The Camp Lejeune water contamination scandal remains one of the most devastating environmental exposures in U.S. military history. Between 1953 and 1987, thousands of Marines, their families, and civilian workers stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina were exposed to toxic chemicals through the base’s contaminated water supply. In 2025, eligible individuals are still filing claims under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act to seek compensation for injuries and illnesses caused by that exposure.
If you or your loved ones lived or worked at Camp Lejeune during the affected years and later developed cancer, neurological disorders, or other serious health issues, you may qualify for substantial financial compensation. Here’s how the claim process works, who qualifies, and what you need to do before the filing deadline.
What Happened at Camp Lejeune?
For over three decades, the drinking water at Camp Lejeune contained dangerously high levels of toxic substances including:
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Perchloroethylene (PCE)
- Vinyl chloride
- Benzene
These are all known carcinogens linked to diseases such as leukemia, bladder cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and birth defects. Despite mounting evidence, it took years for the military to take full responsibility. That changed with the passage of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) in August 2022, which allows victims to file lawsuits for compensation through a streamlined federal process.
Who Qualifies for Compensation?
To file a Camp Lejeune claim in 2025, you must meet both residence and diagnosis criteria. Here’s what qualifies:
✅ Time and Location
- You lived, worked, or were exposed to Camp Lejeune’s water for at least 30 cumulative days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.
- This includes Marines, Navy personnel, civilian contractors, and family members (including unborn children in utero).
✅ Health Conditions
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes several illnesses linked to Camp Lejeune exposure, including:
- Leukemia
- Bladder, kidney, liver, or breast cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Parkinson’s disease
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Female infertility and miscarriage
- Scleroderma
- Hepatic steatosis (fatty liver disease)
- Neurobehavioral effects
Even if your condition is not on the VA’s presumptive list, you may still qualify with sufficient medical evidence and legal support.
How Much Compensation Can You Receive?
There is no fixed payout, but estimates suggest successful claims could range from $25,000 to over $1 million, depending on factors such as:
- Severity of illness
- Duration of exposure
- Age at diagnosis
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Medical expenses (past and future)
For wrongful death claims, surviving family members may receive separate compensation.
How to File a Camp Lejeune Compensation Claim in 2025
Filing a claim is a multi-step legal process. You don’t have to go it alone—most victims work with attorneys who specialize in environmental injury and mass tort litigation. Here’s how the process works:
1. Submit Administrative Claim to the Navy
Before filing a lawsuit, the law requires you to submit an administrative claim to the U.S. Department of the Navy. You must:
- Fill out Form SF-95 (Claim for Damage, Injury, or Death)
- Include details of your exposure, diagnosis, and damages
- Submit it within the statute of limitations (currently by August 10, 2024, extended for certain cases in review)
The Navy has 6 months to respond.
2. Wait for the Government’s Response
You cannot file a lawsuit unless:
- The Navy denies your claim
OR - Six months pass without a decision
At that point, you’re free to move forward with a federal court lawsuit.
3. File a Lawsuit in Federal Court (If Needed)
If no settlement is reached through the administrative claim, you may file a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. These lawsuits are civil, not criminal, and may be handled individually or as part of larger litigation.
4. Gather Supporting Documentation
Prepare the following:
- Proof of residency or employment (military records, housing records)
- Medical records showing diagnosis
- Evidence linking illness to toxic exposure (doctor’s notes, expert opinions)
The more detailed your file, the stronger your claim.
Legal Representation: Do You Need a Lawyer?
While technically you can file a claim on your own, working with a qualified attorney significantly increases your chances of success. A lawyer can:
- Help fill out and submit paperwork correctly
- Collect and organize key medical/legal evidence
- Negotiate a fair settlement
- Ensure deadlines are met
- Represent you in court, if needed
Most Camp Lejeune lawyers work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless you win.
Deadline to File in 2025
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act originally required claims to be filed by August 10, 2024. However, due to claim backlogs and court developments, late claims may still be accepted into 2025, especially if you can show delays were outside your control.
Still, act immediately. If you wait too long, you risk losing eligibility permanently due to the statute of limitations.
Who Is Filing These Claims?
As of 2025:
- Over 160,000 administrative claims have been filed with the Navy
- Thousands of lawsuits are pending in North Carolina’s federal court
- Most claims are by veterans and their families, but civilians are included too
In response, the U.S. Department of Justice and Navy have begun developing a structured payout process for faster resolution.
FAQs About Camp Lejeune Compensation
Q: I already receive VA benefits. Can I still file a claim?
Yes. VA benefits do not disqualify you from pursuing legal compensation. You may have to repay some VA costs from your settlement, but your net compensation can still be significant.
Q: What if I lived on the base as a child?
You still qualify. Many children exposed in utero or early life have been diagnosed with serious illnesses as adults.
Q: Can I file on behalf of a deceased family member?
Yes. Surviving spouses, children, or estate representatives can file wrongful death claims.
Estimated Payout Range Table (2025)
| Illness/Condition | Estimated Compensation Range |
|---|---|
| Leukemia | $200,000 – $1,000,000 |
| Bladder Cancer | $150,000 – $800,000 |
| Parkinson’s Disease | $100,000 – $750,000 |
| Birth Defects | $250,000 – $1,000,000+ |
| Neurobehavioral Effects | $50,000 – $300,000 |
| Wrongful Death | $200,000 – $1,000,000+ |
Note: These are estimated ranges and vary by case.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait to Take Action
If you or someone you love was exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and later diagnosed with a related illness, now is the time to act. Even as we move through 2025, the window to claim what you deserve is closing.
By seeking compensation, you’re not just pursuing justice—you’re holding responsible parties accountable and securing financial stability for your future.
Claim Checklist for 2025
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Lived/worked at Camp Lejeune (1953–1987) | |
| Exposed for at least 30 days | |
| Diagnosed with a qualifying illness | |
| Submitted SF-95 form to the U.S. Navy | |
| Medical records and service proof collected | |
| Working with an experienced attorney |