Mesothelioma is a serious and often deadly form of cancer commonly caused by exposure to asbestos. Many people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos while serving in the military, particularly in the Navy. If you or a loved one served in the military and were exposed to asbestos, it’s important to understand the compensation options that may be available to you.
The Basics of Mesothelioma Army Compensation
There are several ways that veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma can receive compensation. These include:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| VA Claims | Veterans may be eligible to receive compensation through the VA if their mesothelioma was caused by exposure to asbestos during their military service. |
| Asbestos Trust Funds | Many companies that used asbestos in their products have established trust funds to compensate people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. Veterans may be eligible to receive compensation from these trust funds. |
| Lawsuits | Veterans may be able to file a lawsuit against the company or companies responsible for their asbestos exposure. |
Understanding VA Claims for Mesothelioma
If you are a veteran who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be eligible to receive compensation through the VA. To qualify for VA benefits, you must have been exposed to asbestos during your military service and have a diagnosis of mesothelioma.
The VA offers several types of compensation for veterans with mesothelioma. These include:
Disability Compensation
Disability compensation is a tax-free benefit paid to veterans who were disabled by an injury or illness that was caused or worsened by their military service. Veterans with mesothelioma who were exposed to asbestos during their military service may be eligible for disability compensation.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
Dependency and indemnity compensation is a tax-free benefit paid to eligible survivors of certain military veterans. If a veteran with mesothelioma passes away, their spouse, children, or parents may be eligible for dependency and indemnity compensation.
Health Care
The VA provides health care to veterans with mesothelioma, including medical treatment, counseling, and other services. Veterans may be eligible for VA health care if they have a diagnosis of mesothelioma and were exposed to asbestos during their military service.
Pension
If you are a veteran with mesothelioma and you meet certain income and asset requirements, you may be eligible for a VA pension.
Special Monthly Compensation
Special monthly compensation is a tax-free benefit paid to veterans who have certain disabilities or combinations of disabilities. Veterans with mesothelioma may be eligible for special monthly compensation if they have additional service-connected disabilities.
Claims Process
The claims process for mesothelioma compensation can be complicated and time-consuming. It’s important to work with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer who can help guide you through the process and ensure that you receive the full compensation you are entitled to.
Mesothelioma Army Compensation FAQs
1. How do I know if I was exposed to asbestos?
If you served in the military, particularly in the Navy, you may have been exposed to asbestos. Many ships and other military facilities used asbestos in their construction and insulation. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your military service and whether you may have been exposed to asbestos.
2. What should I do if I have been diagnosed with mesothelioma?
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s important to seek medical treatment and to explore your compensation options. You may be eligible for compensation through the VA, asbestos trust funds, or a lawsuit. It’s important to work with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer who can help guide you through the process.
3. How much compensation am I entitled to?
The amount of compensation you are entitled to depends on several factors, including the severity of your mesothelioma, your age, your income, and other factors. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help you understand your compensation options and can help ensure that you receive the full compensation you are entitled to.
4. How long does the claims process take?
The claims process for mesothelioma compensation can take several months or even years, depending on the complexity of your case. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help expedite the process and can help ensure that you receive the full compensation you are entitled to.
5. Can family members of veterans with mesothelioma receive compensation?
Yes, family members of veterans with mesothelioma may be eligible for compensation, including dependency and indemnity compensation and wrongful death compensation.
6. How do I choose a mesothelioma lawyer?
It’s important to choose an experienced mesothelioma lawyer who has a track record of success in helping veterans with mesothelioma receive compensation. Look for a lawyer who specializes in mesothelioma cases and who has experience working with veterans.
7. What are the deadlines for filing a mesothelioma claim?
The deadlines for filing a mesothelioma claim vary depending on the type of claim and the state in which the claim is filed. It’s important to work with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer who can ensure that your claim is filed on time.
8. What types of compensation are available to veterans with mesothelioma?
Veterans with mesothelioma may be eligible for disability compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, health care, pension, and special monthly compensation.
9. Can veterans with mesothelioma receive compensation from multiple sources?
Yes, veterans with mesothelioma may be eligible to receive compensation from multiple sources, including the VA, asbestos trust funds, and lawsuits.
10. What should I do if I am denied mesothelioma compensation?
If you are denied mesothelioma compensation, it’s important to work with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer who can help you appeal the decision and ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
11. Can I receive compensation if my mesothelioma was caused by exposure to asbestos outside of my military service?
Yes, if you were exposed to asbestos outside of your military service and developed mesothelioma as a result, you may be eligible for compensation through asbestos trust funds or lawsuits.
12. How can I pay for mesothelioma treatment?
If you have mesothelioma, it’s important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. You may be able to pay for treatment through your health insurance, VA benefits, or other sources of compensation. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help you understand your options and can help ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
13. How can I get help with mesothelioma compensation?
If you need help with mesothelioma compensation, it’s important to work with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer who can help guide you through the process and ensure that you receive the full compensation you are entitled to. Look for a lawyer who specializes in mesothelioma cases and who has experience working with veterans.
Conclusion
If you or a loved one served in the military and were exposed to asbestos, it’s important to understand the compensation options that may be available to you. Veterans with mesothelioma may be eligible for VA benefits, compensation from asbestos trust funds, and lawsuits. The claims process can be complicated, but working with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help ensure that you receive the full compensation you are entitled to.
Don’t wait to explore your compensation options. Contact a mesothelioma lawyer today to learn more.
Closing Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or have been exposed to asbestos, it’s important to seek medical and legal help as soon as possible. Always consult with a qualified medical professional or mesothelioma lawyer for guidance on your specific situation.
