The 3M Forensic
Claims Blueprint.
Navigate the $6.01B MDL 2885 settlement. A deep-dive into EPP classification logic, audiology thresholds, and the 2026 disbursement priority.
01. MDL 2885 Architecture.
The 3M Combat Arms Earplug Products Liability Litigation (**MDL 2885**) reached a global settlement in August 2023. This framework aims to resolve approximately 300,000 claims through two primary channels: the **Elective Payment Program (EPP)** and the **Extraordinary Injury Fund (EIF)**.
EPP (The Standard)
Designed for 99% of claimants. Provides fixed, expedited payments ranging from **$10,000 to $100,000** based on injury tier documentation.
EIF (The Elite)
Reserved for catastrophic injuries, surgical history, or profound bilateral loss. Payouts can exceed **$250,000** upon rigorous audit.
02. Clinical Audiometry Matrix.
The settlement auditor classifies your injury based on **Pure Tone Averages (PTA)** and **Speech Discrimination Scores (SDS)**.
| Injury Severity | dB Threshold Shift | EPP Target Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Profound / Bilateral | 45dB + Across PTA | Level 5 ($100k) |
| Significant / High Freq | 30-40dB Shift | Level 4 ($50k) |
| Moderate Loss | 25dB + Shift | Level 3 ($24k) |
| Tinnitus Documentation | Clinical Diagnosis | Level 1-2 ($10k-$16k) |
The Forensic Evidence Audit.
To qualify for Tier 4 or 5, your case must bridge the gap between military service records and current clinical findings.
- Service-Connected Audiogram (Pre-2015)
- VA Clinical Rating of 20% or Higher
- Hearing Aid Prescription Records
- Permanent Tinnitus Diagnosis (ICD-10 H93.1)
"Claimants with documented surgical history or cochlear implants bypass standard EPP tiers for EIF valuation audits."
2026 Disbursement Matrix.
Ph 1: Ledger Sync
Complete
Settlement Registration & Wave 1 EPP
Ph 2: Deep Audit
Active
Tier 4/5 Verification & EIF Review
Ph 3: Final Pool
Pending
Excess Funds Pro-Rata Distribution
The S-Class
Expert Audit.
Authority Signals
Calculate your 2026 3M earplug lawsuit settlement value with S-Class v2.
1 precision.