Asbestos Exposure Risks on Military Bases: What Veterans Should Know?

Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma, an aggressive and terminal form of cancer that affects thousands in the United States each year. While many people encounter asbestos while working in the private sector, it’s vital for veterans to acknowledge asbestos exposure risks on military bases. Many military installations across the world are potential health hazards, and you should know what you can do if you are diagnosed with mesothelioma after military service.

Asbestos Exposure Risks on Military Bases

From the 1930s to the 1970s, asbestos was one of the most commonly used construction materials due to its insulating and fireproofing capabilities. Many residential and commercial buildings throughout the United States were built using asbestos, and this includes military bases. Aircraft hangars, shipyards, storage facilities, garages, and many other military buildings carry the risk of asbestos exposure.

Veterans of the US armed forces will often qualify to receive disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for the medical conditions they develop from their military service. It is also possible for some former servicemembers to qualify for medical benefits if they become disabled while working as civilians, and anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma could have grounds to pursue a toxic exposure lawsuit.

There are more than 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed in the United States each year, and about 30% of these diagnoses are veterans. It can take years for mesothelioma to cause noticeable symptoms, sometimes decades.

It’s likely that when a veteran is diagnosed with mesothelioma, they were actually exposed to asbestos many years ago. This can make it challenging for them to determine exactly when and where they were exposed to asbestos, but an attorney can help.

Veteran Claims for Asbestos Exposure in the Military

VA benefits are a valuable lifeline for many former servicemembers struggling with injuries and illnesses they acquired during their military service. Navigating the claim filing process may seem straightforward at first, but unfortunately, many injured and ill veterans encounter all types of complications in their efforts to obtain the benefits they deserve. An experienced attorney can help you file your claim for VA benefits.

You may also have grounds to claim additional compensation through other avenues, depending on how you developed mesothelioma. Your military service can enable you to receive VA benefits for disability, but if a specific party is responsible for causing your condition or if you developed mesothelioma while working in the private sector after your military service, you could have grounds to file a toxic exposure claim.

Your VA benefits will include a monthly payment, and many former servicemembers qualify for medical coverage through the VA as long as they meet the service requirements. If you have grounds to pursue a toxic exposure claim against a specific party, success with this case could significantly enhance your total recovery. You could potentially recover compensation for damages that VA benefits won’t cover, such as your pain and suffering.

Ultimately, any mesothelioma case can be complex and emotionally challenging in several ways. Veterans may qualify to receive VA benefits after a mesothelioma diagnosis, but the process of obtaining these benefits is often difficult, and they may also have other avenues of legal recourse that they will not be able to fully explore on their own. Wallace & Graham can help in this situation, so reach out to our team at your first opportunity to learn more about the legal services we offer.

FAQs

Q: What Would I Do if I Was Exposed to Asbestos in the Military?

A: If you were exposed to asbestos in the military, you may qualify to receive benefits from the VA. You will need to prove that you were exposed to asbestos while serving in the military and undergo a medical examination to determine the severity of your condition.

Many people serving in the military are exposed to asbestos, especially Navy personnel working in shipyards. If you believe you were exposed in the military, speak with a mesothelioma lawyer as quickly as possible.

Q: What Industries Have the Greatest Risks of Asbestos Exposure?

A: Some of the industries with the greatest risks of asbestos exposure include construction, mining, manufacturing, power plant operations, shipbuilding, insulation work, and carpentry. In the military, many servicemembers perform tasks that expose them to toxic substances like asbestos, and it is also possible for a former servicemember to develop mesothelioma from working as a civilian after completing their service.

Q: How Much Compensation Can I Claim for Mesothelioma?

A: The amount of compensation you can claim for mesothelioma depends on the type of case you intend to file and various other factors. If you intend to claim VA benefits for asbestos exposure in the military, it is possible to receive monthly disability benefits and medical expense coverage, and for your family to receive funeral and burial expense compensation. An experienced attorney can determine whether you have additional options for compensation.

Q: Can Mesothelioma Be Cured?

A: No, mesothelioma is incurable. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is a terminal form of cancer with a relatively low life expectancy once the disease has reached a critical stage. However, some treatments have been proven effective at managing symptoms and extending lifespan. More than 65% of mesothelioma patients who undergo chemotherapy survive for three or more years.

Q: Why Should I Hire a Mesothelioma Lawyer?

A: You should hire a mesothelioma lawyer because you will be more likely to maximize your compensation with their assistance. Your attorney can help you file your claim to the VA for benefits after your mesothelioma diagnosis, and they can provide invaluable assistance if you need help proving the exact source of your asbestos exposure while you were serving in the military. Your attorney may also identify additional avenues of legal recourse available to you.

The attorneys at Wallace & Graham have years of experience helping our clients navigate their legal proceedings following mesothelioma diagnoses. If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with this condition, you have limited time in which to pursue compensation, and we can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an attorney who understands the asbestos exposure risks on military bases.