Veterans and Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a form of lung cancer that stems from direct exposure to asbestos. Because of how long the disease takes to develop, the number of mesothelioma cases has been soaring over the past few years, affecting several thousand people annually, including members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Those who have worked in the industrial sector are particularly susceptible to mesothelioma and asbestos-related illnesses, such as construction workers, builders, renovation experts, shipyard workers, and those working and living on military bases.
In fact, countless military personnel were inflicted with mesothelioma between the 1930s and 1980s. Since America was involved in multiple wars during those periods and required a lot of products to be developed and repaired, asbestos was highly prevalent in shipyards and military facilities. This was especially true during World War II, where shipbuilding, armaments manufacturing, and military repairs were a daily occurrence. For the military, asbestos was purchased and used for various reasons, primarily for insulation and fireproofing.
According to the U.S. Navy, more than 200 asbestos-related products were implemented by the military at that time. As a result, thousands of soldiers and repair technicians were exposed to asbestos. Today, many of these veterans suffer from mesothelioma and asbestos-related illnesses. Like construction and industrial workers, they simply did not know the risks involved with asbestos in the workplace.
VA Claims and Other Veterans Benefits
For veterans suffering from mesothelioma, help is available. Veterans may be eligible for disability compensation, health coverage, and assistance in filing lawsuits against manufacturing firms. Veterans simply need to contact the Department of Veterans Affairs for more information, or contact our veteran Patient Adovcates who are experts at explaining what benefits you are entitled to and cutting through the red tape to get those benefits.
To file for benefits, veterans will need a number of documents, such as reports from doctors and mesothelioma specialists. They will also need proof that asbestos exposure occurred during their military stints. Military records, as well as information available in the public domain, can provide this. If for any reason military veterans cannot secure proof, they can seek help through Veterans Affairs. For those wishing to file claims in person, Veterans Affairs can provide transportation.
By filing for health and disability benefits, veterans can access pertinent information on mesothelioma treatment options and lawsuits. Veterans should know, however, that no claim is 100-percent guaranteed. It can also take some time for the department to review these claims and accompanying documents. For those claims that are accepted, veterans will automatically receive disability compensation. They can also seek help in pursuing legal action against asbestos manufacturers and those that purchased it for military use. If any veteran's claim is turned down, he or she may seek legal representation.
If you are a veteran suffering from mesothelioma, you are not alone. Fill out our form for a free mesothelioma packet with latest information on mesothelioma treatments, clinical trials, top doctors, and more. Even better request assistance from one of the Veterans that serve as patient and family advocates for our visitors.
