The water contamination at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is widely recognized as one of the most severe environmental health crises in United States history. For over three decades, hundreds of thousands of veterans, their families, and civilian contractors were exposed to a toxic cocktail of chemicals in their drinking and bathing water.
As of early 2026, the implementation of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) has reached a pivotal moment, with billions of dollars in settlement funds beginning to move toward those affected.
For further clarity, refer to the Camp Lejeune Payout Chart 2026 to understand the compensation you may be entitled to.
💰 Detailed Camp Lejeune Settlement Payout Chart
The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Navy have established a tiered system to categorize claims based on the severity of the illness and the length of service or residence at the base.
Tier 1: High-Severity Injuries
These conditions have the strongest medical links to the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in the water.
- Conditions: Kidney Cancer, Liver Cancer, Bladder Cancer, Leukemia, and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
- Estimated Payouts: $150,000 to $450,000+ per claimant.
Tier 2: Chronic Health Conditions
- Conditions: Multiple Myeloma, Parkinson’s Disease, Kidney Disease, and Aplastic Anemia.
- Estimated Payouts: $100,000 to $300,000.
Tier 3: Other Linked Illnesses
- Conditions: Scleroderma, infertility, and various hepatic steatoses.
- Estimated Payouts: Up to $100,000.
⏳ The 2026 Timeline: When to Expect Your Settlement
The settlement process has been split into two primary paths to expedite relief for aging veterans:
- Elective Option (EO) Offers (Ongoing): The government is currently issuing pre-determined payout offers to claimants with specific qualifying injuries. Many Tier 1 claimants are receiving these offers in Q1 of 2026.
- Litigation and Trials: For those who reject the Elective Option or have complex cases, trials and deeper negotiations are scheduled throughout mid-to-late 2026.
✅ Eligibility Requirements for CLJA Claims
To be eligible for a payout in 2026, a claimant must prove the following:
- Presence at the Base: You must have lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 cumulative days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.
- Medical Evidence: You must have a confirmed medical diagnosis of an illness linked to the toxic chemicals TCE, PCE, Benzene, or Vinyl Chloride.
- No Dishonorable Discharge: Veterans must not have received a dishonorable discharge from the military.
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