If you lived or worked at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, chances are you were exposed to toxic drinking waterlinked to cancer, neurological damage, and birth defects. And now, under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA), you may finally have the right to sue the federal government for damages.
But there’s a catch: You only have a limited window to file your claim.
This blog explains the Camp Lejeune Justice Act deadlines for 2025, who qualifies, and how to file before it’s too late. If you or a loved one were harmed, now is the time to act.
What Is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 was passed as part of the Honoring Our PACT Act and allows individuals exposed to toxic water at the Marine Corps base to file lawsuits against the U.S. government for the harm they suffered.
For the first time, this law lets veterans, civilians, family members, and contractors sue—even if their claim was previously denied by the VA.
Who Is Eligible to File a Claim?
You qualify if you:
- Lived or worked at Camp Lejeune (including family housing, base housing, schools, or hospitals)
- Spent 30 days or more (cumulative) between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987
- Were exposed to contaminated water during that time
- Later developed a qualifying illness (e.g., cancer, birth defects, Parkinson’s, etc.)
This includes:
- Marines and Navy personnel
- Civilian workers
- Family members (spouses, children, unborn children in utero)
- Deceased individuals (surviving family can file on their behalf)
What Health Conditions Are Linked to Camp Lejeune Exposure?
The contaminated water at Camp Lejeune included benzene, trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), and vinyl chloride, which are known carcinogens and toxins.
Conditions now linked to the exposure include:
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Parkinson’s disease
- Aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndromes
- Multiple myeloma
- Female infertility and miscarriage
- Birth defects
- Neurological issues and memory loss
Even if your condition is not on the VA’s presumptive list, you may still qualify if a medical expert links it to the exposure.
Camp Lejeune Claim Filing Deadline: August 10, 2024
Under the law, you must file your claim within two years from the date the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was signed: August 10, 2022.
This means:
🛑 You must file by August 10, 2024—or lose your right to compensation forever.
If your claim is not filed by that deadline, you will be barred from suing, even if you were exposed and meet all eligibility criteria.
Chart: Camp Lejeune Claim Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| PACT Act Signed into Law | August 10, 2022 |
| Filing Window Opens | August 10, 2022 |
| Last Day to File a CLJA Claim | August 10, 2024 |
| Claims filed after this date | Barred by statute |
How to File a Camp Lejeune Justice Act Claim
There are two main steps:
1. File an Administrative Claim with the Navy JAG Office
Before suing in court, you must file an administrative claim with the Department of the Navy’s Office of the Judge Advocate General (JAG).
- Complete the CLJA Claim Form
- Submit to:
Office of the Judge Advocate General, Tort Claims Unit
9620 Maryland Avenue, Suite 100, Norfolk, VA 23511
You can also file electronically via approved legal portals.
2. Wait 6 Months for a Response
The Navy has 6 months to respond. If they deny your claim or don’t respond, you may then:
- File a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina
- This is the only court where CLJA lawsuits can be heard
What Damages Can You Recover?
If your claim is successful, you may receive compensation for:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral and burial costs (in wrongful death claims)
- Loss of companionship or parental support (for survivors)
There is no cap on damages under the CLJA, but the government may attempt to settle most claims through structured payouts.
Can Survivors File for Deceased Loved Ones?
Yes. If a loved one who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune has passed away from a related illness, surviving spouses, children, or estate representatives can still file a claim.
You’ll need:
- Military service records or housing records
- Death certificate listing cause of death
- Medical records proving illness
- Proof of legal authority (e.g., will or court documents)
Even if the person died decades ago, you can still file if they meet the exposure criteria—and you file by the August 2024 deadline.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
While not required, an experienced Camp Lejeune toxic exposure attorney can help:
- Gather and submit proper documentation
- Link medical records to water exposure
- File appeals or lawsuits if your claim is denied
- Avoid delays or denials due to paperwork errors
Most lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and only pay if you win or settle.
What If You Already Receive VA Benefits?
You can still file a CLJA claim—even if you’re already receiving VA disability benefits for a related illness.
However:
- You cannot receive double compensation for the same damages
- The government may offset part of your lawsuit settlement based on what you already received from the VA
Still, many veterans will receive thousands more under CLJA settlements than their monthly VA disability checks.
Final Thoughts
If you or someone you love was harmed by Camp Lejeune’s toxic water, the law is finally on your side—but the clock is ticking.
The August 10, 2024 deadline is final. If you don’t act, you may lose your only chance at justice, compensation, and recognition for the health crisis you’ve lived with for decades.
Don’t wait for another delay. File your claim today and protect your right to be heard.
Hashtags:
#CampLejeuneJusticeAct #ToxicWaterClaims #MilitaryCompensation #PACTAct2025 #VAExposure
Website Reference:
Visit https://uorni.xyz for Camp Lejeune filing tools, survivor claim forms, and veteran legal updates.