Camp Lejeune water contamination
United States (Camp Lejeune Justice Act)
Last checked Aug 18, 2026 · LawyerUnc editorial. Educational only, not legal advice.
Window LawyerUnc is tracking. 1953-08-01 → 1987-12-31
General causation
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 created a federal cause of action for persons exposed to specified contaminants at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River for at least 30 days during 1953–1987. Congress set a burden-shifting framework that is more plaintiff-friendly than ordinary FTCA toxic-tort proof, but it is not an automatic payout.
Specific causation / screening
Thirty days of qualifying presence plus a covered condition is the statutory on-ramp. The United States may still rebut causation. Electing an Elective Option settlement (where offered) trades speed for a grid amount.
Injuries currently screened
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Liver cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Parkinson’s disease
- Kidney disease / end-stage renal disease
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma
- Systemic sclerosis / scleroderma
Timeline
1982
Wells sampled
Hadnot Point and Tarawa Terrace wells show industrial solvents including TCE, PCE, benzene, and vinyl chloride.
1984–1985
Wells taken offline
The most contaminated wells are shut down.
2012
CLJA predecessor benefits
The Honoring America’s Veterans Act extends VA benefits for certain Lejeune-related conditions.
2022-08-10
Camp Lejeune Justice Act
Section 804 of the PACT Act opens the Eastern District of North Carolina.
2024–2026
Administrative claims and EO
Navy/DOJ process administrative claims. Elective Option grids published for certain diagnoses and durations.
Sources
- Camp Lejeune Justice Act, 38 U.S.C. § 1771 note / PACT Act § 804
- ATSDR Camp Lejeune water studies
- DOJ / Navy claims portal