CAMP LEJEUNE LITIGATION UPDATE – January 8, 2026
The Camp Lejeune litigation continues to progress through both the federal court system and the government’s administrative claims process. While the overall structure of the litigation remains largely consistent with prior updates, developments in late 2025 have clarified how claims are being evaluated and what claimants should expect going forward.
This update provides a current snapshot of the litigation as of early 2026.
Where Things Stand: Lawsuits and Claims
The filing window for administrative claims under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act has closed. According to reports from the Department of the Navy, approximately 409,000 unique administrative claims were submitted nationwide, although some filings were duplicative.
To date, there has been no broad or mass payout of Camp Lejeune claims. Aside from a limited number of claims resolved through the government’s Elective Option, compensation has not begun on a large scale. No jury trials have occurred, and no global settlement program has been implemented. As a result, the vast majority of claims remain pending and under review.
Only a portion of claims included supporting documentation at the time of submission. Publicly reported data indicates that fewer than half of all claims contained records such as proof of presence at Camp Lejeune, medical documentation, or estate materials where applicable. Documentation continues to be a central focus for both the Navy and the federal court.
Settlement Discussions and the Role of the Court
In 2025, the court appointed two Settlement Masters to work with plaintiffs’ leadership and the Department of Justice to explore potential pathways toward a broader resolution of Camp Lejeune claims. Their work has included coordinating a series of bellwether mediations, developing a detailed claimant questionnaire distributed to a representative sample of claimants, and evaluating how claims are being assessed and what variables may influence future resolution.
While the Settlement Masters have expressed a goal of developing a structured settlement framework, no global settlement has been finalized to date. Even if such a framework is announced, implementation, claim review, and payment would occur in stages over time.
The Elective Option: What It Is and Who Qualifies
The federal government’s Elective Option remains available as a voluntary settlement pathway for a limited category of claimants.
To qualify, a claimant must meet all of the following criteria:
- Lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987, with documentation
- Was diagnosed or treated for a qualifying illness before August 10, 2022
- Meets the applicable latency requirement, meaning the diagnosis occurred between 2 and 35 years after first exposure
Claims that fall outside these criteria are not eligible for the Elective Option and instead proceed through the standard litigation process or any future global settlement framework. Publicly available information indicates that the Elective Option applies to a relatively small percentage of total claims.
Documentation and Claim Readiness
As the litigation advances, both the Navy and the federal court are placing increased emphasis on claim completeness, including proof of residence or employment at Camp Lejeune, medical records supporting diagnosis and treatment, and estate documentation for deceased claimants.
Claims that lack required documentation may face delays or may not qualify under future resolution programs. Maintaining complete and accurate records remains an important part of the claims process.
Looking Ahead
Key expectations for 2026 and beyond include:
- Continued expert discovery and case preparation in federal court
- The anticipated start of bellwether trials in 2026
- Ongoing settlement discussions facilitated by the court
- Additional guidance on how claims may be resolved in future phases
While settlement discussions continue and bellwether trials are expected to begin in 2026, claim processing and payment on a mass scale have not started and are not imminent. Any future settlement framework would require additional time for implementation, individual claim review, and verification before payments could be issued.
Claimants should expect that compensation, if and when it occurs, will proceed in phases rather than through immediate, across-the-board payments.
CAMP LEJEUNE LITIGATION UPDATE – May 20, 2025
The Camp Lejeune litigation continues to evolve, with important developments in both the court process and the federal government’s efforts to resolve certain claims through a voluntary settlement program known as the Elective Option. This update provides a full picture of where things stand as of spring 2025 and what claimants can expect going forward.
Where Things Stand: Lawsuits and Claims
Since the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was passed, over 410,000 administrative claims have been submitted to the U.S. Navy. However, fewer than half of those include the necessary documentation—such as proof of presence at the base, medical records, or documentation establishing a family relationship for survivors—which the Navy requires to review claims.
At the same time, over 2,900 lawsuits have been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. These cases are being managed by four federal judges. Early trials were delayed due to a dispute over “water modeling”—a key scientific method used to establish when and where water contamination occurred. That issue is now being resolved, and the court is moving forward with trials, beginning with specific illnesses like Leukemia and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. These early cases (called bellwether trials) are designed to help establish benchmarks for future settlements and may influence the value of similar claims.
The Elective Option: What It Is and Who Qualifies
In late 2023, the Department of the Navy and the Department of Justice introduced the Elective Option, a voluntary settlement program meant to streamline compensation for certain eligible claimants. This program offers fixed settlement payments—ranging from $100,000 to $550,000—without requiring litigation, but eligibility is strict.
To qualify, a claimant must meet all of the following:
- Resided or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987;
- Been diagnosed or treated for a qualifying illness before August 10, 2022; and
- Had that diagnosis occur between 2 and 35 years after their first exposure to the contaminated water.
To put it in plain terms: if someone was exposed to Camp Lejeune’s water in 1975, their illness must have been diagnosed between 1977 and 2010 to meet the latency requirement. Diagnoses outside that window—no matter how clearly linked to Camp Lejeune—do not currently qualify for this specific program. While many claimants have heard about Elective Option payments being issued, it’s important to note that this program applies to less than 5% of total claims. The Navy has indicated that only 17,000 claims may meet the criteria—and even then, it decides which cases to review and when.
For the overwhelming majority of claimants, the traditional court process or administrative resolution will remain the primary path forward.
What We’re Doing for Clients
The Miller Firm is actively working to gather and submit the necessary documents for every client. This includes:
- Verifying presence at Camp Lejeune using military and civilian records;
- Obtaining medical records and diagnosis history;
- Submitting complete claims to the Navy or preparing lawsuits in federal court.
We are also continuing our search for documents wherever possible. In the coming weeks, we’ll begin reaching out to individual clients where our research has been exhausted and your direct help is needed to move your case forward.
Additionally, due to a new Navy requirement, we must have a clear copy of your government-issued photo ID on file. This is mandatory for identity verification and claim processing. If you haven’t submitted your ID—or aren’t sure if you did—please contact us so we can confirm.
Looking Ahead
As trials resume and the court begins hearing evidence on key illnesses, the landscape of this litigation may shift. The results of these trials could help:
- Establish clearer compensation values;
- Influence how claims are resolved outside of court; and
- Potentially expand or modify the Elective Option criteria over time.
While progress has been slower than many hoped, the legal process is moving forward steadily. We will continue to advocate aggressively for our clients and provide regular updates as more information becomes available.
CAMP LEJEUNE LITIGATION UPDATE – April 4, 2024
We at The Miller Firm LLC are dedicated to keeping you informed about the latest developments in the Camp Lejeune litigation. Recently, significant updates have unfolded, impacting the claims process and legal proceedings. We want to ensure that all affected individuals are aware of these changes and understand their implications. Here’s what you need to know:
Department of Navy Portal
The Department of Navy has taken a significant step by establishing a claim portal to streamline the administration of claims under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA). Starting from March 26, 2024, it is now mandatory to file any claims through the government’s portal.
Why does this matter? This change in the claim submission procedure highlights the critical importance of acting promptly for individuals seeking compensation under the CLJA. If you have already submitted an Administrative Claim’s form to The Miller Firm, LLC there is absolutely no need to resubmit through the government’s portal at this time, as doing so could potentially complicate the processing of your case.
Latest Joint Status Report
On March 26, 2024, the most recent Joint Status Report was filed with the Court. The
report shed light on the challenges faced by both parties in managing the legal process
for trials and settlement agreements.
Key points of note:
- As of March 26, 2024, the latest Joint Status Report filed with the Court indicates that 1,662 suits have been filed under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, with approximately 176,662 administrative claims submitted.
- However, when considering these numbers, the settlements regarding Camp Lejeune are notably low. At present, in the vast majority of cases in this litigation, plaintiffs must wait to be approached by the defending party before settlement negotiations can commence. Two different branches of the government have been engaged in settlements.
- The Torts Branch identified 51 cases in litigation that qualify for the Elective Option Settlement program. Of these, twenty-one offers have been accepted by plaintiffs, nine offers were rejected, fifteen offers have expired, and six offers are pending.
- The Department of Justice (DOJ) is also settling cases separately from the Torts Branch. It has approved offers for 59 claimants based on information provided by the Navy. Twenty-four settlement offers have been accepted, two rejected, twenty-five expired, and eight offers are pending.
- Despite these efforts, the numbers statistically remain insignificant, leaving victims understandably frustrated by the pace of the process.
Why does this matter? Despite the efforts made in settlements negotiations, the numbers are statistically insignificant, indicating a significant gap between the number of claims and the resolution achieved.
Federal judges’ ruling against the right to jury trials under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022
Trials are tentatively scheduled to begin in late 2024, however federal judges have recently ruled against the right to jury trials under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022.
Why does this matter? This decision holds significant implications as it means that individuals affected by the Camp Lejeune contamination cannot have their cases heard by a jury. While this is disappointing news, plaintiffs wanted and fought for jury trials. However, this ruling may likely expedite the settlement process in terms of seeing faster trials and more multiple plaintiff trials, putting additional pressure on the government to find a more global settlement resolution.
Camp Lejeune Latest Cancer Study
The federal government released a new Camp Lejeune cancer study following plaintiffs’ advocacy for transparency. The study revealed a 20% higher cancer risk for certain cancers among military personnel stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1975 and 1985 compared to those at other bases due to contaminated water.
Why does this matter? For those who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune, this study provides crucial evidence of the health risks associated with the contaminated water. It strengthens their claims for compensation and may expand the list of qualifying conditions, including thyroid cancer.
We remain deeply committed to fighting for justice on behalf of all individuals and families affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination. As these developments unfold, we will continue to provide unwavering support and guidance to our clients and tirelessly advocate for their rights.
CAMP LEJEUNE LITIGATION UPDATE – September 11, 2023
We have significant news to share regarding the Camp Lejeune litigation and the recent developments concerning a settlement program framework that has been announced by the U.S. Navy and the Department of Justice (DOJ). The Miller Firm, LLC has been closely monitoring the situation, and we are committed to providing you with the latest information regarding this important matter.
Tier 1 and Tier 2 Injuries Announced
After substantial pressure from veteran groups, the Court and plaintiff law firms such as The Miller Firm, LLC, the U.S. Navy and the Department of Justice have jointly announced a program that potentially offers settlements for certain injuries linked to exposure to toxic water at Camp Lejeune. This program is a significant step toward justice for those affected by this environmental hazard. However, it’s important to note that this settlement program currently includes only nine (9) diseases or injuries, which are divided into “Tier 1” and “Tier 2.”
Tier 1 Injuries:
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL)
- Leukemia
- Bladder cancer
Tier 2 Injuries:
- Multiple myeloma
- Parkinson’s disease
- Kidney disease/end-stage renal disease
- Systemic sclerosis/systemic scleroderma
We understand that many individuals may have suffered other illnesses they believe are connected to toxic water exposure at Camp Lejeune. Please be assured that our firm is dedicated to representing the interests of those with additional diagnoses. We will continue to file administrative claims and necessary lawsuits to protect your rights. It’s important to note that the Navy and DOJ may announce supplemental programs in the future that could include additional diagnoses.
Eligibility for the Settlement Program
To be eligible for this settlement program, individuals must meet specific criteria:
- They must have had an administrative claim filed with the Navy.
- They must have spent 30 days or more at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.
- They must have received a diagnosis at least two years after their arrival at Camp Lejeune and no more than 35 years after their last day there.
- Proof of presence at Camp Lejeune through military records or other documents is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are VA disability benefits affected by the settlement?
- No, the settlement will not be offset by VA benefits.
2. Can I use a prior VA disability finding for one of these injuries?
- Yes, you can use it to support your claim.
3. What if I have been diagnosed with more than one injury?
- The Navy considers the settlement on a “per-claimant” basis rather than a “per-injury” basis. If you have been diagnosed with more than one of these injuries, you may only recover for one of them, presumably the higher-tier injury.
Timeline for Compensation
As of now, the Navy has not provided a specific timeline for compensation through this program or confirmed all the documents needed to apply. We are still gathering information on the process. We anticipate that this will be a slow and lengthy process with multiple administrative procedures to be completed before any settlement offer is given. With over 93,000 administrative claims filed, we do not expect the Navy to send out settlement offers or funding anytime soon. Please note that the settlement program itself may be changed or altered over time. Our law firm will be in touch shortly with additional information for clients with injuries covered by this settlement program.
We remain dedicated to keeping our clients informed of developments regarding timeframes and any other pertinent information. The Miller Firm, LLC will continue to fight tirelessly on your behalf and ensure that you receive the justice you deserve.
Thank you for placing your trust in us, and please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Together, we will navigate this process and work toward achieving a fair resolution for all affected individuals.
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit
The Miller Firm, LLC is currently investigating claims from people with cancer or other health conditions who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina from 1953 to 1987 and were exposed to contaminated water at the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp.
What is Camp Lejeune?
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is a 246-square mile military training facility near Jacksonville, North Carolina, that also supports the Coast Guard and the Navy.
What happened at Camp Lejeune?
Between 1953 and 1987, the water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with dangerously toxic levels of chemicals such as trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The government reportedly knew about this contamination as early as 1982 but did nothing to fix it or warn people living and working on the base. When survivors later tried to bring legal claims, their cases were dismissed.
What are the health effects of Camp Lejeune water contamination?
The contaminants found in the water at Camp Lejeune, have been associated with many illnesses. Some of these include:
- Adult leukemia
- Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
- Bladder cancer
- Brain cancer
- Cardiac defects
- End-stage renal disease
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Miscarriage and birth defects
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Parkinson’s disease
- Scleroderma
Am I eligible for compensation under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA)?
Under the newly enacted CLJA, military personnel, their families and civilians who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for a minimum of 30 days between August 1, 1953, through December 31, 1987, will be entitled to bring a tort suit. The CLJA allows victims to possibly recover substantial compensation. The amount you can recover will vary based on the extent of your injuries. A dishonorable discharge is a disqualifying factor.
How much time do I have to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit?
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act nullifies the North Carolina statute of repose in Camp Lejeune water contamination cases and replaces it with a statute of limitations of two years from the date the act became law (August 2022). This may be shorter in certain cases, so it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to know your rights.
How can our injury attorneys help?
The Miller Firm, LLC has years of experience in product liability lawsuits such as this. Our injury lawyers can examine your case and help you understand your rights. Time is of the essence. Please contact us at (800) 882-2525 so that we may better evaluate your claim.