Mesothelioma & Veterans
© 2019 by Asbestos.com and The Mesothelioma Center
Veterans file nearly 30 percent of all mesothelioma lawsuits in the United States. All branches of the military relied on asbestos in the past, and builders overseas still do. As a result, veterans are more likely than others to develop asbestos-related diseases.
Veterans of the U.S. armed forces played an important role in building America into the great nation it is today. These brave men and women made incredible sacrifices to protect our country, and we owe them respect and gratitude.
Many servicemen and servicewomen gave their lives to defend our country. Others came home and died decades later from mesothelioma, a cancer caused by exposure to the mineral asbestos.
The armed forces used the mineral extensively from 1935 to 1975. The military certainly had the safety of service members in mind when it first embraced asbestos as a fireproofing material. But the use of the toxic mineral continued well after medical evidence first proved the harmful effects of inhaling it. Today, veterans account for nearly a third of all mesothelioma lawsuits in the U.S.
Veterans and Asbestos Exposure
Members of the armed forces who develop mesothelioma and other asbestos-related conditions after exposure to the mineral in the military qualify for special financial benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These include disability compensation, special monthly compensation and service-connected death benefits for surviving family members.
An approved mesothelioma VA claim provides much-needed help for servicepersons. You’ll get access to treatment at any facility in the VA network. Free travel is available for veterans who want to visit the Boston VA Healthcare System and the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. These are two of the leading facilities offering the best mesothelioma treatments.
Overview of Asbestos in the Military
Asbestos was once highly regarded for its heat resistance and fireproofing capabilities. Nearly all branches of the military used the mineral from the 1900s to the mid-1970s. This put veterans who specialized in many military occupations at risk for mesothelioma.
All modes of military transportation contained products contaminated with asbestos. All aircraft, vehicles, tanks and naval ships contained asbestos. Common products included thermal insulation, electric wiring insulation, brake pads and clutch pads. Barracks and other buildings on military bases were constructed with asbestos cement pipes and a variety of other asbestos-containing materials.
Help with VA Claims and Other Benefits for Veterans
Every member of the military discharged “under conditions other than dishonorable” has a right to VA benefits. These benefits include health care, monthly disability compensation and survivor benefits for their loved ones.
The Veterans Department at The Mesothelioma Center specializes in getting VA claims approved for veterans. U.S. Army Capt. Aaron Munz, director of the Veterans Department, is well versed in helping people navigate the complicated VA claims process. He has the knowledge and resources to guide you each step along the way.
The VA recognizes mesothelioma as a service-connected medical condition. We can help you gather evidence to prove your disease is asbestos-related. We can help you explore other potential avenues of compensation. We’ll also answer frequently asked questions you might have regarding claims and benefits.
For additional information please visit: https://www.asbestos.com/veterans/