Are There Specific Benefits for Veterans with Mesothelioma?
Veterans represent a significant portion of mesothelioma cases in the United States due to widespread asbestos exposure during military service. This exposure often occurred decades ago, when asbestos was heavily used on ships, in vehicles, aircraft, and in base construction materials. If you are a veteran who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to additional benefits and compensation beyond what is available to the general public.
Why Veterans Are at Higher Risk
Asbestos was used extensively by the U.S. military, especially between the 1930s and 1980s. Its heat resistance, strength, and low cost made it ideal for insulation, fireproofing, and shipbuilding. Unfortunately, these same qualities make asbestos dangerous when fibers become airborne and inhaled.
Navy veterans faced particularly high exposure risks due to the confined spaces on ships, but asbestos was also common in Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard facilities and equipment. Even a short period of service in certain environments could lead to long-term health consequences decades later.
VA Benefits for Veterans with Mesothelioma
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers several benefits for veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma due to service-related asbestos exposure. These benefits can include:
- Disability Compensation – Monthly, tax-free payments for veterans whose mesothelioma is connected to military service.
- VA Pension – Financial assistance for low-income wartime veterans who meet eligibility requirements.
- VA Health Care – Access to specialized mesothelioma treatment at VA medical centers, including facilities with experienced asbestos-related disease specialists.
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) – Benefits for surviving spouses and dependents if the veteran passes away from mesothelioma.
Filing a VA Claim for Mesothelioma
Applying for VA benefits can be complex, but an experienced attorney or a VA-accredited claims agent can help ensure your claim is complete and properly documented. The process generally includes:
-
Documenting Asbestos Exposure – Showing when, where, and how you were exposed during your military service.
-
Providing Medical Evidence – Submitting medical records confirming your mesothelioma diagnosis.
-
Filing the VA Claim – Completing all necessary forms and submitting them to the VA for review.
Having professional guidance can help prevent delays and improve the chances of receiving the maximum benefits.
Additional Legal Options Beyond VA Benefits
Veterans may also have the right to pursue compensation from asbestos trust funds or file a lawsuit against companies that manufactured or supplied asbestos-containing products used by the military. This is separate from VA benefits and can provide substantial additional financial support for medical bills, lost income, and family security.
Our legal team can help veterans:
- File asbestos trust fund claims for fast payouts.
- Identify all responsible companies and pursue legal action where possible.
- Coordinate claims so that VA benefits and legal compensation work together without affecting eligibility.
Get Help Securing the Benefits You Deserve
If you are a veteran diagnosed with mesothelioma, you have the right to pursue both VA benefits and legal compensation. At MesotheliomaAttorney.com, we work closely with veterans and their families to secure every available source of financial support.
Call us today at 855-680-0452 for a free consultation. We will review your service history, identify your asbestos exposure sources, and guide you through both the VA claims process and any legal claims to help you maximize your recovery.
