3M Combat Arms Earplug Settlement Calculator
Estimate a 3M Combat Arms Earplug Version 2 (CAEv2) settlement using the $6.01B master settlement framework (announced August 2023). Covers military veterans who used Dual-Ended Combat Arms Earplugs from 2003-2015 and suffered hearing loss or tinnitus. Average individual payout: $24,500; severe bilateral cases: $100K-$300K+.
The 3M Combat Arms $6.01B Master Settlement
August 2023: 3M Company agreed to pay $6.01B to resolve approximately 290,000 claims brought by US military veterans alleging the CAEv2 dual-ended earplug failed to seal properly, allowing damaging combat noise to cause hearing loss or tinnitus. The settlement uses a points matrix — service branch, duty MOS (combat arms = higher), bilateral vs unilateral loss, audiogram-confirmed decibel loss, current VA rating, tinnitus pitch/severity. Average individual payment: $24,500. Severe bilateral cases with documented audiograms and combat MOS: $100K-$300K+.
Eligibility — Who Qualifies
Active-duty military (Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force) who used CAEv2 between 2003 and 2015 and suffered hearing loss and/or tinnitus. Must have filed by the bar date (or qualify for late-claim equitable tolling). Approximately 240,000 claims were enrolled in the settlement; the remaining 50,000 were excluded or rejected. Civilian contractors using CAEv2 are NOT covered. National Guard, Reserves, and ROTC users with documented active-duty use qualify.
Audiogram and VA Rating — Documentary Proof Drives Award
Strongest cases have: pre-service baseline audiogram showing normal hearing → post-deployment audiogram showing significant threshold shift; current VA service-connected hearing loss rating ≥10%; tinnitus rated VA 10%; clear MOS in combat arms (11B, 0311, 6173, etc.). Weakest cases have only self-reported symptoms with no audiogram and no VA rating. Combat-deployment proof (DD-214, deployment orders) substantially increases the award.
Payment Timing and Attorney Fees
First Master Settlement payments began rolling out late 2023. The plaintiff's-attorney common-benefit fund takes 9-12% off the top. Individual attorneys typically charge 33-40%. Estimated net to claimant: 55-65% of gross award. Payments are structured: usually 50% within 12 months of enrollment, 50% within 24-36 months as the settlement administrator processes claims. VA disability is not affected — settlement does not reduce future VA benefits.
Sources: 3M v. Aearo Technologies global settlement Aug 2023 (MDL 2885, N.D. Fla.), VA audiogram standards, DD-214 service records. Last updated: May 2026. Not legal advice.