Veterans with duty-related mesothelioma can receive monthly disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The amount of benefits depends in part on the degree of disability, as determined by the VA, although vets with duty-related mesothelioma are usually given the 100 percent disability rate.
If eligible, single veterans can get about $2,800 in monthly benefits. Married veterans could collect more. Spouses and dependents may also qualify for compensation under the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation program.
That monthly benefit of $1,195 is paid to the surviving spouse of a veteran who died from a service-related disability. The VA also offers benefits to support caregivers of veterans, including home-based care.
How To Claim Disability Benefits
To qualify, a veteran must have been honorably discharged from the service, and contracted mesothelioma from his or her time on active duty.
To obtain benefits, a veteran must file the required VA form, along with supporting medical records, including a physician’s diagnosis of mesothelioma. Because it can be complicated to complete the form and gather needed records to prove mesothelioma was contracted during active service, consulting with an attorney experienced in pursuing mesothelioma disability claims is usually helpful.
After reviewing a patient’s complete record, the VA will make its benefits decision. The crucial factor is demonstrating to the VA that the asbestos exposure was primarily, if not exclusively, related to active service.
The VA will assess the level of asbestos exposure during a veteran’s military service compared to any exposure during civilian occupations. Once the VA determines a veteran is eligible for disability benefits, it then assesses the degree of disability on a scale starting at 10 percent. The VA typically gives 100 percent disability ratings to veterans with service-related mesothelioma.
Other Legal Options
Veterans should also file a lawsuit against asbestos manufacturers and suppliers, which, despite long knowing about the dangers of airborne asbestos fibers, kept that information hidden for years. A lawsuit against asbestos manufacturers, suppliers, and any other responsible parties would not involve suing any branch of the military, nor would it impact your ability to get veteran’s benefits.
Deaths Due To Asbestos Related Diseases in USA
In every region of the country, people from all walks of life are susceptible to developing mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos. The graphic below highlights areas where asbestos exposure was prevalent.
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