Veterans fought bravely for our country, but many now face a new fight: mesothelioma. The risk of mesothelioma is higher for veterans since asbestos was used in all branches of the U.S. military. Roughly 33% of mesothelioma cases have been shown to involve veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Veterans with mesothelioma or other asbestos diseases may be eligible to receive VA benefits, health care, and compensation from legal claims.
Veterans and Asbestos Exposure
Americans who served in the U.S. military are at risk of mesothelioma, a deadly cancer linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally mineral that resists fire and heat, making it useful in a thousands of applications and products.
For most of the 20th century, asbestos was used in every ship built by the U.S. military. Trucks, tanks, and barracks were also built with asbestos-containing products — exposing thousands of active-duty service members.
All military branches relied on asbestos, including the:
Veterans exposed to asbestos may be able to pursue financial compensation with the help of an experienced mesothelioma law firm like Sokolove Law.
Billions Recovered Nationwide
At Sokolove Law, we’ve recovered over $4.7 Billion for thousands of mesothelioma patients and their families nationwide. Let us get you the results you deserve.
Legal Help for Veterans with Mesothelioma
Filing a claim for VA benefits is not the only option for veterans with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
Veterans exposed to asbestos may be able to pursue compensation:
- Through a legal claim that ends in a mesothelioma settlement or verdict
- From asbestos trust funds established by manufacturers of asbestos-containing products that declared bankruptcy
When you work with Sokolove Law, we’ll handle every step of the legal process on your behalf, from building your legal case to filing a claim for benefits.
Call our team right now at (800) 647-3434 if you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease. It costs nothing to speak with us.
He said, “You have all your paperwork in order?” I said, “Yes I do.” He said, “Well, keep it there” Nobody ever said anything, about it being dangerous. The powers at be knew. I said, “Well, heck with this noise. They’re gonna hear from me.” I wasn’t suing the government, I wasn’t suing the U.S. Navy, I was suing the manufacturer. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, you may be entitled to compensation.
Mesothelioma Legal Claims
By filing a legal claim, veterans may seek additional compensation from the asbestos companies that are responsible for their exposure and the disease that it caused.
The vast majority mesothelioma lawsuits settle before reaching the court, and many of our clients begin receiving compensation within 90 days.
Average Mesothelioma Settlement Amount
At Sokolove Law, our VA-accredited mesothelioma lawyers have helped thousands of veterans. In addition to building your case, we will also pursue compensation from all of the avenues available to you, maximizing the money you may receive.
Just a few of the past results we’ve been able to secure for veterans of the U.S. military include:
$40 Million VerdictOccupation: U.S. Navy Veteran
$3.4 Million SettlementOccupation: U.S. Army Veteran and Laborer
$5.5 Million SettlementOccupation: U.S. Navy Veteran and Mechanic
$3 Million SettlementOccupation: U.S. Army Veteran and Union Electrician
- $6.5 Million settlement for a U.S. Army veteran and oil field worker
- $3.5 Million awarded to a U.S. Navy pipefitter and union insulator
- $9.3 Million settlement for a U.S. Navy veteran in Massachusetts
- $2 Million secured for a U.S Navy officer from Maine
Asbestos Trust Funds
Many asbestos-related companies started claiming bankruptcy to avoid the lawsuits filed against them by sick and dying former employees. The courts ordered them to set aside money in asbestos trust funds that would be available for current and future victims of asbestos exposure.
Estimated Amount in Asbestos Trust Funds
In many cases, veterans with mesothelioma were exposed to several different asbestos products, potentially allowing them to pursue compensation from multiple trust funds — oftentimes without going to court.
We can handle every step of the asbestos claims process for you, so you can focus on your health and your family. During your free legal consultation, we can review the details of your exposure and let you know if you may have a case.
Get Compensation Without Going to Court
Our mesothelioma lawyers can determine if you’re eligible for asbestos trust fund compensation — at no cost to you.
Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure in the U.S. Military
Because asbestos had so many uses in construction, the U.S. military relied on this toxic material in all of its branches. In fact, service members often came into direct contact with asbestos. Many veterans handled asbestos as part of their roles in constructing buildings, ships, or aircraft.
Common areas that exposed workers to asbestos include:
- Aircraft
- Barracks
- Boiler rooms
- Engine rooms
- Mess halls
- U.S. Navy ships
- Shipyards
- Vehicles
Due to the sheer volume of asbestos that was used in the construction of 20th-century ships, U.S. Navy veterans, in particular, are at the highest risk of developing an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma.
That is not to exclude other branches of the military. No matter what branch, or what role, most veterans who served may have experienced some form of exposure to asbestos dust during active-duty service.
Learn More About Asbestos Exposure & Mesothelioma
At-Risk Roles in the U.S. Military for Mesothelioma
While all veterans are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma than the general population, certain roles within the U.S. military involved higher amounts of asbestos exposure than others.
U.S. military jobs with a high risk of asbestos exposure include:
- Aircraft mechanics
- Boiler room workers
- Carpenters
- Insulators
- Pipefitters
- Technicians
- Shipbuilders
- Shipyard workers
- Vehicle mechanics
- Welders
Our veterans made great sacrifices during their military service — they shouldn’t have to forfeit their golden years because of an asbestos-related illness. For this reason, Sokolove Law is proud to provide legal help to U.S. military veterans with mesothelioma.
You may be eligible for compensation that we can fight for on your behalf. Get the help you deserve now.
Secondhand Asbestos Exposure
Unfortunately, the dangers of asbestos aren’t limited to those directly exposed to the toxic mineral. If you came in contact with asbestos, the dangerous mineral's fibers may remain on your clothing and travel home with you.
Anyone who may come in contact with you may then be put at risk of secondhand asbestos exposure. Sadly, many family members of exposed veterans have been diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases as a result.
Mesothelioma Veterans Benefits
Asbestos lawsuits rose in the 1970s and 1980s, and the U.S. military stopped using the mineral as a result. Still, active military members face risks to this day because asbestos from the past lingers behind in older military bases, buildings, equipment, ships, and vehicles.
Veterans who have developed an asbestos-related disease like mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis may seek benefits and resources through a number of different avenues.
One especially common route for veterans is seeking help through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which offers mesothelioma VA benefits and financial compensation for those that qualify.
Qualifying veterans with mesothelioma can receive monetary benefits for:
- At-home caregivers and nursing
- Burial and memorial services
- Surviving spouses, dependents, and next of kin
- Disability based on the level of impairment
- Mesothelioma treatments at a specialized medical center
- Medications
- Mobility and other medical equipment
- Therapy and mental health counseling
By filing for benefits through the VA, veterans with mesothelioma are making a decision to seek better treatment options and monthly compensation that may help them prolong their lives.
As of December 2022, the monthly payment for 100% VA disability claims is $3,621.95 for a single veteran. The amount is higher for veterans with families.
The case managers at Sokolove Law are available 24/7 to answer questions for veterans with mesothelioma who need assistance with filing for VA benefits and other forms of compensation.
How to Apply for VA Benefits
Since most veterans are not well versed in the legal system, they might not know how to navigate the VA claims process or get all the benefits entitled to them.
By working with a VA-accredited mesothelioma lawyer like Ricky LeBlanc at Sokolove Law, you can get licensed help:
- Filing your VA claim for mesothelioma veterans benefits
- Detailing and proving your asbestos exposure to ensure you receive benefits
- Securing additional benefits, even if you’ve already filed a claim
- Navigating the appeals process if you’ve previously been denied claims with the VA
Your legal team will gather the following items to prove your eligibility and file an asbestos VA claim:
- Discharge documentation
- Exposure summary
- Medical records
- Proof of exposure
If a veteran or their loved one files a claim improperly, they could be denied — or they may receive a smaller amount than they need to pay for their medical treatments.
As a result, they could lose out on benefits and government-sponsored services.
Types of VA Benefits for Mesothelioma
Filing for VA benefits can be a confusing and long-winded process when you consider all the necessary paperwork, proof of asbestos exposure and, in some cases, disability appeals.
Working with a VA-accredited mesothelioma lawyer can help take the headache out of this complicated procedure.
Veterans with mesothelioma may have multiple types of VA benefits available to them, including:
- VA Disability Compensation
- VA Pensions
- VA Health Care
VA Disability Compensation
Veterans who have developed a service-related disability or disease may be eligible to receive disability compensation through the VA. Upon filing a disability claim, the VA will provide veterans with a disability rating that helps determine how much compensation they may be owed.
Mesothelioma usually qualifies for 100% coverage on the VA’s disability scale, so veterans with mesothelioma may be eligible to receive the highest compensation amount available. As of December 2022, a 100% VA disability rating qualifies for $3,621.95 per month.
VA Pension
The Veterans Pension and Survivors Pension benefit programs were created by the VA to help veterans and their families cope better with medical and financial challenges through monthly pension payments.
VA Health Care
The VA Health Care System offers world-class care for eligible veterans. Enrolled veterans can gain access to preventive, primary, and specialty care, in addition to home health care, geriatrics and extended care, and medical equipment.
The VA Health Care System has a partnership with world-renowned mesothelioma doctors like Dr. Robert Cameron in Los Angeles.
And if they’re not located in your state, don’t worry — the VA may even pay for your travel expenses to see mesothelioma specialists out of state if you have a referral from your local VA doctor.
Our Military Asbestos Exposure Lawyers Are Proud to Serve Veterans
Much of our mesothelioma law firm’s success has been earned by working side-by-side with veterans who are now fighting for their lives. Having helped thousands of veterans and their families pursue justice, our firm is primed to assist mesothelioma victims well into the future.
At Sokolove Law, our VA-accredited mesothelioma attorneys can help eligible veterans pursue compensation through every avenue available.
We’ve secured over $4.7 Billion for our mesothelioma clients over the last 40 years.
If you are a veteran with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease that you believe is a result of your service in the U.S. Armed Forces, we strongly encourage you to reach out to us today.
We want to listen to your story, and we want to help — get started today with a free case review.
Mesothelioma Veterans FAQs
How many veterans have mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma affects around 3,000 Americans each year, according to the American Cancer Society. U.S. military veterans make up roughly one-third of mesothelioma cases.
Sadly, because it can take 20-50 years for symptoms of mesothelioma to appear, many additional veterans may be living with the disease without realizing it.
Which U.S. service branch had the highest risk of asbestos exposure?
The U.S. Navy had the highest rate of asbestos use, which is why U.S. Navy veterans are among the most impacted by asbestos in the United States.
That said, asbestos was used in every branch of the military from the 1930s until the early 1980s, which puts nearly 20 million former soldiers at risk of developing an asbestos-related disease.
How do I know if I am eligible for mesothelioma veterans benefits?
Get a free case review today for help determining if you’re eligible for mesothelioma veterans benefits and proving your asbestos exposure history.
In order to receive mesothelioma disability benefits, veterans must show they were:
- Diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease (like asbestosis or lung cancer)
- Exposed to asbestos during their service to our country
- Honorably discharged
Our team can help you prepare and file your VA claim for benefits today.
What can a lawyer do for veterans exposed to asbestos?
VA-accredited lawyers like Sokolove Law’s managing attorney Ricky LeBlanc can handle every step of the legal process for veterans with mesothelioma while helping to prepare, present, and prosecute claims for mesothelioma veterans benefits.
How can I access veterans health care and financial benefits?
To get disability VA benefits, you have to be a veteran and file a claim for disability compensation through the VA. Veterans with mesothelioma can apply for benefits online or in person at a local VA office.
Your claim should include the following documents, all of which your legal team can help you get:
- Medical records proving mesothelioma diagnosis and probable cause
- Service records indicating the veteran’s job, specialty, and time served
- A doctor’s statement identifying a link between a veteran’s exposure to asbestos and the development of a disease
Working with a VA-accredited lawyer can make this process much easier for you. Get a free case review today to see if we can help you.
Can I file a lawsuit in addition to receiving VA benefits?
Potentially, yes. Veterans (or their surviving family members) can file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit against the asbestos companies responsible for their disease.
Pursuing compensation through a lawsuit does not affect a veteran’s ability to collect mesothelioma VA benefits.
Can I file a claim with asbestos trust funds?
In many cases, yes. Asbestos trust funds have been established by bankrupt asbestos product manufacturers to compensate victims after the company has gone insolvent.
Mesothelioma patients who have gotten sick by working directly with asbestos or were otherwise exposed to asbestos-containing products made by a company that has an established trust may be able to access these funds.
Receiving compensation from asbestos trust funds does not affect your ability to collect mesothelioma VA benefits.
