For decades, veterans, their families, and civilian workers at Camp Lejeune were unknowingly exposed to dangerous toxins in their drinking water. The consequences have been devastating—cancer, neurological disorders, birth defects, and more. But for the first time in history, legal doors have opened wide to allow victims to seek justice.
So, who can file a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim in 2025? If you or a loved one spent time at the base between 1953 and 1987, this guide will explain everything you need to know about eligibility, deadlines, and how to pursue financial compensation under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.
What Happened at Camp Lejeune?
Camp Lejeune is a U.S. Marine Corps base located in North Carolina. Between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, two of its primary water treatment plants—Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point—were contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including:
- Trichloroethylene (TCE) – a metal degreaser
- Perchloroethylene (PCE) – used in dry cleaning
- Benzene – a carcinogen found in fuels
- Vinyl chloride – linked to liver cancer and birth defects
These toxic chemicals leached into the drinking water, affecting up to one million people over several decades.
Health Conditions Linked to Camp Lejeune Exposure
The contaminated water has been linked to a wide range of serious health conditions. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and multiple scientific studies have associated Camp Lejeune exposure with:
Cancers:
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Other Conditions:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Aplastic anemia and other bone marrow disorders
- Female infertility and miscarriage
- Neurobehavioral effects
- Birth defects and developmental disorders
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with any of the above after living or working at Camp Lejeune, you’re likely eligible to file a claim in 2025.
What Is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?
Passed in August 2022 as part of the Honoring Our PACT Act, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) allows individuals harmed by the base’s water contamination to file a lawsuit against the U.S. government.
Before the CLJA, legal doctrine (like sovereign immunity) prevented victims from suing the federal government for military-related injuries. Now, thanks to the Act, victims have a clear legal pathway to financial compensation—but the window is closing fast.
Filing Deadline in 2025
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act created a two-year window to file claims, starting from August 10, 2022. That means the deadline to submit a claim is:
August 10, 2024.
However, those who file a formal administrative claim before the deadline and receive a denial (or no response within six months) may still file a lawsuit afterward, so long as the process was started in time.
Important Note: If you haven’t filed a claim by now, you’re running out of time. Act immediately.
Who Can File a Camp Lejeune Claim in 2025?
Here’s a breakdown of eligible claimants:
1. Veterans
If you served at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 cumulative days between 1953 and 1987, and you were diagnosed with a related illness, you qualify—regardless of your discharge status or age today.
2. Family Members of Veterans
Spouses, children, and even unborn children (if a mother was pregnant while living on base) may be eligible if they were:
- Living on base
- Using the contaminated water (for drinking, bathing, cooking)
- Diagnosed with a related illness
Examples include children born with birth defects or spouses who later developed cancer or Parkinson’s.
3. Civilian Workers and Contractors
Thousands of civilian employees and contractors worked on Camp Lejeune during the contamination period. If you were exposed through drinking water while working there and developed a qualifying illness, you may also file a claim.
4. Legal Representatives of Deceased Victims
If your loved one has already passed away, you may still file a wrongful death claim on their behalf as a personal representative of their estate.
Required Documentation for a Successful Claim
To build a valid case, you’ll need to prove two things:
- Exposure – Provide military service records, housing assignments, employment documents, or affidavits proving time spent on the base for 30+ days during the contamination window.
- Diagnosis – Submit medical records proving you (or the deceased) were diagnosed with one or more of the related health conditions.
Having documentation ready can help streamline both the administrative and court process.
VA Benefits vs Camp Lejeune Lawsuit: Can You Do Both?
Yes. Veterans who are already receiving VA disability benefits or healthcare coverage for Camp Lejeune-related illnesses can still file a civil lawsuit under the CLJA. However:
- Any compensation you receive through a Camp Lejeune lawsuit will be offset by the amount of VA benefits already paid.
- Filing a lawsuit won’t affect your VA benefits negatively. You can keep both, but final payouts will reflect offsets.
This ensures there’s no “double compensation” but still allows victims to pursue full financial justice.
How Much Compensation Can You Receive?
There’s no fixed settlement amount, but compensation may include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship or consortium
- Funeral and burial costs (for wrongful death claims)
Early cases have suggested that successful claims could result in six- or seven-figure payouts, depending on the severity of illness and financial damages.
How to File a Camp Lejeune Claim in 2025
The process generally follows two steps:
Step 1: Administrative Claim
All claims must first go through the Department of the Navy, which oversees the initial review. You’ll file a CLJA claim form, including documentation of exposure and medical history.
- If the Navy denies the claim or fails to respond within six months, you can proceed to court.
Step 2: Civil Lawsuit
After a denial or lapse, you can file a federal lawsuit in the Eastern District of North Carolina, the designated venue for all Camp Lejeune lawsuits.
Tip: Working with an experienced attorney who specializes in military toxic exposure cases can dramatically improve your chances of success.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
Technically, you can file on your own—but due to the legal complexities and high stakes, having a lawyer is strongly recommended. Reputable firms work on a contingency basis, meaning:
- No upfront fees
- They only get paid if you win a settlement or judgment
- Most firms will handle all paperwork, deadlines, and negotiations
With time running out, many firms are now prioritizing late-stage claims to meet the 2024 deadline and prepare for court proceedings in 2025.
Final Thoughts
Camp Lejeune’s toxic water robbed thousands of families of their health, their futures, and in some cases, their lives. But in 2025, you still have a chance to claim the justice and compensation you deserve.
Whether you’re a veteran, a surviving family member, or a civilian worker, the clock is ticking—but your voice still matters. If you were impacted, take action now.
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