Veterans and mesothelioma diagnosis rates are often higher for those who served in the military for a variety of factors. Despite their honorable service to the nation, they face many health issues, including mesothelioma, due to various reasons, mainly their asbestos exposure throughout their service. Veterans are one of our country’s most deserving groups, with our most profound admiration and gratitude, and it’s important this disease is addressed and support provided by health professionals.
Veterans & Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen. It develops over time, often without any early symptoms, and it can take 30-40 years to manifest in the body. The primary cause of veterans and mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral used in construction materials, including floor tiles, insulation, roofing shingles, pipes, and cement.
Asbestos was widely used across all branches of the armed forces during the 20th century. It was used extensively in ships, tanks, planes, and infantry barracks. The US Navy was a significant consumer of asbestos products during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The substance was used in almost every part of a naval vessel, from gaskets and boilers to walls and ceilings. Asbestos was considered a miracle material, thanks to its heat-resistant properties and durability, and was seen as the ideal solution to many construction-related problems.
Unfortunately, the long-term dangers of asbestos were unknown until the 1970s, when the substance was finally banned in the United States. However, it was too late for people who had already been exposed to asbestos, including many veterans. Consequently, veterans and mesothelioma diagnoses often correlate together.
Support for Veterans
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), veterans diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma are entitled to disability compensation benefits or a pension. These benefits cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs. The VA also offers healthcare services to veterans with mesothelioma, including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. The VA has an extensive network of treatment facilities specializing in mesothelioma treatment, and the VA medical centers provide veterans with compassionate care and support throughout their treatment journey.
Moreover, the VA has established the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry to gather information on veterans’ exposure to toxic substances during military service. Veterans can enroll in the registry to document their exposure to environmental toxins such as asbestos, burn pits, and depleted uranium. This registry aims to improve the understanding of the health effects of environmental exposures on veterans and develop better treatments for those diagnosed with diseases linked to such exposure.
In addition, veterans who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace can file a claim against the manufacturers of asbestos-containing products. This includes filing a lawsuit against companies that supplied asbestos products to the military. Such cases are usually complex and require the expertise of a veteran-specific mesothelioma lawyer who understands the veteran’s healthcare benefits and legal rights thoroughly.
Veterans and Mesothelioma Legal Help from Shrader & Associates
Veterans who have served this country deserve timely and quality healthcare services and support. Those diagnosed with mesothelioma should immediately contact the VA or a mesothelioma lawyer for legal assistance and medical advice. Veterans and mesothelioma legal support is offered from the attorneys at Shrader & Associates. Their team of experienced attorneys is known nationally for their dedication to their clients’ causes and an aggressive approach to fighting for their best interests.
If you are a veteran that has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact the attorneys at Shrader & Associates for a free consultation and to learn more about how they can help you get the justice you deserve. https://shraderlaw.com/mesothelioma/diagnosed/