Updated May 2026
Camp Lejeune Settlement Amounts
Not legal advice. This article is for information only. Talk to a vets lawyer for help with your case.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) became law in August 2022. Vets and family members got the right to sue. The cause was illness from the base water. The Navy set up a two-tier system to handle claims. Here is what each tier covers. Here are the payment ranges.
What Was in the Water
Camp Lejeune had two water plants with bad water. This was from the 1950s to 1987. Tests found these chemicals at high levels:
| Chemical | Source | Level Found |
|---|---|---|
| TCE | Degreaser. | Up to 1,400x safe levels. |
| PCE | Dry cleaning solvent. | Up to 43x safe levels. |
| Benzene | Fuel storage leaks. | Up to 76x safe levels. |
| Vinyl chloride | TCE and PCE breakdown. | Up to 2,400x safe levels. |
TCE = trichloroethylene. PCE = perchloroethylene.
Tier 1 vs Tier 2
Payment range: about $100,000 to $450,000.
- Bladder cancer.
- Kidney cancer.
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Adult leukemia.
- Parkinson's disease.
- End-stage kidney disease.
- Brain effects (listed cases).
Payment range: about $100,000 to $250,000. More cases go to court.
- Prostate cancer.
- Multiple myeloma.
- Breast cancer.
- Thyroid cancer.
- Esophageal cancer.
- Lung cancer.
- Cervical cancer.
- Ovarian cancer.
- Rectal cancer.
- Heart defects (in-utero).
Full current list at jag.navy.mil. The Navy updates the list over time.
What Changes the Amount
Within the ranges, these factors push the number up or down:
- How long you were exposed (years beat months).
- How serious the illness is (active vs. remission).
- Your VA rating for the same condition.
- Whether you got prior VA pay for the same illness.
- How strong your records are (DD-214, medical records).
If You Reject the Offer
You can say no and go to court. Court is slower. But it may pay more. Cases are being grouped for faster review. A vets lawyer can help you decide.
Questions
What are the Camp Lejeune settlement tiers?
The Navy set up two tiers. Tier 1 has a strong link to the water. It covers bladder cancer, kidney cancer, and leukemia. It also covers lymphoma and Parkinson's. Tier 2 has a weaker link. It covers prostate cancer, myeloma, and breast cancer. Tier 1 claims settle faster.
How much can a claimant receive?
Tier 1 ranges from about $100,000 to $450,000. The final number depends on your condition. It also depends on how long you were exposed. Your VA rating matters too. Tier 2 ranges from about $100,000 to $250,000. Some cases settle higher. You can reject the offer and go to court.
What is the filing deadline?
The filing window closed August 10, 2024. If you missed that date, talk to a lawyer. Some edge cases may apply.
Who can file a Camp Lejeune claim?
You need three things. First, you must have been at Camp Lejeune. The stay must be 30 or more days. The dates are August 1953 to December 1987. Second, you must have a listed condition. Third, you must not have been paid for the same condition before.
Is this separate from VA benefits?
Yes. VA care and VA pay are separate from these claims. You can apply for VA pay and file a CLJA claim. But VA pay may be removed from a settlement under current rules.
Do I need a lawyer?
You can file without one. But most lawyers work at no upfront cost. The paperwork is specific. Most people do better with legal help. The admin window closed in August 2024. The main path now is court.
Protect your water at home
Concerned about PFAS in your tap water? We review NSF 58 filters proven to remove PFAS.
See PFAS Filter ReviewsNot legal advice. Talk to a licensed lawyer about your specific claim. VeteransWaterSafety.com uses affiliate links. Full disclosure.