asbestos and Veterans

veterans at risk

Did you know you may be eligible for a special va pension benefit?

Veterans make up a considerable number of mesothelioma cases annually. Due to the prolonged use of asbestos-containing products in military housing, aircraft, battleships and more, veterans have long faced an increased risk of toxic asbestos exposure while serving their country. From the 1930s to the 1970s, the Navy used enormous amounts of asbestos insulation and fireproofing products on warships and submarines. This released a large number of asbestos fibers into the air. Anyone working in or even walking through the area would have been inhaling the toxic fibers.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides compensation, benefits and assistance programs to those who were diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of their service in the U.S. Military. Assistance may also be available for veterans who were diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure outside of their time in service and surviving loved ones of veterans who passed away due to the disease.

Free Veteran's Case Evaluation

Veterans May be eligible for the following benefits

VA DISABILITY COMPENSATION

A monthly tax-free payment to veterans who became sick or injured during their time in service, or whose pre-existing condition was made worse due to their time in service.

Veterans may be eligible for VA disability compensation for chronic illnesses like mesothelioma, which are considered 100% disabling. Monthly maximum benefits have increased as of December 2021. Veterans may receive up to $3,332 (increase from $3,146) if single and up to $3,517 if married. Benefits may increase depending on the number of dependents a veteran claims.

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DEPENDENCY & INDEMNITY COMPENSATION

An additional tax-free monetary benefit provided to the surviving spouse, child or parent of a veteran who died from a service-related disability, like mesothelioma.

For deaths caused by mesothelioma, the benefit has increased as of December 2021 from $1,357 to $1,437. Eligibility for additional benefits is contingent upon select circumstances. Despite actively receiving other benefits due to your loved one’s mesothelioma diagnosis, you will have to apply for dependency and indemnity compensation separately should they die.

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How to apply

Claims processing can take time. Therefore, it is highly recommended that veterans and their loved ones start the filing process soon after diagnosis. To file a VA claim, you or your loved ones must meet these eligibility requirements: 

  • Provide medical proof that you or a loved one has been/was diagnosed with one of the four types of mesothelioma (pleural, peritoneal, pericardial or testicular). Examples of medical proof may include pathology or cytology reports.
  • Not have been dishonorably discharged.
US Navy, New York City, 1963

To receive VA benefits for a mesothelioma diagnosis, veterans have to provide proof that their asbestos exposure occurred primarily during service. To do this, veterans or their surviving loved ones will need to write a letter detailing their military experience and exposure to asbestos. They will also need to provide details regarding their civilian jobs before and after service. File your claim today with one of our licensed attorneys.

Man welding seams on hull of ship under construction

The claims process

  • A veteran will file their application, supporting documentation, exposure summary and relevant medical reports with VA. An accredited agent or attorney can help compile and file all required documentation to the VA.
  • The VA will review the documents. Sometimes, veterans may be asked to undergo a physical examination at their local VA hospital.
  • The VA orders the service and medical records of the veteran from the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri.
  • The VA will make a compensation decision after reviewing the veteran's complete records.
  • If the veteran is deemed eligible for compensation, he/she will be back paid for elapsed time from claim submission to approval. Moving forward, a recurring compensatory check will be provided to the veteran at the beginning of each month.

Occupations Related to Asbestos Exposure

  • Electricians
  • Engine operators
  • Firefighters
  • Gunners
  • Hull Maintenance Workers
  • Insulators
  • Machinists
  • Mechanics
  • Pipefitters
  • Plumbers
  • Seabees
  • Shipbuilders
  • Steelworkers
  • Weapons Specialists
  • Welders
  • Boiler Technicians
Man welding seams on hull of ship under construction

Looking to connect with other veterans dealing with asbestos related exposure? 

Consider joining our Veterans Asbestos Support Group.