Government Compensation for Mesothelioma
VA Benefits and Asbestos Exposure
Even though mesothelioma-afflicted veterans are just as entitled to VA disability benefits as those who were wounded in battle, many struggle to get the compensation they deserve. The difficulty in obtaining VA benefits stems from the “burden of proof.” In order to qualify for benefits, a veteran must prove that their illness is related to asbestos exposure during their time of service. Because asbestos was so widely used up until the late 1970s—and because illnesses like mesothelioma may take 20 to 40 years to emerge—it can be a grueling process to pinpoint which product or application was responsible for the exposure.
The Veterans Administration does offer special benefits programs for other specific service-related disorders, such as diseases associated with exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides, conditions linked with exposure to ionizing radiation, and chronic disabilities associated with service during the Gulf War (“Gulf War Illness”). However, since asbestos exposure during military service is difficult to prove, mesothelioma is not currently recognized by the VA as a service-connected illness. Therefore, veterans with mesothelioma or other asbestos-caused illnesses are generally not given priority over veterans with established service-related conditions.
If a veteran cannot prove that their asbestos exposure occurred during service, getting approved for VA disability benefits may be nearly impossible. In that case, they must attempt to get compensation from the companies who made the products associated with their exposure.
Compensation for Veterans Who Were Exposed to Asbestos
Veterans who came into contact with asbestos during their service have the right to sue the manufacturers that produced and sold the asbestos used in military applications. Although many of the companies that supplied the military with asbestos no longer exist, some of these manufacturers are still in business today. That makes them potentially responsible for compensating veterans who have been injured by their toxic products.
If you are a veteran who was exposed to asbestos as a result of these companies’ disregard for safety, you may want to see them held accountable for their negligent actions. A qualified mesothelioma attorney can help you seek compensation for medical bills, lost income and other expenses that have put a tremendous strain on you and your loved ones.
Call us at (800) 278-8675 to speak with a mesothelioma paralegal
Why Veteran Mesothelioma Claims Are Unique
The fact that the U.S. government keeps meticulous records gives veterans a unique advantage in filing asbestos exposure claims. Military records which document the use of asbestos-containing materials in shipyards, ship construction or ship repairs still exist and are widely used in investigating mesothelioma cases. Sources of information that may help support your claim include ship databases, war diaries, private shipyard records and naval shipyard records. Moreover, simply being at a certain location at a certain time during your service might automatically qualify you for compensation.
Because military records may be readily available to support your asbestos exposure claim, you could have an easier time obtaining compensation for your injuries than someone who is filing a claim against a private employer.
Speak to a Qualified Mesothelioma Attorney Today
There are strict time limitations for filing a mesothelioma lawsuit, so it is important to begin the process as soon as possible. If you are a U.S. military veteran with mesothelioma or another asbestos-caused illness, please contact us for a free, no-obligation evaluation of your potential claim. Click here to speak to a qualified mesothelioma attorney.