Military asbestos exposure has resulted in veterans making up around 33% of all mesothelioma cases in the U.S. As a deadly form of cancer, victims are entitled to VA disability benefits and compensation either through personal injury lawsuits against manufacturers.
Asbestos use was widespread in the U.S. military during the 20th century, particularly during and after WWII, accounting for 60% of the world’s production by 1942. The reliance on its heat-resistant and insulating properties led to asbestos being a commonly used material in the U.S. military until the 1970s.
It wasn’t until the 1980s that it truly began to be phased out. But that was far too late for so many army veterans who, decades later, are suffering from mesothelioma’s delayed symptoms and effects.
Veterans may be entitled to dual compensation, from VA benefits and manufacturer lawsuits. This includes coverage from the 2022 PACT Act, which expanded VA benefits for asbestos-related conditions, post 9/11.
Why Military Veterans Face High Asbestos Exposure Risk
Asbestos was integral to the manufacturing of navy ships, aircraft, and vehicles during the 20th century due to its durability and extreme heat resistance. It was used across all branches (Navy, Army, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard).
Sadly, its health effects were overlooked. Shipyards, aircraft, vehicles, roofing, and boiler rooms were particularly likely to use these materials in boilers, brakes, gaskets, roofing, electrical wiring, and insulation.
Anyone who worked around them (particularly in the navy) was likely to inhale asbestos fibers, which became lodged in the lungs. This was exacerbated by the lack of protective gear, warnings, or even ventilation in the pre-1980s period.
The result is often mesothelioma, a rare yet aggressive cancer that affects the lungs, abdomen, and heart.
U.S. Military Branch Specific Asbestos Exposure
Navy Veterans
Navy veterans are believed to have experienced the highest rates of military asbestos exposure, with 18 Military Occupational Specialties considered “highly probable” for exposure by the Department of Defense. The Navy Veterans Mesothelioma Center even reports that “roughly 1 in 3 mesothelioma patients is a Navy veteran or shipyard worker”.
The U.S. Navy heavily relied on asbestos’s heat resistance qualities throughout the 1930s to 1980s on ships and submarines.
Navy veteran John Conway, and mesothelioma survivor, is quoted as saying the asbestos leaking from pipes below deck would often “look like it was snowing down there”.
Army Veterans and Asbestos
Army vehicle mechanics, construction engineers, and electricians faced a high risk of military asbestos exposure by working around bases, barracks, vehicles, planes, weapons, and other construction equipment throughout the 1930s to 1980s, during deployments around the globe.
Air Force Veterans
Military aircraft, aircraft carriers, and equipment were packed with asbestos products. Throughout engines, turbines, insulation, heat shields, and electronics, personnel were in close contact with it. As a result, many are likely to have had high levels of exposure.
Marine Corps Veterans
The U.S. Marine Corps served as combat engineers, mechanics of amphibious assault vehicles, and in base construction, which meant they were at times living in very much asbestos environments. Exposure was high, particularly in older units.
Coast Guard
Coast Guard veterans have, understandably, a similar level of exposure to Navy veterans, making them one of the highest risks for mesothelioma. Many Coast Guards served on ships with asbestos until as late as 1991, with those on Cutters, particularly at risk due to the engine rooms heavily insulated with asbestos.
Asbestos-Related Diseases in Veterans
Mesothelioma
Veterans account for around 30 to 33% of all U.S. mesothelioma cases, despite making up just 7 to 8% of the population.
As an aggressive cancer, it attacks the ‘mesothelium’ lining in the lungs, abdomen, and heart. Veterans are likely to see it around 20 to 50 years after exposure, and it is heartbreakingly almost always fatal, within 12 to 21 months of diagnosis.
Lung Cancer
Approximately 4% of U.S. lung cancers are caused by asbestos exposure. The cancer starts in the lungs, causing tumors in the airways or the air sacs that help us breathe. It can take decades to develop.
It usually takes decades for asbestos lung cancer to develop after exposure. The risk follows a dose-response, meaning it increases with both the amount and length of time someone is exposed to asbestos fibers. 1 in 4 patients survive 5 years post-diagnosis, but there is an increased risk with smokers.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a progressive lung scarring disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibres, which lodge in the alveoli. While no cure exists, it is progressive but not directly fatal like cancer.
Pleural Effusion
All asbestos fibers have the potential to cause pleural effusion, which is a buildup of excess fluid around the lungs in the pleural space. It is typically a symptom of an underlying cause such as cancer or heart failure.
VA Disability Benefits for Military Asbestos Exposure
Veterans diagnosed with conditions such as mesothelioma may be eligible for VA disability compensation. Benefits can range from $175 to $3831 per month, based on your disability rating and the number of dependents. In most mesothelioma and lung cancer cases, the disability is 100%, bringing the highest payout.
PACT Act Coverage
The PACT Act is a law set up to expand VA health care and benefits for veterans who have been exposed to toxic substances. In 2024, it was expanded to help millions of Veterans earlier than ever before. Asbestos is one of the toxic substances that it covers.
How to File a VA Claim for Asbestos
To file for VA disability benefits, you need to file VA Form 21-526EZ either online here or by mail. It typically takes 4-8 months to process. You will be required to provide:
- DD-214 (discharge papers)
- Medical records with a diagnosis
- Medical nexus letter (doctor connects service to illness)
- Military asbestos exposure summary (where, when, how)
- Service records showing assignments
- Buddy statements from fellow service members
Filing Asbestos Lawsuits as a Veteran
Any veteran who has suffered as a result of military asbestos exposure has the right to file a lawsuit. However, note that you are not suing the military or government.
Instead, you’ll be targeting asbestos manufacturers, such as Johns-Manville, Owens-Illinois, and General Electric, who sold products to the military.
There are three types of legal claims you can make:
- Personal injury lawsuit: For living veterans.
- Wrongful death claims: For surviving family members
- Asbestos trust fund claims: For living veterans against bankrupt manufacturers.
What Compensation Covers
Compensation can cover:
- Medical expenses (treatment costs)
- Lost wages/diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship (wrongful death)
- Funeral expenses (wrongful death)
Why Veterans Should Pursue Both Paths
Veterans are entitled to pursue both VA benefits and personal injury lawsuits. Taking both options ensures both monthly income (via VA benefits) and a lump-sum compensation (from the lawsuit). This can give maximum financial support for families whose medical bills, a loss of income, trauma, and other pain and suffering have impacted.
FAQs on Asbestos and Military Veterans
1. Can you get VA disability for asbestos exposure?
Yes. Veterans who suffered asbestos exposure can apply for VA disability via VA Form 21-526EZ online or by mail.
2. What can I do if I was exposed to asbestos in the military?
If you were exposed to dangerous levels of asbestos in the military, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the manufacturers, in addition to VA disability benefits.
3. Is asbestos part of the PACT Act?
Yes. Asbestos was added to VA health care and benefits via the 2022 PACT Act.
4. How much is the VA compensation for military asbestos exposure?
VA disability benefits for asbestos exposure range from $175 to $3,831, depending on the disability rating. However, it tends to be on the high end. Compensation from lawsuits can be lump-sums as high as multi-millions.
5. What military bases had asbestos?
Nearly every U.S. military base built before the 1980s contained asbestos. In particular:
- Air Force bases such as Lackland AFB, Randolph AFB, and Scott AFB.
- Army bases such as Fort Bragg, Fort Hood, and Fort Lewis.
- Overseas bases such as Aviano, Kadena, and Ramstein.
6. Is a lawsuit for asbestos made against the military and government?
No. Veteran lawsuits for mesothelioma and asbestos are made against manufacturers, not the military or government. This includes multi-defendant asbestos lawsuits.
Gain Legal Support for Your Military Asbestos Exposure with Shrader & Associates
Shrader & Associates welcomes any veterans or surviving family members of veterans who were diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases to a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
Our nationwide team specializes in asbestos-related personal injury claims, including multi-state representation and cases with exposure from decades back.
Our resources and understanding of military records and documentation ensure we can build a robust case that won’t interfere with your VA benefits claims.
Please call our asbestos exposure attorneys at 866-262-8170 or contact us online here to get started.