Camp Lejeune Justice Act
A 2022 federal law that lets people harmed by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune file a lawsuit for compensation.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 (part of the PACT Act) lets veterans, family members, civilian workers, and others who were exposed to contaminated drinking water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 file a lawsuit in U.S. federal court for harm caused by the contamination. The water at Lejeune was tainted with industrial solvents, benzene, vinyl chloride, and other chemicals tied to many cancers (kidney, liver, bladder, esophageal, breast, lung, leukemias, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma), Parkinson's disease, kidney failure, miscarriage, infertility, birth defects, and other illnesses. People must have been at Lejeune for at least 30 days during the covered period. Claims first go through an administrative process with the Navy; if not resolved in six months, claimants can sue in the Eastern District of North Carolina. VA disability benefits for Camp Lejeune presumptive conditions remain available separately.
In real life
- A Marine stationed at Lejeune in the 1970s with kidney cancer files a CLJA claim.
- A spouse who lived on base with her servicemember husband and later had a miscarriage files a claim.
- A civilian construction worker who spent two months on base files a claim for Parkinson's.
Also known as
Frequently asked questions about Camp Lejeune Justice Act
Who can file?+
Veterans, family members, civilian workers, and contractors present at Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1953 and December 1987.
Do I have to sue?+
You start with an administrative claim to the Navy. If not resolved in six months, you can file in federal court.
Does this affect my VA benefits?+
No. CLJA payouts are separate from VA disability and health care benefits already available for Camp Lejeune presumptive conditions.
Is there a deadline?+
Yes. The general filing window is two years from the law's enactment (August 10, 2024) but exceptions exist — talk with an attorney quickly.
Source: va.gov