Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base in North Carolina supplied contaminated drinking water containing TCE, PCE, benzene, and vinyl chloride to service members and their families from 1953 to 1987. The PACT Act (August 2022) allowed victims to file administrative claims against the U.S. government. Over 100,000 claims have been filed. The government is now processing Elective Option settlements by injury tier.
TCE and PCE are established human carcinogens (IARC Group 1). Leukemia, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma are the strongest causation tiers. VA already concedes causation for 8 specific conditions. The ATSDR has published definitive health study data from Camp Lejeune.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act (2022) created a special administrative claims process. DOJ must negotiate or litigate each claim. Administrative claims process underway. Bellwether trials expected 2024–2025. Eight covered conditions established by VA regulation.