Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure, and members of the military face a much higher risk of exposure than most of the civilian population. If you served in the military and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, veterans’ benefits could be a valuable lifeline to you and your family. It’s important to hire a mesothelioma lawyer who can help you understand all of your legal options after receiving this life-changing diagnosis.
Asbestos was widely used in many applications for decades across the US. Members of the military may have been exposed to asbestos while stationed in older military facilities, while working aboard naval vessels, and while performing crucial work in utility rooms, boiler rooms, and power plants on military bases.
Despite the well-known health risks of asbestos exposure, the American Cancer Society reports that there are about 3,000 new mesothelioma cases diagnosed nationwide each year. This is largely due to the fact that mesothelioma has a long latency period, usually taking decades for noticeable symptoms to appear.
You may have been recently diagnosed, but an attorney may trace the source of your exposure to your military service many years ago. Your attorney can review your military service record and look at the various places you lived and worked during your time in the military, cross-referencing this list with known military sites identified as asbestos exposure risks. Once you determine the source of your condition, your attorney can explain your legal options.
Mesothelioma is an incurable and terminal cancer. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of this cancer, which forms in the lungs, and the average five-year survival rate for all stages of pleural mesothelioma is just 15%. Early detection can prolong life expectancy and make treatment more effective, but ultimately, everyone diagnosed with mesothelioma will eventually require palliative care.
An experienced mesothelioma attorney can help you determine when, where, and how you were most likely exposed to asbestos. Some individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma are eligible to file claims to mesothelioma trust funds or personal injury cases against specific defendants. Members of the military may have these options available, but they are also eligible to claim benefits from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA).
Claiming Mesothelioma Veterans Benefits
The VA provides medical treatment to current and former servicemembers of the US military. When a member of the military is discharged from service due to a medical condition, they can not only receive treatment from VA medical providers, but also receive disability benefits to help them when they are unable to work due to their medical conditions.
When a military veteran applies for VA disability benefits, they are typically assigned a disability rating based on the severity of their condition and how much it prevents them from working. Mesothelioma typically qualifies for full disability and the maximum benefit allotment. An experienced mesothelioma attorney can help you with the claim-filing process and verify that you receive an acceptable benefits determination.
In addition to this disability compensation and VA health care, veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma may also qualify to receive Special Monthly Compensation if they require help with everyday tasks, such as eating, bathing, or dressing, or if they require regular help with their everyday life due to their medical condition.
Ultimately, if you are a military veteran who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s a good idea to hire a mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible after your diagnosis. The team at Wallace & Graham, PA can not only help you claim VA disability benefits but also explore any additional avenues of legal recourse that may be available to you. Reach out to our firm as soon as possible to learn more about our legal services.
FAQs
What Are Asbestos Exposure Risks in the Military?
A few of the asbestos exposure risks in the military include living and working in older military buildings that may still contain asbestos, working inside ships or shipyards where asbestos-containing materials have historically been commonly used, and working inside utility rooms and boiler rooms that may contain asbestos insulation or pipe coverings.
What Is the VA Disability Rating for Mesothelioma?
The VA disability rating for mesothelioma is almost always full disability, meaning the claimant will qualify to receive the maximum monthly disability benefits payment. Filing for benefits is usually a straightforward process, but it’s a good idea to speak with a mesothelioma attorney in case you need help gathering specific documentation you must submit with your benefits application. Your attorney can also help address any issues that may arise.
How Much Compensation Can I Claim for Mesothelioma?
The total amount of compensation you can claim for mesothelioma depends on the specific details of your case, how you were exposed to asbestos, and other variables. You should hire a mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible after your diagnosis so they can accurately determine the full extent of your legal options and assist you with recovering compensation.
Is Mesothelioma Curable?
No, mesothelioma is not curable. This is a terminal diagnosis, and life expectancy following diagnosis varies on a case-by-case basis based on individual medical variables, such as genetic predisposition to cancer, lifestyle, and more. Early detection can make treatment more effective, and treatment primarily focuses on symptom management and slowing the spread of the cancer as much as possible.
Why Should I Hire a Mesothelioma Lawyer?
You should hire a mesothelioma lawyer to help you prove that your mesothelioma directly resulted from asbestos exposure during your time in military service. Additionally, your attorney can help you explore any alternative avenues of compensation that may be available to you, and you are more likely to reach a favorable outcome in your case with their help.
Veterans may have access to extensive benefits from the VA for their mesothelioma diagnoses, but they often need help with these claims and other legal proceedings related to this disease. If you or a family member is a military servicemember or veteran diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact Wallace & Graham, PA as soon as possible to learn how our team can help you claim the mesothelioma veterans’ benefits you need.
About the author:
William M. Graham
Managing Partner of
Wallace & Graham, P.A.
William M. Graham is the Managing Partner at Wallace & Graham, P.A. in Salisbury, NC, where he focuses on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure cases. With over 30 years of legal experience, he has been admitted to the North Carolina State Bar (1991). Graham earned his J.D. from Antioch School of Law and is recognized for his dedication to clients affected by asbestos-related illnesses. His practice reflects deep expertise and commitment to client advocacy.
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