Bladder Cancer (Camp Lejeune): VA Presumptive Condition (Camp Lejeune)
VeteranHQ lists Bladder Cancer (Camp Lejeune) as a presumptive condition in the Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water group. The exposure it is tied to is: Contaminated drinking water: trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), benzene, vinyl chloride, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene (DCE). The presumption is effective January 29, 2013. It is governed by 38 CFR § 3.307(a)(7); Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-154); PACT Act of 2022 expansion.
A presumption removes one requirement and one only: the veteran does not have to prove a medical link between the condition and service. Everything else still applies. There must be a current diagnosis, the service has to meet the requirements below, and VA decides the claim on the evidence in the record.
What qualifies: Bladder Cancer (Camp Lejeune)
- Service era
- August 1, 1953 – December 31, 1987
- Service location
- Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina (including MCAS New River)
- Exposure
- Contaminated drinking water: trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), benzene, vinyl chloride, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene (DCE)
- Effective date
- January 29, 2013
- Filing deadline
- No statutory deadline; PACT Act retroactive provisions apply
- Diagnostic code
- 7528
Service required for this presumption
Must have served on active duty at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. Civilians and family members who lived on base for 30+ days during this period are also eligible for VA health care (not disability compensation) under the PACT Act.
About this presumption
Veterans and service members who served at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 were exposed to contaminated drinking water containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — primarily trichloroethylene (TCE, a degreaser), perchloroethylene (PCE, from dry cleaning operations), benzene (a petroleum product), vinyl chloride (a TCE/PCE degradation product), and trans-1,2-dichloroethylene. Bladder cancer is one of the 8 designated presumptive conditions for Camp Lejeune veterans. Benzene and vinyl chloride are established human bladder carcinogens.
Evidence still needed
A presumption does not remove the evidence requirement. VA still needs a current diagnosis from a medical provider and service records that show the qualifying service above. What it removes is the medical opinion connecting the two.
DD-214 or service records confirming duty at Camp Lejeune, NC, with dates of service falling within August 1953–December 1987; minimum 30 days service required; pathology confirming bladder cancer (cystoscopy, transurethral resection biopsy); urology records.
Controlling legal authority
38 CFR § 3.307(a)(7); Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-154); PACT Act of 2022 expansion
Related on VeteranHQ
- Malignant neoplasms of the genitourinary system: 38 CFR Part 4 rating criteriaThe percentage tiers VA applies once service connection is established, under DC 7528.
- VA presumptive conditions, explainedHow presumptive service connection works, and what it does not cover.
- All presumptive conditions by exposureAgent Orange, PACT Act, Camp Lejeune, Gulf War, and ionizing radiation.
Questions About Bladder Cancer (Camp Lejeune) and Presumptive Service Connection
Is Bladder Cancer (Camp Lejeune) a VA presumptive condition?
Yes. VeteranHQ lists Bladder Cancer (Camp Lejeune) as presumptive in the Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water group, effective January 29, 2013, under 38 CFR § 3.307(a)(7); Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-154); PACT Act of 2022 expansion. A presumption removes the requirement to prove a medical link to service. A current diagnosis and qualifying service are still required, and VA decides the claim.
What service qualifies for the Bladder Cancer (Camp Lejeune) presumption?
Must have served on active duty at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. Civilians and family members who lived on base for 30+ days during this period are also eligible for VA health care (not disability compensation) under the PACT Act. Service era: August 1, 1953 – December 31, 1987. Service location: Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina (including MCAS New River).
What evidence is still needed for a Bladder Cancer (Camp Lejeune) claim?
DD-214 or service records confirming duty at Camp Lejeune, NC, with dates of service falling within August 1953–December 1987; minimum 30 days service required; pathology confirming bladder cancer (cystoscopy, transurethral resection biopsy); urology records. A presumption removes the requirement to prove a medical link to service. A current diagnosis and qualifying service are still required, and VA decides the claim.
Is there a filing deadline for Bladder Cancer (Camp Lejeune)?
No statutory deadline; PACT Act retroactive provisions apply
VeteranHQ publishes VA rules and the citations behind them. It does not prepare, file, or represent claims, and nothing here is legal advice or a prediction of what VA will decide.