Camp Lejeune Settlement Amounts: The DOJ Elective Option Tiers
By Jordan Reyes, Editorial · Reviewed by: Pending Veterans Affairs Editorial Reviewer Recruitment · Last reviewed: May 15, 2026
This page is editorial and informational. It is not legal advice.
We do not promise any payment. We do not rank or refer law firms. To explore your eligibility, consult a VA-accredited attorney through the VA’s official accreditation search at va.gov.
In September 2024, the Department of Justice launched the Elective Option. It is a fast-track settlement program for Camp Lejeune claims. The DOJ has published the official tier structure. This page explains what is public.
We do not invent dollar amounts. We do not promise a payout. The numbers below come from public DOJ press releases. For the exact current ranges, check the DOJ source linked at the bottom of this page.
How the Tier System Works
The Elective Option uses two main factors to set a range for a given claim:
- Tier of qualifying condition. Tier 1 covers conditions with the strongest scientific link to the water. Tier 2 covers conditions with a weaker but recognized link.
- Length of exposure. Time at Camp Lejeune is grouped into bands. Longer time on base can raise the upper end of the range.
The DOJ press release sets the official numbers. We summarize the structure below.
DOJ Elective Option Tier Structure
DOJ has published the Elective Option settlement amounts ranging from set lower bounds to upper bounds based on injury tier and exposure duration. The table below summarizes the published structure as of the May 2024 DOJ release.
| Tier | Qualifying Conditions (per DOJ) | Exposure Band | Published Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Kidney cancer, leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, bladder cancer, liver cancer | 30 to 364 days | See DOJ press release |
| Tier 1 | Same conditions as above | 1 to 5 years | Higher band per DOJ press release |
| Tier 1 | Same conditions as above | 5+ years | Highest band per DOJ press release |
| Tier 2 | Multiple myeloma, Parkinson disease, kidney disease, systemic sclerosis | 30 to 364 days | See DOJ press release |
| Tier 2 | Same conditions as above | 1 to 5 years | Higher band per DOJ press release |
| Tier 2 | Same conditions as above | 5+ years | Highest band per DOJ press release |
| Death | Wrongful death claim, Tier 1 or Tier 2 condition | All bands | Separate death claim payment per DOJ |
We do not list specific dollar amounts because the DOJ may update them. Read the official DOJ press release linked below for the current published ranges.
What the Tiers Mean in Practice
The tier name is the DOJ’s way of grouping medical claims by the strength of the scientific link to the water. A Tier 1 condition has a strong, well-studied link. A Tier 2 condition has a recognized but weaker link.
Tier 1 claims tend to move faster through the Elective Option. The settlement range for a Tier 1 claim is generally higher than for a Tier 2 claim at the same exposure band.
Time on base also matters. A person who spent 5+ years at Camp Lejeune sits in a higher exposure band than a person who spent 30 days. The published DOJ structure reflects that gradient.
Accept, Reject, or Wait
The Elective Option is not the only path. A person with a Camp Lejeune claim has three main choices once an offer arrives:
- Accept the Elective Option. Faster and more predictable. The range is set.
- Reject and continue in federal court. Slower and riskier. A court could award more, less, or zero.
- Wait and watch. The DOJ has updated the Elective Option over time. A claimant can hold a decision until the picture is clearer.
A VA-accredited attorney can help weigh the trade-offs against your specific facts.
What to Do Next
If you have a pending claim and you have not seen Elective Option numbers yet, your lawyer should be tracking them. Ask. If you filed on your own, the Department of the Navy will send any settlement offer in writing.
Find a VA-accredited attorneyRelated Guides
What About Your Water Now?
Camp Lejeune water was contaminated decades ago. If you live near another former military site today, PFAS may still be in your tap water. Learn what PFAS is and how to filter it.
What is PFAS? (pfasfilterguide.com)Frequently Asked Questions
Did the DOJ publish settlement amounts?
Yes. In September 2024, the Department of Justice launched the Elective Option. It published a tier structure with set settlement ranges. The DOJ press release lists the tiers and the qualifying conditions.
How is the dollar range set?
The DOJ Elective Option uses two factors. First, the type of qualifying condition. Second, the length of time spent at Camp Lejeune. Longer exposure can place a claim in a higher payout band. Read the DOJ press release for the official ranges.
Can I get more than the Elective Option range?
Maybe. You can reject the Elective Option offer and pursue your case in federal court. Court awards may be higher or lower than the published ranges. The trade-off is time and risk.
Are pain and suffering damages included?
The Elective Option ranges are settlements. They cover the harm caused by the water. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act bars some types of damages, including punitive damages. Talk to a VA-accredited attorney for specifics on your case.
Is the offer per person or per condition?
The Elective Option offer is for a single qualifying claim. A person with more than one qualifying condition is generally evaluated for the most severe one. Your attorney can confirm how it applies to your case.
What if a family member died from the water?
Wrongful death claims are also covered under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. The estate of the person who died can bring the claim. The Elective Option has a track for these cases too. Speak with a VA-accredited attorney.
Do I have to accept the Elective Option?
No. It is optional. You can reject the offer and continue with your case in federal court. The DOJ has been clear that the Elective Option is one path, not the only one.
Where can I read the official DOJ tier amounts?
The Department of Justice publishes the Elective Option details in its public press releases on justice.gov. We link to the official source at the bottom of this page.
Primary Sources
This page is editorial and informational. It is not legal or medical advice. The dollar ranges referenced come from official DOJ press releases. We do not promise any specific payment. For legal questions, consult a VA-accredited attorney through the VA’s official accreditation search at va.gov.