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 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: 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
- March 14, 2017
- Filing deadline
- No statutory deadline
- Diagnostic code
- 7343
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
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 § 3.309(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 digestive system, exclusive of skin growths: 38 CFR Part 4 rating criteriaThe percentage tiers VA applies once service connection is established, under DC 7343.
- 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 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 Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma — 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 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.