listing of VSOs in our area and give them a call to set up an appointment. We are here to serve you.

Parkinson’s Support Groups

No matter where you or a loved on are in the journey of Parkinson’s, support groups can be an excellent source for activities and information. Contact the individuals below for any questions, or just show up!

COEUR D’ALENE

Women with Parkinson’s Affinity Apartments, 3594 N. Cederblom St.

3rd Fridays at 1:00 pm

A casual get together for those with Parkinson’s and their caregivers. Music, Singing, Tai Chi, and other classes are also held at Affinity Apartments.

Contact: Beth Hatcher 208-635-5243 for details..