Published Document
AGENCY:
Department of Veterans Affairs.
ACTION:
Final rule.
SUMMARY:
The Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA) adopts as final an interim final rule addressing
payment or reimbursement of certain medical expenses for family members
of Camp Lejeune veterans. Under this rule, VA reimburses family members,
or pays providers, for medical expenses incurred as a result of certain
illnesses and conditions that may be associated with contaminants
present in the base water supply at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
(Camp Lejeune), North Carolina, from August 1, 1953, to December 31,
1987. Payment or reimbursement is made within the limitations set forth
in statute and Camp Lejeune family members receive hospital care and
medical services that are consistent with the manner in which we provide
hospital care and medical services to Camp Lejeune veterans. The
statutory authority has since been amended to also include certain
veterans' family members who resided at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina,
for no less than 30 days (consecutive or nonconsecutive) between August
1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. This final rule will reflect that
statutory change and will address public comments received in response
to the interim final rule.
DATES:
Effective Date: This final rule is effective May 5, 2017.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Karyn Barrett,
Director, Program Administration Directorate, Chief Business Office
Purchased Care (10NB3), Veterans Health Administration, Department of
Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20420, (303)
331-7500. (This is not a toll-free number.)
