Burr and Tillis Applaud Dept. of Veterans Affairs Decision to Finally Grant Disability Status to Camp Lejeune Veterans

Statement

Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) made the following statements on today's U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announcement that victims of Camp Lejeune's poisoned water who are diagnosed with one of eight illnesses will be granted disability status:

"The VA is finally granting some justice to veterans who were exposed to contaminated drinking water while assigned to Camp Lejeune," said Sen. Tillis. "The victims of this tragedy have waited far too long to receive disability benefits, and I thank Jerry Ensminger, Senator Burr, and the entire Camp Lejeune Community Assistance Panel for their tireless efforts in advocating on behalf of the victims and keeping pressure on the VA to do the right thing."

"The VA has conceded that it will no longer deny disability benefits to Camp Lejeune victims based on ridiculous scientific claims," said Sen. Burr. "This is victory for those who have long suffered as a result of the toxic exposure to chemicals while serving our country at Camp Lejeune. In 2012, the President signed my legislation into law that provided health care to veterans and their families who were poisoned at Camp Lejeune and I will continue to advocate for them. I thank Jerry Ensminger for his unending support of Lejeune victims. God bless all of these men and women."

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