Navigating VA Benefits for Mesothelioma Veterans

Mesothelioma is an aggressive and terminal form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. It’s common for mesothelioma to develop in those who work in certain industries like construction and mining, but military servicemembers can also face the risk of asbestos exposure at many points during their years of service. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma as a veteran, it is important to understand mesothelioma veteran benefits.

Mesothelioma Veteran Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) manages disability claims for current and former servicemembers throughout the United States. When a veteran has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, they are likely eligible to receive benefits through VA mesothelioma claims, even if they did not develop the illness during their time in the military. Asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma to develop over a very long period of time.

Asbestos particles are very sharp, light, and capable of remaining suspended in still air for days at a time. Places like shipyards and aircraft hangars are just a few places where a member of the military might be exposed to asbestos, and they may not notice any symptoms of mesothelioma for many years or even decades after completing their term of service. Identifying the exact source of asbestos exposure is often one of the most challenging aspects of these cases.

There are more than 3,000 new mesothelioma cases diagnosed in the United States every year, and there are about 2,500 deaths from mesothelioma in the United States yearly. Veterans account for roughly 30% of the mesothelioma cases reported each year, and it is vital for everyone diagnosed with this condition to understand mesothelioma veteran benefits and how to obtain them.

To file a VA mesothelioma claim, the veteran must produce records showing their time of service and that they worked in a military facility that contained asbestos. Alternatively, they may need to prove that their service required them to handle asbestos-containing products or materials. They will then need to provide the VA with medical records confirming their diagnosis and complete the claim review process.

Many claimants will also require a letter signed by a mesothelioma specialist who confirms that their diagnosis is linked to asbestos exposure during their military service. An experienced attorney can help their client secure this letter, file their claim for VA mesothelioma benefits, and address any complications they encounter with their claim.

Mesothelioma is aggressive once it reaches the point of causing noticeable symptoms, so it is vital to connect with an attorney as quickly as possible to discuss your options for veteran compensation following your diagnosis.

How a Mesothelioma Lawyer Can Help

The claim filing process for VA benefits may seem straightforward at first, but many people encounter unexpected challenges with these cases. Working with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer is the optimal way to address your diagnosis. You may have more means of compensation available to you than you initially realized, and your attorney can help you take full advantage of them.

The attorneys at Wallace & Graham have extensive experience representing clients in all types of mesothelioma cases, including veterans who were exposed to asbestos during their service. If you were exposed due to the negligence of a private party, you may not only have grounds to claim VA mesothelioma benefits as a veteran but also the right to pursue a civil case. Whatever your situation entails, you can expect compassionate legal representation from our firm.

FAQs

Q: What Is the VA Disability Rating for Mesothelioma?

A: The VA disability rating for mesothelioma is almost always 100% due to the fact that this illness is both aggressive and terminal. This means that if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and qualifies to receive VA benefits, you will likely qualify for the maximum allotment. An experienced attorney can still be a valuable asset in navigating the claim filing process.

Q: How Do You Prove the Cause of Mesothelioma?

A: It’s possible to prove the cause of mesothelioma by identifying the places you were most likely exposed to asbestos. Many members of the military face asbestos hazards while working in shipyards, shipbuilding facilities, aircraft hangars, vehicle maintenance facilities, and other locations found on many military bases. It’s also possible for asbestos exposure to occur while working in various industries such as construction and mining.

Q: Can You Sue for Mesothelioma?

A: Yes, it is possible to have grounds to sue for mesothelioma if a specific party is responsible for your developing the condition. You may qualify for VA benefits if you are a veteran diagnosed with mesothelioma, and an experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help you determine whether you have grounds to pursue additional legal recourse through other avenues, such as a claim to a mesothelioma injury trust or a toxic exposure lawsuit against a specific defendant.

Q: Is Mesothelioma Curable?

A: No, mesothelioma is incurable, and the disease progresses very slowly, sometimes over decades. Symptoms may not appear until the disease has reached a critical stage, and at this point, the disease is terminal, and treatment can only manage symptoms and slightly extend life expectancy. More than 65% of people who undergo chemotherapy for mesothelioma live for three or more years.

Q: Should I Hire an Attorney After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis?

A: It’s a good idea to hire an attorney after a mesothelioma diagnosis. Your case may be more challenging than it appears at first, and the right attorney can be an invaluable asset during the recovery efforts you attempt. Wallace & Graham can assist you with a VA benefits claim and guide you through the process of filing a claim to a mesothelioma injury trust or building a toxic exposure lawsuit.

Mesothelioma veteran benefits can be an invaluable source of support for any former servicemember diagnosed with mesothelioma, but it may not be the only avenue of legal recourse available after this diagnosis. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact the team at Wallace & Graham to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options in this difficult situation.