Did you suffer damages as a result of your service? Here is some current litigation.
If you served in the U.S. Armed Forces, there are two critical legal developments that may directly impact you or your fellow veterans. These active legal cases involve billions in potential backpay and benefits, and many eligible veterans still haven’t filed their claims.
Whether you were medically retired after combat service or stationed at Camp Lejeune, this post outlines the key litigation affecting veterans in 2024–2025, who qualifies, and how to file your claim.
🪖 1. CRSC Backpay Lawsuit: Soto v. United States
🔍 What’s the Case About?
This lawsuit challenged the Department of Defense’s improper application of a 6-year limit on retroactive Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC). In June 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that this cap violates the law, clearing the way for thousands of veterans to receive full backpay owed for combat-related injuries.
🎯 Who Is Eligible?
You may qualify if:
- You were medically retired due to a combat-related injury.
- You were awarded CRSC.
- You received only 6 years of retroactive pay, even though your service record qualifies for more.
💰 What’s at Stake?
Veterans could receive thousands of dollars in additional CRSC payments. The National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) estimates that at least 9,000 veterans were affected and may now be owed up to $10,000 or more in unpaid benefits.
📝 How to File:
- Review your CRSC award documentation to confirm if retroactive pay was capped.
- Contact NVLSP or Sidley Austin LLP (the law firm representing the Soto case).
- Prepare your service and medical documentation to support your claim.
- File or reopen your CRSC application for the full amount you’re owed.
🔗 Learn more or contact NVLSP here
💧 2. Camp Lejeune Water Contamination: Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA)
🔍 What’s the Case About?
From 1953 to 1987, toxic chemicals contaminated the drinking water at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Veterans, families, and civilians who lived or worked there were exposed to dangerous substances like benzene, TCE, and vinyl chloride—all linked to cancer, organ failure, and birth defects.
Thanks to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (passed under the PACT Act), affected individuals now have the right to sue the U.S. government for damages, even if their VA claim was previously denied.
🎯 Who Is Eligible?
You may qualify if:
- You lived, worked, or were stationed at Camp Lejeune for 30+ days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.
- You or a family member later developed a qualifying illness such as:
- Bladder, kidney, or liver cancer
- Leukemia
- Parkinson’s disease
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Other serious health conditions
📝 How to File:
- File an Administrative Claim with the Navy Judge Advocate General (JAG) via the CLJA online portal.
- If your claim is denied or ignored for 6+ months, you can file a federal lawsuit in the Eastern District of North Carolina.
- Alternatively, if eligible, you can opt into the Elective Option settlement program for a faster resolution.
📅 Deadline Alert: The deadline to file your initial CLJA claim is August 10, 2024.
🔗 More about the Elective Option and filing instructions
🧭 Summary: What Veterans Should Do Next
| Legal Case | Who Qualifies | What to Do |
| CRSC Backpay (Soto v. U.S.) | Medically retired veterans awarded CRSC but limited to 6 years of retro pay | Contact NVLSP or Sidley Austin LLP; gather service records and reapply for full CRSC |
| Camp Lejeune (CLJA) | Anyone who lived/worked at Camp Lejeune for 30+ days from 1953–1987 and developed a qualifying illness | File a claim with Navy JAG; escalate to court if needed; consider Elective Option for settlement |
✅ Why This Matters
These cases are not just legal footnotes—they represent long-overdue justice and compensation for your service and sacrifice. If you qualify and haven’t filed, you could be leaving thousands of dollars in benefits on the table.
Now is the time to take action.
- CRSC Veterans: Get the backpay you earned through your combat service.
- Camp Lejeune Victims: File your claim before the deadline and seek the compensation you deserve.
💬 Need Help?
✅ Call to Action: Get Your DD214 the Easy Way
Build your evidence first BEFORE you file your claim. Touchstone can help you assemble your evidence, to acquire your OMPF and service medical records. Once you file your claim, the VA will pull your records. It’s better to have your copies first, so you have a complete record in advance and nothing gets lost in the interim. Don’t wait until you need it—secure your records now so you’re ready when opportunity (or urgency) comes knocking.
👉 Visit DD214Easy.com today to start your request in minutes.
Whether it’s for VA benefits, a job, a home loan, or peace of mind, they do the work so you don’t have to.
Your service deserves recognition. Your DD214 ensures it.
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