Veteran mesothelioma claims are available through the Veterans Administration (VA) for those who qualify. The U.S. Armed forces used a lot of asbestos in buildings, ships, equipment, and more. As a result, veterans have higher rates of asbestos illnesses than the general population.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for substantial compensation. There is currently over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds set up for victims of asbestos-related diseases. We invite you to fill out our form today for a free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information about experienced mesothelioma lawyers in your area, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file an asbestos trust fund claim, and much more.

Key Facts About Mesothelioma & Veterans

1. Eligibility for Disability Compensation: Veterans with mesothelioma may be eligible for 100% disability compensation, offering crucial financial support for affected individuals.
2. VA Claims and Health Care Access: Veterans can file VA claims for compensation and access VA health care for mesothelioma, providing a clear pathway to benefits.
3. Legal Settlements: Many veterans also receive compensation through legal settlements, expanding financial recovery options.
4. Assistance from Claims Agents: A VA-accredited claims agent can help answer questions about VA disability, assisting veterans in navigating the claims process effectively.

What Are VA Mesothelioma and Asbestos Claims?

A VA claim is a request for benefits veterans can make to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The role of the VA is to care for the men and women (and their families) who served the U.S. In the military.

This care includes benefits for veterans harmed by their time in the service. Benefits include medical care and compensation. Veterans must file a claim and meet qualifications to receive VA benefits.

Who Should File a Mesothelioma or Asbestos VA Claim?

Any veteran harmed by asbestos exposure during their time in the military can file a claim for VA benefits. If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness and your asbestos exposure occurred during active service, you are entitled to benefits. Make a claim to ensure you receive them.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for substantial compensation. There is currently over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds set up for victims of asbestos-related diseases.

We invite you to fill out our form today for a free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information about experienced mesothelioma lawyers in your area, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file an asbestos trust fund claim, and much more. 

We offer free online appointments and can arrange for representatives to meet you within just one mile of your home.

How Asbestos Exposure Leads to Mesothelioma

Unseen Threats: The Airborne Nature of Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that, when disturbed, can release tiny fibers into the air. These fibers are often invisible to the naked eye, posing a hidden danger.

Inhalation and Entrapment

When breathed in, these microfibers can become lodged in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. The body struggles to expel them, leading to long-term imprisonment within the tissues.

Irritation and Cellular Transformation

Over time, the presence of these fibers causes chronic irritation and inflammation. This ongoing irritation can cause damage at the cellular level, prompting abnormal cell behavior.

The Path to Cancer

The eventual outcome of such persistent cellular irritation may be genetic mutations. These mutations can turn healthy cells into cancerous ones, leading to the development of mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer.

Slow Onset of Symptoms

Another concerning aspect of asbestos exposure is its long latency period. Symptoms of mesothelioma may take decades to appear, often becoming apparent only when the disease has reached an advanced stage.

Understanding the pathway from asbestos exposure to mesothelioma underscores the importance of protective measures and regular health screenings for those at risk.

How and When Did the Military Use Asbestos?

Malignant mesothelioma is caused almost exclusively by exposure to asbestos. The U.S. military and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognize this disease as a service-related disability.

According to the VA, personnel who worked in any of the following occupations may have been exposed to asbestos when they were on active duty:

• Carpentry and construction
• Demolition of old structures
• Insulation work
• Manufacturing and installation of cement sheet, flooring, pipe products, or roofing
• Milling
• Mining
• Servicing of friction products such as brake linings or clutch facings
• Shipyard work

The VA also acknowledges the possibility that veterans who served in the Middle East, especially in Iraq and adjoining countries, were exposed to asbestos.

Many old structures in the region contain asbestos. Military personnel and civilian defense contractors on duty in this part of the world are constantly exposed to asbestos fibers when these buildings are damaged or demolished.

Which Asbestos Illnesses Does the VA Recognize?

To receive benefits, you must have a diagnosis of an illness caused by asbestos. Or, asbestos must be a significant contributing factor, and asbestos exposure must have occurred during your time in the service.

The VA recognizes several illnesses that are caused by asbestos and that are eligible for benefits:

• Pleural mesothelioma
• Peritoneal mesothelioma
• Lung cancer
• Bronchial cancer
• Pharynx cancer
• Larynx cancer
• Gastrointestinal cancer
• Asbestosis
• Lung fibrosis
• Pleural plaques
• Pleural effusion

The amount of compensation a veteran is entitled to depends on the diagnosis and the severity of the illness.

What Benefits Are Available to Veterans With Asbestos Illnesses?

The VA offers a variety of benefits to veterans and their families. One of the most important is medical care. Several VA hospitals offer specialist care for asbestos illnesses. Veterans may qualify for VA Disability Compensation and VA health care if military service caused or worsened their health conditions. Veterans’ families can stay at Fisher House homes while a veteran is in the hospital receiving medical care. This ensures families have a supportive environment during challenging times.

The types of compensation veterans can file a claim to receive include:

• Disability Compensation. Monthly disability compensation is a regular payment for veterans with certain disabilities. The VA considers mesothelioma and other asbestos illnesses to be disabilities.
• Special Monthly Compensation. Veterans who need to hire care workers for in-home medical or personal care can file for this additional compensation.
• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation. Spouses of veterans who died from asbestos exposure can file for this monthly compensation. If the veteran was not already receiving disability benefits when they died, the spouse must file and make a case that the death was related to asbestos exposure during service.
• Caregiver Compensation and Support. The VA offers assistance to family members providing care to disabled and ill veterans with a disability rating of at least 70%.

These resources and support systems are crucial for veterans and their families, offering both financial relief and practical support during their healthcare journey.”

How to File a VA Benefits Claim for Asbestos

According to the VA, any veteran exposed to asbestos during their time in the armed forces who develops asbestosis, asbestos-related lung cancer, or mesothelioma is eligible for service-connected compensation benefits.

The VA has the following eligibility requirements for veterans to process asbestos-related claims:

• Veterans must have been discharged under all conditions except dishonorable
• Veterans must have been exposed to asbestos while serving in the armed forces
• Veterans must have a disease or disability connected to the asbestos exposure that took place in military service

You can apply online or in person. You can also enlist someone to help you file. Any friend or family member can help, or you can work with a Veteran Service Officer or asbestos lawyer.

How Do You Prove Asbestos Exposure in VA Claims?

The VA recognizes asbestosis, asbestos-related lung cancer, and malignant mesothelioma as diseases or disabilities connected to asbestos exposure if such exposure took place during a claimant’s term of active duty service.

To ensure that the claims are processed properly and to prevent false claims from being filed, the VA has established the following evidence requirements:

• Veterans filing an asbestos exposure claim must show that the exposure occurred when they were on active duty. They can describe their Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) or where they were stationed at the time.
• Veterans are required to show proof that they have asbestosis, lung cancer, or mesothelioma and that a causative link exists between these diseases or disabilities and asbestos exposure while they served in the armed forces. It is important to note that the VA will not process claims of asbestos exposure per se; veterans must file claims based on the asbestos-related disease or disability.

As part of the claims process, the VA will routinely ask veterans to undergo a medical exam and seek a physician’s determination if the disability or disease is connected to asbestos exposure.

Four Quick Facts About VA Disability Compensation Claims

The Department of Veterans Affairs is surrounded by myths and misconceptions about what it does and how its compensation programs work.

Many people don’t file disability claims because they think they are not qualified. This section consists of four quick facts to dispel some of these myths and misconceptions.

1. Former members of the military do not need to have seen combat or served during wartime to be considered veterans. A company clerk who was in the Army after the 1983 invasion of Grenada and left the service before Operation Just Cause in 1989 is as much a veteran as a Marine who saw action in those two operations.
2. Veterans can file for VA compensation under any type of discharge from military service except Dishonorable Discharge. Contrary to a common misconception, Veterans separated from the armed forces under all other discharge conditions, including Bad Conduct Discharge and Other-than-Honorable Discharge, are still eligible for VA benefits and compensation.
3. The VA will not force veterans who file any medical disability claim to see a VA physician. Though veterans who obtain a VA Disability Rating are eligible for VA Health Care, enrollment is not compulsory. Veterans enrolled in other insurance programs with their own physicians can keep them and are not forced to switch to VA Health Care or VA-approved doctors.
4. Survivors of veterans who died from mesothelioma or any asbestos-related condition but did not file a claim with the VA are just as eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) as survivors of veterans who filed for disability compensation. The DIC vetting process is slower in such cases, and survivors must persuade VA case evaluators that the veteran’s asbestos exposure took place during his or her time in the military.

How Much Compensation Do Veterans Get for Mesothelioma?

The VA compensation guidelines are based on disability ratings determined by how seriously disabled a veteran is. These ratings are explained as a percentage scale, starting with 0 (minimal disability) to 100 (total disability).

Compensation amounts vary depending on the disability ratings, measured in increments of 10 percentage points.

For example, a married veteran with a spouse and one child and a 100% disability rating is currently entitled to receive a little over $3,000 per month. Most cancers, including mesothelioma and lung cancer, have a VA disability rating of 100%.

Per VA and government regulations, VA disability compensation is tax-free. Veterans are eligible for compensation if the disability or disease is conclusively shown to be connected to their time in the military.

A mesothelioma lawyer can help you file and give you a better chance of making a successful claim.

Steps for Veterans After Noticing Mesothelioma Symptoms

If you’re a veteran and begin noticing symptoms associated with mesothelioma, it’s crucial to take decisive action. Early intervention can open up more treatment avenues and possibly improve outcomes. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do next:

1. Assess Asbestos Exposure

• Begin by reflecting on your military service. Determine if there was any likelihood of asbestos exposure during your duty. This is a critical first step in understanding your risk.

2. Consult a Healthcare Professional

• If you’re experiencing symptoms, promptly schedule an appointment with your doctor.
• Discuss your concerns and seek a referral to a specialist experienced in dealing with asbestos-related conditions. Advocates in the healthcare system can assist in finding one near you.

3. Obtain an Official Diagnosis

• Should mesothelioma be suspected, ensure you receive a thorough diagnostic evaluation. Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment planning.

4. Explore Treatment Options

• Look into specialized treatments available for veterans. You have access to options both through the Veterans Affairs (VA) and outside healthcare providers.

5. Support for Caregivers

• If you’re a caregiver for a veteran dealing with mesothelioma, gather information on how to provide the best support. Numerous resources can offer guidance and assistance.

6. Investigate Benefits and Legal Support

• Learn about VA benefits and legal avenues that may be available for you and your family. A VA-accredited claims agent can provide detailed advice and support.

7. Consider Palliative and Hospice Care

• Depending on the stage of the disease, you might want to consider incorporating palliative care into your treatment plan. For late-stage diagnoses, exploring hospice care options could be beneficial.

Taking these proactive steps can significantly affect your journey and provide clarity and support during a challenging time.

Treatment Options for Veterans with Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma treatment for veterans typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. These are the standard approaches for managing and potentially controlling this aggressive disease. However, the path to choosing the right treatment varies, depending on individual cases and how far the disease has progressed.

Mesothelioma Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to surface. It’s crucial for veterans with potential asbestos exposure, particularly during military service, to be vigilant. If diagnosed, connecting with a specialist knowledgeable about mesothelioma is vital. These professionals can provide tailored treatment plans considering a veteran’s unique history and risk factors.

Specialist Access and Support

Accessing top-tier mesothelioma specialists is crucial for optimal treatment. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers support to help veterans connect with leading experts across the nation. These specialists are equipped with the latest strategies and treatment options specifically designed for veterans.

Veterans Choice Program

For those who find VA facilities too distant or appointment wait times too lengthy, the Veterans Choice Program offers a solution. Eligible veterans can seek medical care outside of the VA system if they live more than 40 miles from a VA facility or cannot secure an appointment within 30 days. Discussing these alternatives with a VA doctor can help veterans find the best care path tailored to their needs.

In summary, while mesothelioma presents significant challenges, veterans have a wide range of treatment resources and programs available to support them through their healthcare journey.

How Veterans Can Access Care Far from a VA Facility

If you’re a veteran living at a considerable distance from a Veterans Affairs (VA) facility, accessing timely medical care might seem challenging. However, there’s a program designed precisely to address this issue.

Veterans Choice Program

The Veterans Choice Program is a valuable resource for eligible veterans who find themselves far from the nearest VA health care center. This program allows veterans to seek treatment from healthcare providers outside of the VA system, ensuring they receive the necessary care without undue delay.

Eligibility Criteria

• Distance Requirement: If your residence is more than 40 miles away from the closest VA medical facility, you may qualify for this program. This distance is measured using the shortest route available.
• Appointment Wait Time: Veterans who face a wait time of over 30 days for the next available VA appointment are also eligible to participate.

Steps to Access Care

1. Consult Your VA Doctor: Begin by discussing your situation with your VA healthcare provider. They can guide you through the eligibility verification process and help you understand your options.
2. Verify Eligibility: Once your eligibility is established, you’ll receive authorization to seek treatment from an approved non-VA provider.
3. Choose a Provider: With authorization, you can select a suitable healthcare provider outside the VA network, ensuring it fits within the program’s guidelines.

By utilizing the Veterans Choice Program, you can access the care you need without being constrained by geographical limitations or scheduling delays. This initiative aims to make healthcare more accessible and efficient for veterans, enhancing their overall well-being and quality of life.

How to Enroll in VA Health Care for Mesothelioma

Enrolling in VA health care for mesothelioma involves a few key steps to ensure your service-related illness is recognized.

Steps to Enroll

1. Determine Eligibility
   Assess your income level and service history to determine your eligibility for VA health care benefits.
2. Gather Necessary Documentation
   Compile all necessary documents, including medical records that link your mesothelioma to your military service. This could include any records showing asbestos exposure during active duty.
3. Submit Evidence of Service Connection
   If your mesothelioma is connected to your service—such as proving that a significant portion of your asbestos exposure occurred while on duty—provide this evidence to the VA. The VA requires proof to acknowledge the illness as service-related.
4. Apply for VA Health Care
   Complete your application via the VA’s online portal, by mail, or in person at a VA medical center. Include all gathered documentation as part of your submission.

Factors to Consider

• Income Level
  Determine how your income affects your eligibility, as it plays a role in the application process.
• Service Connection Documentation
  Strong documentation linking your mesothelioma to your military service will support your case. This can significantly impact the VA’s decision.

Enrolling in VA health care with a service-related illness like mesothelioma requires careful preparation and submission of evidence. By following these steps, you can navigate the process more effectively.

The VA offers a variety of benefits to veterans and their families. One of the most important is medical care. Several VA hospitals offer specialist care for asbestos illnesses. The types of compensation veterans can file a claim to receive include:

• Disability Compensation. Monthly disability compensation is a regular payment for veterans with certain disabilities. The VA considers mesothelioma and other asbestos illnesses to be disabilities.
• Special Monthly Compensation. Veterans who need to hire care workers for in-home medical or personal care can file for this additional compensation.
• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation. Spouses of veterans who died from asbestos exposure can file for this monthly compensation. If the veteran was not already receiving disability benefits when they died, the spouse must file and make a case that the death was related to asbestos exposure during service.
• Caregiver Compensation and Support. The VA offers assistance to family members providing care to disabled and ill veterans with a disability rating of at least 70%.

In addition to financial support, veterans and their families have access to VA health care services, which can be critical for managing mesothelioma. Specialized treatment and care are available to address the unique health challenges posed by asbestos exposure.

Moreover, the Fisher House Foundation provides a valuable resource for families. These homes offer a comforting place to stay at no cost while veterans undergo medical treatment in hospitals, ensuring that loved ones can remain close during critical times of care.

Together, these resources offer a comprehensive support system for veterans facing the challenges of mesothelioma, ensuring both medical and financial needs are addressed.

How to Access Burial Benefits for Veterans with Service-Connected Mesothelioma

Veterans’ families may be eligible for a burial allowance of $2,000 if the veteran’s death is linked to a service-related illness like mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure. Here’s how you can access these benefits:

1. Prove Funeral Expenses: To qualify, you must demonstrate that you personally covered the veteran’s burial or funeral costs. This confirmation typically involves submitting receipts or invoices.
2. Establish Service-Related Death: It is crucial to show that the death resulted from a disability connected to military service. In the case of mesothelioma, this involves proving the disease was caused by asbestos exposure during the veteran’s service.
3. Submit the Claim Form: File the appropriate claim form with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including all necessary documentation and evidence supporting the service-related condition.
4. Review the Requirements: Understanding the VA’s specific requirements for filing a claim is essential. Double-check that all documents are complete to avoid delays in processing your application.

By following these steps, you can navigate the process and potentially secure the burial benefits that honor your veteran’s service.

Legal Help for Veterans

Two months later, when Mr. R. was 62 years old, a lifelong father and Navy veteran, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare and deadly cancer. This heartbreaking news shocked his family’s world. Mr. R. had spent years working in various industrial jobs and serving his country, and he had worked so hard to provide for his wife and three children, unknowingly subjecting himself to the ravages of long-term asbestos exposure that he would develop such a serious illness.

The diagnosis added huge challenges. His wife, Mrs. R., was devastated and anxious. How would they pay for the skyrocketing medical bills and still get their youngest child through college? Their already stable life became beset by treatments, pain, and a palpable sense of uncertainty.

Because she refused to give up hope, Mrs. R. reached out for help and found a qualified mesothelioma attorney at Mesothelioma Lawyer Center. That was a critical moment for their family.

The lawyer carefully reviewed Mr. R.’s work history and his exposure to asbestos. Using diligence and empathy, they were able to unearth key details from his time in the Navy and at industrial jobs, and go on to file a claim against the companies responsible.

After months of tireless work, the lawyer secured a substantial settlement for the family. The compensation provided a catch-up readjustment, allowing access to advanced treatments that helped prolong Mr. R.’s time with his family. It took the financial burden of medical bills off Mr. R.’s shoulders and enabled Mrs. R. to concentrate on caring for her husband. Most telling, however, is the fact that they have had no trouble making sure their youngest child was able to finish college without crushing debt.

For Mr. R., the settlement was more than financial support—it was an affirmation of justice. It gave him peace of mind that his family’s future was secure, and that those responsible for his suffering had paid. The settlement enabled his family to tackle its obstacles with dignity and optimism.

This family’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, love, and decisive action. Their lives changed because Mrs. R. picked up the phone.

Take the first step in seeking justice today if you or a loved one has been affected by mesothelioma. Call us today to pursue the compensation and justice you deserve. Your family’s future is too important to put off.

If you’ve been injured by mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, keep in mind that there is a good chance that you’ll qualify for considerable compensation. Don’t forget to fill out our form to get our free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information on the experienced asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys in your area. 

Take Action Now: Secure Your Future with Expert Legal Help

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Our dedicated team of mesothelioma lawyers is here to guide you through every step of the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive the justice you deserve.

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