Camp Lejeune Settlement Calculator
Estimate a Camp Lejeune Justice Act settlement using the Navy/DOJ's published Elective Option tier matrix (announced September 2024). Combines diagnosed illness tier, exposure duration, and individual factors like wages and medical bills. Covers Marines, sailors, civilian workers, and family members at Camp Lejeune between Aug 1953 and Dec 1987.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act Settlement Structure
The CLJA (signed Aug 2022) created a federal cause of action for water contamination victims. In September 2024 the Navy/DOJ launched the Elective Option — a tiered fast-track settlement for qualifying diagnoses. Tier 1 (e.g. kidney cancer, liver cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma) baseline: $150,000 for 30-364 days exposure, scaling to $450,000 at 5+ years. Tiers 2-3 (Parkinson's, multiple myeloma, bladder cancer) baseline: $100,000-$250,000. Acceptance is optional — plaintiffs may litigate instead for potentially higher awards.
Tier 1 vs Tier 2 — Why Diagnosis Matters
Tier 1 diseases: kidney cancer, liver cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia, bladder cancer. Tier 2: multiple myeloma, Parkinson's disease, kidney disease/end-stage renal disease. Tier 3-5: lower payouts. ATSDR Tier B/C diseases (breast, lung, esophageal, prostate, colorectal cancers; aplastic anemia; MDS) qualify but at lower elective-option amounts. Tier diagnosis must be supported by medical records and proximity-in-time to exposure.
Death Cases and Wrongful Death Add-On
If the exposed person has died, surviving family members file a wrongful-death CLJA claim. Tier 1 wrongful death adds $100,000 to the elective option amount, plus an estate claim for the decedent's pre-death pain and suffering. Estate executor or personal representative files on behalf of the estate; eligible beneficiaries are determined under North Carolina wrongful-death law.
Should You Take the Elective Option or Litigate?
Elective Option pays in 60-90 days but caps at tier ceiling. Litigation can yield 2-4x the elective amount for severe cases but takes 2-4 years and risks a defense verdict. Track-1 plaintiffs (kidney, liver, NHL, leukemia, bladder) had the first bellwether trials in 2024-2025. Settlements above $500K typically require litigation. Speak to a CLJA attorney before choosing — most work on contingency (typically 20-25% for elective option, 33-40% for litigation).
Sources: Camp Lejeune Justice Act (PL 117-168), DOJ/Navy Elective Option memo September 2024, ATSDR Tier B/C disease list. Last updated: May 2026. Not legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for a Camp Lejeune claim?
Anyone exposed for at least 30 days to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 — Marines, sailors, civilian workers, contractors, and family members living on base — who later developed a qualifying disease. Both veterans and civilians qualify under the CLJA.
How much can I get under the Elective Option?
Tier 1 (kidney/liver/bladder cancer, NHL, leukemia): $150K–$450K depending on exposure length. Tier 2 (multiple myeloma, Parkinson's, kidney disease): $100K–$300K. Death cases add $75K-$100K. Litigation can yield more but takes years.
Does Camp Lejeune compensation affect my VA benefits?
No. CLJA payments offset only future VA disability for the same condition (offset rule). Past VA payments are not reduced. Survivors' DIC benefits continue. Confirm with a VA-accredited attorney.
How long until I get paid under the Elective Option?
DOJ aims for 60-90 days from claim acceptance for Elective Option payments. Litigation takes 2-4 years. The first bellwether trials concluded in 2024-2025 with mixed verdicts.
What is the deadline to file a claim?
CLJA claims must be filed by August 10, 2024 (two years from PACT Act signing). Late-filed claims may be barred. If you have not filed, contact a CLJA attorney immediately — equitable tolling arguments may apply for newly diagnosed cases.