Mesothelioma VA Claims and Benefits
Military veterans who served before 1970 as well as active-duty personnel who completed tours of duty overseas were exposed to dangerous asbestos fibers. As a result, many of them developed mesothelioma, asbestosis, and related conditions. These individuals are eligible for Veterans Assistance (VA) benefits, but getting help is still a difficult process.
One of the first steps in applying for benefits is securing documentation regarding exposure and diagnosis, and many veterans find they need help with this and further stages of applying for benefits and securing VA health coverage. Thankfully, patient advocates and retired military service members are available to help. These people are dedicated to assisting others navigate the complex bureaucratic process of obtaining healthcare, disability, and financial benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The departments helps veterans with mesothelioma because this assistance is necessary for them to get access to medical care from a variety of local or regional medical centers, oncologists, and treatment centers. The assistance also helps tremendously with the ever-increasing costs of medical care and cancer treatments. The cost of treatment with the VA is generally lower than private-sector cancer centers, and the quality is very high.
Filing VA Claims
Qualifying veterans discharged from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and other military branches can obtain VA health care based a means test. This test compares a patient's annual income to the national and regional averages as well as copays for health services. Patient counselors are familiar the VA application process because they've applied for benefits themselves, so they can give other veterans an outline of what to expect along the way. Counselors work one-on-one with veterans to pinpoint occupations, contaminated ships, and facilities where mesothelioma patients came in contact with asbestos. This type of information is invaluable during the application process.
Counselors can also help patients apply for disability benefits through the VA. The process of applying with a service-connected health condition is a little more complex than securing healthcare benefits. Typically, veterans applying for disability benefits submit their application, and the VA responds with a request for evidence to support the claim. During the claims process, counselors can help gather records and provide contact information for local VA offices. Mesothelioma patient advocates can also help veterans apply for home loans, rehabilitation programs, and education benefits that are offered by the VA.
By making a few phone calls and applying for benefits and medical coverage, mesothelioma patients can obtain life-saving medical treatments, thousands of dollars worth of medical care, and additional benefits. Patient advocates and benefits counselors are veterans who have navigated the application themselves and are prepared to secure benefits for veterans who are dealing with mesothelioma and other health conditions. These steps can provide a tremendous amount of relief to mesothelioma patients and their family members. For more information on VA claims and other benefits, please fill out our veterans assistance form.
