According to research, veterans account for over 30% of all mesothelioma cases in America. Fortunately, veterans with mesothelioma can recover compensation through the Veterans Affairs (VA) Office. Veterans with mesothelioma can receive state-of-the-art treatment through the VA. Additionally, the VA allows surviving loved ones to apply for compensation. If you are a veteran with mesothelioma or a surviving loved one of a veteran who died after developing mesothelioma, read on to learn about, among other things, the types of VA benefits available to veterans with mesothelioma and surviving loved ones.
How Did Veterans Get Exposed to Asbestos?
All military branches used asbestos-contaminated products, including the navy, army, air force, marine corps, and coast guard. Military personnel who served in these branches were at risk of asbestos exposure. Asbestos in the military was used in vehicles, ships, and aircraft. This mesothelioma-causing substance was used anywhere at risk of fire. Unfortunately, because of the large volume of asbestos produced for the military, a generation of veterans got exposed to asbestos, thus resulting in a significant number of veterans developing mesothelioma.
VA Benefits for Veterans With Mesothelioma
As already mentioned, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides benefits to veterans with mesothelioma. Many veterans who have developed mesothelioma after suffering asbestos exposure during their time in the military are eligible for VA benefits. Generally, as long as a veteran was honorably discharged from the military and developed mesothelioma during their service, they can recover VA benefits.
So, what benefits and assistance does the VA provide for veterans with mesothelioma? The types of benefits and assistance available for veterans with mesothelioma include;
- Disability benefits
- Health care coverage
- Aid and Attendance (A&A), which are for veterans who need a caregiver.
- Pensions
- Housebound benefits (for veterans who cannot leave their homes because of a disability).
Also, the VA offers help to surviving loved ones. The two main types of VA benefits for surviving loved ones are Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and Survivors Pension. However, the veteran must not have been dishonorably discharged from the military for surviving family members to recover VA benefits.
Other Mesothelioma Compensation Options for Veterans
If you are a veteran with mesothelioma or a surviving loved one of a veteran who died after developing mesothelioma, you should know that you have other compensation options apart from the VA. Veterans and surviving family members of veterans have the right to take legal action against parties that led to the asbestos exposure, just like other people. For example, as a veteran with mesothelioma or a loved one of a veteran who died after developing mesothelioma, you can file a lawsuit or seek compensation from an asbestos trust fund.
If you are a veteran with mesothelioma or a surviving loved one of a veteran who died after developing mesothelioma, it is vital that you speak to a mesothelioma lawyer for veterans. Such a lawyer can assess your case and advise you on how to seek compensation.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.