Camp Lejeune and Pancreatic Cancer

Between 1953 and 1987, over one million people were exposed to toxic drinking water at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. Sadly, many have since been diagnosed with serious illnesses, including pancreatic cancer. If you were exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune and developed pancreatic cancer, you may finally be able to take legal action against the federal government. File your free claim now before the August 2024 deadline.

Legally Reviewed and Fact-Checked by: Brian Cooke
Last updated:

Pancreatic Cancer & Camp Lejeune

U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune can house around 50,000 active duty service members, civilian employees, and family members.

People living and working at the base from 1953 to 1987 were exposed to multiple toxic chemicals found in the groundwater and drinking water supply at Camp Lejeune. These chemicals are classified as volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

The chemicals found in Camp Lejeune’s water include:

  • Benzene
  • Dichloroethylene (DCE)
  • Tetrachloroethylene – also known as perchloroethylene (PCE)
  • Trichloroethylene (TCE)
  • Vinyl chloride
  • Other contaminants

When the chemicals were discovered at the nearby water treatment plants of Hadnot Point and Tarawa Terrace, exposure had already been occurring for decades.

In addition to dangerous practices within the base, a nearby local dry cleaning business had been improperly disposing of its cleaners and solvents, leading to water contamination.

Other Cancers Linked to Camp Lejeune Water

The chemicals found in the toxic water supply at Camp Lejeune are carcinogens, which can cause cancer to develop in a person’s cells and soft tissues.

Unfortunately, this means that pancreatic cancer is only one of many types of cancers that have been linked to Camp Lejeune.

Other health conditions associated with Camp Lejeune water contamination include:

Options for Camp Lejeune Pancreatic Cancer Victims

Victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination generally have two options when it comes to seeking financial compensation: filing a claim with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or filing a lawsuit.

You can file a Camp Lejeune claim directly with the VA. This may result in health care and disability benefits if and when you are approved.

You may also choose to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit against the federal government.

It is important to understand that you can do both — filing a lawsuit does not affect VA benefits. Even if you were denied benefits in the past, you may still be newly eligible to file a lawsuit.

Steps to Filing a Camp Lejeune Pancreatic Cancer Lawsuit

Consider taking the following steps if you want to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit pancreatic cancer claim.

1. Contact a Camp Lejeune Lawyer

When filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit, you are not required to work with a personal injury attorney. However, doing so can provide you with many benefits.

Top Camp Lejeune lawyers are skilled litigators who specialize in Camp Lejeune cases. These lawyers bring an abundance of knowledge and resources specific to Camp Lejeune law.

2. File a Camp Lejeune Water Pancreatic Cancer Claim

Your attorney will help you during every step of filing your Camp Lejeune claim, including helping you to gather and submit all supporting evidence and documentation.

The claims process can be complex and may be lengthy. An experienced Camp Lejeune attorney can guide you through this process.

3. Negotiate a Camp Lejeune Settlement

Negotiating a Camp Lejeune settlement often involves a lot of back-and-forth communication between the lawyers for each party.

Your Camp Lejeune attorney will handle settlement negotiations for you.

Filing Deadline for Camp Lejeune Cancer Cases

Victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination have been granted a period of two years to take legal action seeking financial compensation for their injuries.

Since these claims were first given approval in August 2022, Camp Lejeune victims have until August 2024 to submit their claims or lawsuits.

The PACT Act: Camp Lejeune Veterans & Cancer

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is part of a larger act called the PACT Act, both of which were passed into law in August 2022.

Together, these important Acts grant protections and benefits to Camp Lejeune veterans and their families. This includes the ability to file claims and lawsuits against the federal government for a limited time.

Evidence for Pancreatic Cancer Camp Lejeune Cases

Proving a Camp Lejeune pancreatic cancer case will require providing evidence. You don’t have to find all of this evidence on your own — an experienced lawyer knows how to determine what documentation is important to your case.

Types of evidence that can help prove a Camp Lejeune pancreatic cancer claim include:

  • Documentation that proves the person was at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days during the contamination period (1953 to 1987)
  • Medical records and bills
  • Military service records or other proof of service connection

Eligibility for Camp Lejeune Pancreatic Cancer Lawsuits

Not everyone will qualify for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit.

In order to be eligible for a Camp Lejeune cancer lawsuit, a person must:

  • Have an official diagnosis of pancreatic cancer or other serious illness
  • Have spent a minimum of 30 days at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987
  • Haven’t received a dishonorable discharge from the military

Even if your loved one passed away decades ago, family members may now qualify for compensation from a wrongful death lawsuit on their behalf.

A skilled lawyer can help you determine your Camp Lejeune water contamination legal options in confidence. Don’t wait.

Damages in Camp Lejeune Cancer Lawsuits

Every Camp Lejeune case is unique. Yet all cases involve seeking financial compensation for certain types of damages.

Types of damages commonly claimed in Camp Lejeune lawsuits include:

  • Expenses for medical care
  • Loss of income (both short-term and long-term)
  • Pain and suffering
  • Wrongful death

Settlement Value of Camp Lejeune Cancer Claims

After decades of frustration and heartbreak, Camp Lejeune water settlements will finally allow victims to receive money. However, since no settlements have been awarded yet, it is impossible to predict how much your claim will be worth.

It is important to file your claim without delay to ensure you don’t miss the deadline. You may be newly entitled to a life-changing amount of money.

Get Help With a Camp Lejeune Pancreatic Cancer Lawsuit

Contact us today to get started with a free case evaluation from a top Camp Lejeune law firm.

Finding the right Camp Lejeune attorney can make all the difference when it comes to a successful settlement and receiving the financial compensation you deserve.

Camp Lejeune Pancreatic Cancer Lawsuit FAQs

Has the water at Camp Lejeune been linked to pancreatic cancer?

Yes. The contaminated drinking water and groundwater at Camp Lejeune have been linked to many forms of cancer, including pancreatic cancer.

Camp Lejeune water is also linked to an increased risk for other serious medical conditions. In addition to causing illnesses for those directly exposed, the chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune are also linked with birth defects in babies born to mothers who were exposed.

Who is eligible to file a Camp Lejeune pancreatic cancer lawsuit?

Anyone who has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and has evidence to prove it could be linked to time spent at Camp Lejeune, may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

This is also true for people with family members who have already passed away from pancreatic cancer due to toxic chemical exposure at Camp Lejeune.

Is pancreatic cancer considered a presumptive condition for Camp Lejeune claims?

No. Pancreatic cancer is, unfortunately, not considered one of the presumptive conditions or health effects eligible for a disability claim with the VA.

Thankfully, people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer after chemical exposure at Camp Lejeune may now have other options. They may be eligible to file lawsuits against the federal government.

What is the average payout for a Camp Lejeune pancreatic cancer settlement?

Currently, no average payout amount is available for Camp Lejeune pancreatic cancer settlements. Lawsuits have only been allowed since August 2022, and no settlements have yet been reached.

As cases are processed, we will better understand the average Camp Lejeune settlement amount.

Will I lose my VA benefits if I file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit?

If you have already been granted health care and VA disability benefits for Camp Lejeune injuries, you do not have to worry that filing a lawsuit may affect these benefits.

Contact Camp Lejeune Claims Center today if you have questions regarding filing a VA claim or Camp Lejeune lawsuit. We can connect you with VA-accredited attorneys if you qualify.

Brian CookeReviewed by:Brian Cooke

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran & Partner at Simmons Hanly Conroy

  • Fact-Checked
  • Editor

Brian Cooke is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and partner at Simmons Hanly Conroy, one of the nation’s largest mass tort firms. He has dedicated over 20 years to fighting for justice on behalf of his clients and their families, including many veterans harmed through no fault of their own.

Camp Lejeune Claims Center logo, a droplet with white stars and blue, red, and white stripes.Written by:

The Camp Lejeune Claims Center exists to help military veterans harmed by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune to get the financial compensation they deserve. We're ready to help you — at no out-of-pocket cost to you or your family.

  1. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). “Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.” Retrieved from: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/lejeune/index.html. Accessed on January 21, 2023.

  2. Congressional Budget Office (CBO). “Cost Estimate.” Retrieved from: https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/2022-06/hr3967_senate_version.pdf. Accessed on February 2, 2023.

  3. Library of Congress. “H.R.6482 – Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022.” Retrieved from https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/6482. Accessed on January 21, 2023.

  4. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “Camp Lejeune water contamination health issues.” Retrieved from: https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/camp-lejeune-water-contamination/. Accessed on January 21, 2023.

  5. U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General Corps. “Filing Claims Under The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022.” Retrieved from: https://www.jag.navy.mil/organization/code_15_Camp_Lejeune_Claims.htm. Accessed on January 23, 2023.