Former Marine Faces Severe Health Issues Due to Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune
Marine vet left with severe health conditions after drinking “toxic” Camp Lejeune water in 1980s
New York Post
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Elbridge Cleveland, a former Marine stationed at Camp Lejeune from 1980 to 1986, suffers from 61 health conditions linked to toxic drinking water. His family also faces serious health issues, including his daughter's stage four cancer. Cleveland feels abandoned by the government in accessing necessary medical treatment.
- 01Elbridge Cleveland served at Camp Lejeune from 1980 to 1986 and has been diagnosed with 61 health conditions.
- 02The drinking water at Camp Lejeune was found to be contaminated with toxic volatile organic compounds in 1982.
- 03Cleveland's health problems began in 1985, including constant headaches and leg pain.
- 04He has lost his wife to cancer and his children are also experiencing health issues linked to the contaminated water.
- 05Cleveland claims he feels neglected by the government in accessing adequate medical treatment despite being eligible for VA benefits.
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Elbridge Cleveland, a 64-year-old former Marine, has been grappling with severe health issues he attributes to toxic drinking water at Camp Lejeune, where he served from 1980 to 1986. After the Marine Corps discovered volatile organic compounds in the base's water in 1982, Cleveland began experiencing health problems, which have since escalated to 61 diagnosed conditions, including kidney disease, fibromyalgia, and multiple strokes. He lost his wife to cancer and reports that his children, who were also exposed to the contaminated water, are suffering from serious health issues, including his daughter's stage four cancer. Cleveland feels abandoned by the government and struggles to access necessary medical treatments. He has had to seek care at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, as local hospitals have not adequately addressed his health needs. Despite being eligible for VA benefits, he claims the system is failing him, and he feels as though it would be easier for the VA if he were no longer alive. The VA has stated that federal law limits the types of home health improvements they can support, further complicating Cleveland's situation.
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Cleveland's health issues and those of his family highlight the long-term effects of contaminated water on military families.
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