30+ days at Camp Lejeune between 1953–1987 = presumptive service connection for kidney/liver/bladder cancer, leukemia, NHL, multiple myeloma, Parkinson's, more. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act ALSO creates a separate federal tort claim — file both.
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Camp Lejeune Justice Act
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, enacted as Title VIII of the PACT Act, creates a federal TORT cause of action — entirely separate from and IN ADDITION TO existing VA disability and health-care benefits. You can pursue both.
Eligibility
- Lived, worked, or were otherwise exposed at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987
- Includes in utero exposure (children of service members)
- Veterans, family members, civilian employees, and contractors all eligible
Recognized conditions
- Kidney cancer, liver cancer
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, adult leukemia, multiple myeloma
- Parkinson’s disease
- Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
- Bladder cancer
- Several additional conditions with substantial scientific evidence
Process
- File an administrative claim with the Department of Navy Judge Advocate General (JAG)
- JAG has 180 days to decide
- If denied or no decision in 6 months, you may sue in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina (exclusive jurisdiction)
- Navy’s Elective Option (announced 2024) is a tiered settlement track paying $100,000–$550,000 depending on illness and exposure duration
Deadline alert. Original filing deadline was August 10, 2024 (2-year statute from PACT Act enactment). Multiple bills have been introduced to extend, and the Navy continues processing Elective Option claims. VERIFY the current statute of limitations on VA.gov before relying on filing now. If you served at Lejeune in the qualifying window and haven’t filed, consult a Lejeune-specialized attorney immediately.
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