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V.A. will cover Parkinson's Disease treatment to military families exposed to Camp Lejeune toxic water

Military Bases

The federal government will cover the cost of Parkinson 's disease treatment for the families of veterans who served at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, during the time the drinking water on base was contaminated.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the risk of Parkinson's disease is 70% higher for veterans who served at the base near Jacksonville.

Officials said the family members are also eligible for health care reimbursement for several forms of cancer, kidney problems, miscarriage, infertility, and other conditions.

Studies suggest that exposure to an industrial degreaser that was once widely used aboard Camp Lejeune, trichloroethylene, is linked to Parkinson's disease.

The PACT Act, passed in 2020, extended the list of so-called "presumptive conditions" related to service members’ exposure to toxic substances.

Annette is originally a Midwest gal, born and raised in Michigan, but with career stops in many surrounding states, the Pacific Northwest, and various parts of the southeast. An award-winning journalist and mother of four, Annette moved to eastern North Carolina in 2019 to be closer to family – in particular, her two young grandchildren. It’s possible that a -27 day with a -68 windchill in Minnesota may have also played a role in that decision. In her spare time, Annette does a lot of kiddo cuddling, reading, and producing the coolest Halloween costumes anyone has ever seen. She has also worked as a diversity and inclusion facilitator serving school districts and large corporations. It’s the people that make this beautiful area special, and she wants to share those stories that touch the hearts of others. If you have a story idea to share, please reach out by email to westona@cravencc.edu.