Mesothelioma in Veterans
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs says hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of living veterans were exposed to asbestos-containing materials during their military service.
Navy Veterans
More than 300 products containing asbestos were used by the military primarily by the Navy from the 1930s through the 1970s. Every ship and shipyard built for the Navy before the mid-1970s was fitted with numerous asbestos-containing materials.
The materials were used extensively in boiler rooms and other areas below deck for fire safety purposes. Navy personnel who worked below deck were heavily exposed to asbestos, but many others are at risk because the materials were also used in navigation rooms, sleeping quarters and mess halls.
The Greatest Risk
Since mesothelioma and other lung-related diseases are triggered in later stages of life, veterans who were involved in the military between 1940 and 1970 are those that are at an increased risk.
A study found that more than 30 percent of Americans who suffer from mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos during military service. Navy personnel and workers employed in shipyards between 1940 and 1970 are believed to hold a greater risk of developing a disease caused by asbestos exposure.
Compensation for Veterans with Mesothelioma
Veterans with asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma have found it difficult to receive compensation. They are prohibited by law to seek compensation from the government through the court system. And though they are allowed to apply for Veterans Affairs benefits for asbestos-related diseases, the burden of proof is almost impossible. The veteran must give proof that exposure to the disease occurred during military service. Since asbestos products were widely used before the 1970s, it is difficult to prove exposure occurred during the military service.
The Department of Veterans Affairs does not recognize mesothelioma as a service-connected medical condition, in which case it will refuse to treat veterans who have the disease unless they can provide undeniable proof the disease is caused by exposure to asbestos while in the military.
Verification Code: MUUMN2039
If you are a veteran with mesothelioma, let us help you. Contact us today for more information regarding your rights.