United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has determined that a former servicemember's cancer was caused by his exposure to the contaminated water. Paul Buckley, a USMC veteran who was diagnosed with incurable hematological malignancy, was stationed at Camp Lejeune in the 1980s.Sawyer, Diane, and Steve Osunsami, "Toxic Water", ABC World News, March 19, 2010. In March 2010 the VA decided that Buckley's cancer was directly linked to his ingestion of contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and awarded him 100% disability benefits.Jontz, Sandra, "VA Ruling On Former Marine's Illness May Affect Thousands", Stars and Stripes, March 27, 2010. This is believed to be the first time the government has admitted liability. On February 22, 2012, the VA agreed that retired Marine Frank Rachowicz' terminal cancer was caused by exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.Mason, Anthony, "Contaminated Water", CBS Evening News, May 28, 2012
