Published On November 11, 2024

On Veterans Day, Veterans with Mesothelioma Deserve Special Attention

Page Reviewed and Edited by

Mesothelioma Attorney Paul Danziger

Every November 11^th, America pauses to pay tribute to those who’ve served in all branches of the military and thank them for their contributions and sacrifice. For veterans diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma after asbestos exposure during their service, every day is a reminder of the price they paid.

Malignant Mesothelioma Strikes Veterans More than Any Other Group

In the United States, the largest demographic to be impacted by malignant mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases is veterans who served in the military between 1930 and 1980. This is particularly true of Navy veterans, who were exposed in shipyards and onboard ships that were heavily contaminated with asbestos, but other service branches also faced significant exposure.

America’s veterans represent approximately one third of all mesothelioma diagnoses. Barracks, mess halls, and administrative buildings were constructed using asbestos-containing materials, and boilers and infrastructure were insulated with asbestos. Brake linings on vehicles and aircraft were made using asbestos, and so too were heat shields and other parts used in military aircraft.

Military’s Use of Asbestos Continued Through the 1980s

It was only when the Environmental Protection Agency linked asbestos exposure to malignant mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases that the military discontinued its use of asbestos in its various applications; after that they pursued a rigorous abatement project meant to protect service men and women of being exposed in the future.

For those who had already worked as machinists, boiler workers, mechanics, and in other roles with high levels of exposure, the risk of malignant mesothelioma was extremely high, and continues to be. Even those who were exposed to low levels of the toxic material may end up being diagnosed with the disease, which often takes up to sixty years to show its deadly symptoms.

Veterans exposed to asbestos during their service are entitled to special benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs if they are diagnosed with mesothelioma, and may be eligible to file personal injury lawsuits against the companies responsible for their illness.