Compensation for Veterans with Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a serious health concern, and veterans who have been diagnosed with this condition may be wondering about the available support options. In this guide, we will delve into the benefits that veterans with mesothelioma may be eligible for, without mentioning any specific law firms or legal assistance.

Who Qualifies for Asbestos-Related VA Benefits?

Veterans diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases may be eligible for compensation, depending on factors like whether their exposure to asbestos occurred during their military service. Additionally, family members of veterans who lost their lives due to asbestos-related diseases may also have access to VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC).

Different Benefits for Veterans with Mesothelioma

Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses have various compensation options available through the VA:

VA Benefits

The VA provides different compensation avenues tailored to veterans with mesothelioma, including:

• VA Disability Compensation: Veterans with service-related disabilities, including mesothelioma, may receive monthly disability compensation.
• VA Pension: Eligible veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma may qualify for VA pension benefits, provided they meet specific criteria related to age, disability, income, and net worth.
• Special Monthly Compensation (SMC): Veterans with certain disabilities or unique circumstances related to their disabilities may be eligible for additional monthly compensation. This can extend to family members, such as spouses.

Alternative Compensation Options

Apart from VA benefits, veterans can explore other options for compensation, such as:

• Asbestos Trust Funds: Veterans can file claims against asbestos trust funds set up by asbestos manufacturers.
• Mesothelioma Lawsuits: In specific cases, veterans may consider filing lawsuits against solvent asbestos companies.
• Mesothelioma Settlements: Some companies may opt to settle with veterans to avoid lengthy legal proceedings.

Compensation for Dependents of Veterans

Family members of veterans are not left without support. Dependents of veterans who succumbed to asbestos-related diseases may be eligible for special VA compensation, such as mesothelioma burial benefits. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a monthly benefit, and surviving spouses, children, or other dependents of veterans may receive DIC.

Asbestos-Related Diseases and VA Benefits

The scope of VA benefits can fluctuate based on the gravity of the asbestos-related condition. Veterans diagnosed with conditions such as pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural effusion, or pleural plaques might be eligible for VA benefits.

Understanding VA Ratings

The VA determines disability ratings according to the intensity of asbestos-related illnesses. For instance:

• Mesothelioma: Receives a 100% disability rating.
• Asbestos Lung Cancer: Also receives a 100% disability rating.
• Asbestosis: Can receive a disability rating range of 0% to 100%, depending on testing and evaluation.

Monthly VA disability compensation is calculated based on the disability rating. Veterans with a 100% disability rating for mesothelioma may receive substantial monthly benefits. Consulting with professionals, such as mesothelioma experts, can help veterans determine the most suitable benefits for their specific situation.

Initiating a VA Claim

Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases typically need to initiate a VA claim for post-service disability. The process usually involves consulting with experts who specialize in VA claims, like mesothelioma professionals. These professionals guide veterans through the intricacies of the VA claims process, ensuring all necessary evidence is provided, such as:

• Proof of an asbestos-related diagnosis resulting from military service.
• Records detailing duties involving asbestos exposure during military service.

The History of Asbestos Exposure in the Military

Asbestos, valued for its fireproofing and heat-resistant properties, was widely used across all branches of the U.S. military from the 1930s to the 1980s. Its prevalence placed veterans at heightened risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

Asbestos Use in Military Locations

Asbestos found its way into various military locations, including aircraft, equipment, bases, and ships. Ships, in particular, were notorious for asbestos exposure risks, as damage to asbestos materials could release carcinogenic fibers. U.S. Navy personnel and other service members aboard ships faced significant exposure. A substantial percentage of mesothelioma claims related to military exposure cite the Navy as a prevalent source.

While exposure scenarios varied among military branches, common locations included aircraft, ammunition storage rooms, machinery rooms, mess halls, military sleeping quarters, barracks, military vehicles, ships, shipyards, and training facilities.

Branch-Specific Asbestos Exposure

Each branch of the armed forces had its unique asbestos exposure scenarios:

• U.S. Navy: Navy veterans, in particular, faced high asbestos exposure risks due to the widespread use of asbestos in ships, shipyards, engine rooms, and boiler rooms.
• U.S. Air Force: Members of the U.S. Air Force often encountered asbestos exposure through aircraft machinery and base living quarters during active duty.
• U.S. Marine Corps: Marine veterans shared similar risks with Navy personnel due to asbestos use in engine and boiler rooms aboard Marine vessels.
• U.S. Coast Guard: Coast Guard veterans, particularly those on Coast Guard Cutters, faced asbestos exposure during their time at sea.
• U.S. Army: While Army veterans may have had less frequent exposure, it could still occur on bases or through military vehicles.

Secondary Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos remains the sole known cause of mesothelioma, with health risks related to asbestos exposure recognized as early as the 1920s. Despite this knowledge, veterans continued to face exposure through products like pipes, insulation, and adhesives used in military settings. Moreover, many veterans unknowingly carried asbestos fibers home, exposing their loved ones to secondary asbestos exposure.

Post-Service Asbestos Exposure

Numerous service members pursued civilian careers after their military service, often in fields like construction, mechanics, and engineering. Unfortunately, these occupations are at high risk of asbestos exposure. Prolonged exposure, regardless of the setting, can increase the risk of developing asbestos-related diseases.

Veterans’ Access to Mesothelioma Treatment

Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases have the option to receive medical treatment at VA treatment centers located across the United States. Many of these centers specialize in treating mesothelioma and related conditions. Several regions, like California and Florida, are home to multiple military bases, making them significant areas for mesothelioma diagnosis. Veterans in these regions can access specialized care.

California

With a high incidence of mesothelioma cases, California offers specialized treatment at facilities like the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center under the care of Dr. Robert Cameron.

Florida

Florida boasts over 20 military bases, making it a retirement destination for some veterans. Individuals impacted by military-related asbestos exposure in Florida have the option to receive treatment from experts such as Dr. Nestor R. Villamizar Ortiz at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, which is situated close to the Miami VA Medical Center.

Options Beyond the VA System

Veterans who prefer or require care outside the VA system have alternatives. The Veterans Community Care Program, an updated version of the Veterans Choice Program, enables eligible veterans to receive care from local providers or specialized mesothelioma specialists, bypassing VA facilities. Financial assistance for travel and lodging related to treatment may also be available to eligible veterans.