Kidney Cancer (Camp Lejeune): VA Presumptive Condition (Camp Lejeune)
VeteranHQ lists Kidney 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), PCE, vinyl chloride, benzene. The presumption is effective March 14, 2017. It is governed by 38 CFR § 3.309(f); 38 CFR § 3.307(a)(7); VA Final Rule, 82 FR 4173 (January 13, 2017); 38 USC § 501(a).
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: Kidney 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), PCE, vinyl chloride, benzene
- Effective date
- March 14, 2017
- Filing deadline
- No statutory deadline
- Diagnostic code
- 7528
Service required for this presumption
No less than 30 days of service, consecutive or nonconsecutive, at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987. 38 CFR § 3.307(a)(7)(iii) reaches "a veteran, or former reservist or member of the National Guard", so Reserve and National Guard service at Camp Lejeune in that period qualifies, and the 30 days need not be continuous. Service at Camp Lejeune means any service within the borders of the entirety of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina. Under § 3.307(a)(7)(ii) the disease need only become manifest to a degree of 10 percent or more at any time after service.
About this presumption
Kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma) is presumptively service-connected for Camp Lejeune veterans. TCE is classified as a Group 1 human carcinogen (IARC) with the strongest evidence being for renal cell carcinoma. The EPA and CDC have confirmed that TCE concentrations in Lejeune water supplies exceeded safe exposure limits by orders of magnitude (up to 1,400 parts per billion; safe level: 5 ppb). Both clear cell and non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma subtypes are covered.
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.
Service records confirming Camp Lejeune service within specified dates (30-day minimum); CT urogram or MRI confirming renal mass; pathology from surgical resection or biopsy confirming renal cell carcinoma; urology/oncology treatment records.
Controlling legal authority
38 CFR § 3.309(f); 38 CFR § 3.307(a)(7); VA Final Rule, 82 FR 4173 (January 13, 2017); 38 USC § 501(a)
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 Kidney Cancer (Camp Lejeune) and Presumptive Service Connection
Is Kidney Cancer (Camp Lejeune) a VA presumptive condition?
Yes. VeteranHQ lists Kidney Cancer (Camp Lejeune) as presumptive in the Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water group, effective March 14, 2017, under 38 CFR § 3.309(f); 38 CFR § 3.307(a)(7); VA Final Rule, 82 FR 4173 (January 13, 2017); 38 USC § 501(a). 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 Kidney Cancer (Camp Lejeune) presumption?
No less than 30 days of service, consecutive or nonconsecutive, at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987. 38 CFR § 3.307(a)(7)(iii) reaches "a veteran, or former reservist or member of the National Guard", so Reserve and National Guard service at Camp Lejeune in that period qualifies, and the 30 days need not be continuous. Service at Camp Lejeune means any service within the borders of the entirety of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina. Under § 3.307(a)(7)(ii) the disease need only become manifest to a degree of 10 percent or more at any time after service. 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 Kidney Cancer (Camp Lejeune) claim?
Service records confirming Camp Lejeune service within specified dates (30-day minimum); CT urogram or MRI confirming renal mass; pathology from surgical resection or biopsy confirming renal cell carcinoma; urology/oncology treatment 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 Kidney Cancer (Camp Lejeune)?
No statutory deadline
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.