Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma — Camp Lejeune): VA Presumptive Condition (Camp Lejeune)
VeteranHQ lists Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma — Camp Lejeune) as a presumptive condition in the Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water group. The exposure it is tied to is: Contaminated drinking water: vinyl chloride, TCE, benzene. The presumption is effective January 29, 2013. It is governed by 38 CFR § 3.307(a)(7); Public Law 112-154.
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: Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma — 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: vinyl chloride, TCE, benzene
- Effective date
- January 29, 2013
- Filing deadline
- No statutory deadline
- Diagnostic code
- 7314
Service required for this presumption
Minimum 30 days active duty service at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987.
About this presumption
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver malignancy presumptively service-connected for Camp Lejeune veterans. Vinyl chloride is the most significant hepatocarcinogen among the Camp Lejeune contaminants — it is a Group 1 human carcinogen with a specific association with hepatic angiosarcoma and HCC. TCE is also classified as a probable liver carcinogen. Veterans with concurrent hepatitis B/C viral infections should still file, as the presumptive applies regardless of other risk factors.
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; liver MRI or CT with multiphasic contrast imaging (LI-RADS criteria for HCC); alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level; biopsy if diagnosis uncertain; gastroenterology/hepatology/oncology records.
Controlling legal authority
38 CFR § 3.307(a)(7); Public Law 112-154
Related on VeteranHQ
- Chronic biliary tract disease: 38 CFR Part 4 rating criteriaThe percentage tiers VA applies once service connection is established, under DC 7314.
- 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 Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma — Camp Lejeune) and Presumptive Service Connection
Is Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma — Camp Lejeune) a VA presumptive condition?
Yes. VeteranHQ lists Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma — Camp Lejeune) as presumptive in the Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water group, effective January 29, 2013, under 38 CFR § 3.307(a)(7); Public Law 112-154. 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 Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma — Camp Lejeune) presumption?
Minimum 30 days active duty service at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987. 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 Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma — Camp Lejeune) claim?
Service records; liver MRI or CT with multiphasic contrast imaging (LI-RADS criteria for HCC); alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level; biopsy if diagnosis uncertain; gastroenterology/hepatology/oncology 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 Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma — 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.