U.S. VA Mesothelioma Disability Benefits Attorney

U.S. VA Disability Benefits Attorney for Veterans Suffering With Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that may affect the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, a mineral fiber commonly used in construction materials, insulation, and other products. Due to the widespread use of asbestos in various military applications, veterans may have been exposed to this hazardous material during their military service, and they may be at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma.

Asbestos was widely used by the U.S. military from the 1930s through the 1970s because of its heat resistance and durability. Many veterans were unknowingly exposed to asbestos while working on ships, aircraft carriers, submarines, tanks, barracks, and other military installations where asbestos-containing materials were prevalent. Veterans who worked in construction, demolition, mining, or shipyards may have been exposed to asbestos, and they may need to address the health issues they have experienced due to mesothelioma.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides disability benefits for veterans who have service-connected injuries, illnesses, and other health conditions. However, filing claims for VA benefits can be a complicated process, and veterans may need to provide multiple types of documentation and address other concerns when filing claims. At The Vet Law Office, we provide legal help for veterans who are seeking VA benefits, and we can help file claims or appeal unfavorable decisions.

The Effects of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma can have devastating effects on a veteran's health and quality of life. The disease often takes decades to develop after the initial exposure to asbestos. When symptoms begin to appear, they can severely limit a person's ability to perform work and participate in daily activities.

Symptoms of mesothelioma may include:

• Persistent coughing
• Chest pain or tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Sweating or fever
• Lumps under the skin in the chest area
• Painful swelling in the abdomen
• Irregular heartbeat or heart murmurs

The prognosis for mesothelioma is often poor, with a typical survival time of four to 18 months after diagnosis. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies. However, these treatments are primarily aimed at managing symptoms and improving quality of life rather than providing a cure.

VA Disability Benefits for Veterans With Mesothelioma

Veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure during their military service may be eligible for VA disability benefits. These benefits can provide financial assistance to help cover medical expenses and compensate veterans for the impact that this disease has on their lives.

The types of VA disability benefits available to veterans with mesothelioma include:

• Disability compensation: Veterans who can establish a service connection between their asbestos exposure in the military and their current diagnosis of mesothelioma may be eligible for monthly disability compensation payments. The amount of compensation depends on the severity of the condition and any related disabilities.
• Special monthly compensation (SMC): Veterans may qualify for additional benefits that provide higher rates of compensation if they have severe service-connected disabilities or require aid and attendance due to their mesothelioma.
• Pension benefits: Veterans who are unable to work due to advanced-stage mesothelioma may qualify for pension benefits based on financial need.
• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): Benefits may be available to surviving spouses, children, and dependent parents of veterans who died as a result of mesothelioma caused by military asbestos exposure.

When submitting a claim for VA disability benefits related to mesothelioma, a veteran will need to provide medical records detailing their condition, military service records providing information about jobs they have worked where they were exposed to asbestos, and a statement from a doctor showing that mesothelioma was connected to asbestos exposure during military service.

Contact Our VA Mesothelioma Disability Benefits Attorney

If you are a veteran who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, and you were exposed to asbestos during your military service, it is crucial to understand your rights and your options for obtaining VA disability benefits. At The Vet Law Office, our attorney has extensive experience assisting veterans in pursuing the compensation they deserve. We will guide you through the complex claims process, gather necessary evidence, and advocate on your behalf to maximize your chances of receiving the benefits you are entitled to. To schedule a complimentary consultation, please contact us at 1-800-700-4174. We are here to support you every step of the way.