Veterans are the largest group of people to be diagnosed with mesothelioma because asbestos was so widely used by the military for nearly 100 years. Toxic exposure could have occurred at any time in the last 80 years, although most of the asbestos has been removed from bases and work areas.
The military has acknowledged that this form of lung cancer is almost exclusively attributed to asbestos exposure and that service members were often exposed to asbestos for long periods of time during their career. Because of this, mesothelioma and toxic exposure claims are processed quickly and without much issue by the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA).
If you have been diagnosed with this type of lung cancer and you actively served in the military and were exposed to asbestos, you should file a claim for compensation from the VA. Most claims for compensation are quickly processed for the applicant and include the following benefits:
• 100 percent medical care
• Disability compensation
• Pension benefits
• Survivor benefits for spouse and minor children
The Department of Veteran Affairs generally classifies this disease as a 100 percent disability so those who are approved for the benefits receive the full amount of all their entitlements. Monthly disability and pension (although you can’t receive both at the same time) amounts are based on whether the veteran is single or the size of their family.
The VA also has in place many support systems for the caregivers of veterans suffering from this disease. It is understood that this is a serious illness and that caring for a loved one suffering from lung cancer can be very hard emotionally and physically on the caregiver. The VA encourages all family members that provide care and support to a veteran affected by this disease to take advantage of the available programs designed for them specifically. If you have any further questions about mesothelioma VA benefits, call today.
If you are a veteran suffering from mesothelioma, or you are a surviving spouse, speak with an attorney about helping you to apply for the benefits you are entitled to through the Veterans Administration. We are happy to discuss mesothelioma veterans benefits and how they could help you today.