WASHINGTON, November 13, 2023 - VA makes another historic move to provide coverage for Parkinson’s disease as a neurobehavioral condition under its Camp Lejeune Family Member Program (CLFMP).
Family members of Veterans exposed to contaminated drinking water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. from Aug. 1, 1953, to Dec. 31, 1987, are now eligible for reimbursement of out-of-pocket health care costs associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Eligible family members can apply for assistance under the CLFMP.
View the CLFMP article in VA News: VA provides care to eligible Veterans’ family members.
CLFMP covers 15 medical illnesses or conditions, including Parkinson’s disease:
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Female infertility
- Hepatic steatosis
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Lung cancer
- Miscarriage
- Multiple myeloma
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Neurobehavioral effects – now includes Parkinson’s disease
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Renal toxicity
- Scleroderma
Addressing the Veteran community’s concern over the historic contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune has been an ongoing priority for VA. The decision to include Parkinson’s disease was supported by the result of a review by the National Academies of Sciences commissioned by VA’s Health Outcomes Military Exposures.
“Including Parkinson’s disease as a covered neurobehavioral condition is a big step toward covered care for both Veterans and their families,” said Dr. Miguel LaPuz, assistant under secretary for Health for Integrated Veteran Care. “This decision helps move the needle to get more family members assistance for those affected by the toxic water contamination.
“If you think you might be eligible, the best thing to do is apply now for assistance. If you have questions about your eligibility, submitting claims or how to get reimbursed for medical costs associated with Parkinson’s disease, contact our CLFMP coordinators at 866-372-1144 for assistance. We are ready to help.”
Visit the CLFMP page to understand who is eligible and to apply online.
What family members need to know
For family members of Veterans (spouses, children and those in utero) at the time of the toxic water contamination (Aug. 1, 1953-Dec. 31, 1987), a CLFMP representative will work with you to clarify what additional documentation may be required to fully process your eligibility.
VA may be able to cover previous medical costs for Parkinson’s disease depending on when you were first deemed eligible for the program. For more information, contact VA’s CLFMP coordinators at 866-372-1144 for assistance.
If you previously applied for CLFMP and were determined eligible for the program, submit the following documents: claim form, treating physician report, release of health information and medical statements, and send via fax to 512-460-5536, or mail to:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Financial Services Center
PO BOX 149200
Austin, TX 78714-9200
Resources and support
- Visit the Camp Lejeune Family Member Program Webpage
- CLFMP customer support: 866-372-1144 (toll free)
- Camp Lejeune Family Member Program – Community Care (va.gov)
- For Veterans: Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Health Issues | Veterans Affairs (va.gov)
- For Veterans: How To Apply For VA Health Care | Veterans Affairs or call 877-222-8387 for help.
- To learn more about the water contamination at Camp Lejeune, visit Camp Lejeune: Past Water Contamination – Public Health (va.gov) and Camp Lejeune | Camp Lejeune | ATSDR (cdc.gov)