Mesothelioma Compensation and the Royal Navy

On 16 December 2015, the Ministry of Defence changed their policy to allow military personnel diagnosed with mesothelioma to decide whether to receive an amount in one lump sum or a traditional war pension. However, the change was not applicable to all veterans who had been diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Rhod Minall and Fred Palmer were also affected due to exposure to asbestos during their military service, or at civilian jobs. This was a great injustice to their families and the people they loved.

The law has been modified

Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of terminal cancer that is triggered by exposure to asbestos. It can take a long time for symptoms to show and once diagnosed, most sufferers have a life expectancy of one or two years.

The government's decision to alter the law is a huge step forward. In April 2016, armed forces veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma can choose select whether to receive their pension or to take a lump sum of up to PS140,000. This is significantly higher than the average civilian compensation award.

Prior to the changes, veterans of the armed forces who were diagnosed with Mesothelioma were only granted access to a War Disablement Pension. This was an income per month which was not suitable for those suffering from severe chronic diseases like mesothelioma. The War Pension Scheme did not allow lump-sum compensation.

After intense lobbying, and aided by the Royal British Legion, Asbestos Victims Support Group Forum and the Royal British Legion, the law was changed to allow veterans of the armed forces who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma access to an amount of lump sums up to PS140,000, addition to the traditional War Pension. The lump sum will be tax-free.

Previously, a mesothelioma diagnosis was a valid reason to receive a war-related disability pension of up to PS32,000 if the patient was single, divorced or widowed. Civilians suffering from mesothelioma however could receive as much as PS600,000.000 under the government's Diffuse Mesothelioma program.

The new law will be applicable to all veterans of the armed forces diagnosed with mesothelioma compensation commercial and who wish to avail this option. It is also available to those who were exposed to asbestos both during their armed forces service and in other circumstances known as "dual exposure".

Mesothelioma UK is already helping former soldiers, sailors and other military personnel with their mesothelioma claims. We can help them be aware of the new law and what is involved. We can also help clients to determine the best method of obtaining compensation. This may include tracing companies who are responsible for their asbestos exposure.

The lump amount will be PS140,000.

The amount of compensation paid to patients is determined by a range of factors including age, the effect mesothelioma has on the lifespan and the amount of care required. It is also based on the impact mesothelioma's disease has had on family members and whether or not the patient can continue to work.

Asbestos sufferers must seek compensation from asbestos exposure responsible parties. If they are who are unable to identify the responsible parties, a government scheme pays a lump sum to victims of mesothelioma. The average amount paid is around PS144,000.

Former servicemen who were diagnosed with diffuse mesothelioma were only able to claim an income for war-related disability under the Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme 2008 This is a monthly payment that is based on the person's age and degree of disability. This is a smaller amount than the mesothelioma for civilians settlement, which is in the six figures.

Fred Minall from Northampton who served in the Royal Navy as a naval engineering officer between 1957 and 1964 has been informed that he has the right to a lump-sum payment of PS140,000 under the new law. He suffers mesothelioma which is an incurable lung condition caused by exposure to asbestos.

Simpson Millar, a mesothelioma lawyer, believes this is a significant victory for veterans suffering from mesothelioma. The majority of Navy personnel, as well as many civilians, were docked in US ports during their career which exposed them to asbestos-related toxins. This is because of the extensive use of asbestos in American ships during this period. Symptoms of mesothelioma can take a long time to manifest and, as a result, veterans are often left with fewer options for compensation.

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that mesothelioma sufferers who were not previously awarded a war pension will receive a lump sum amounting to PS140,000. This is a significant increase over the amount that non-married veterans suffering from mesothelioma compensation after death receive under the Diffuse Mesothelioma scheme.

The new payment will be subtracted from the current war pension an individual receives. It is therefore important that anyone with mesothelioma who is considering applying for this benefit seeks advice from an experienced mesothelioma lawyer to ensure that they are getting the best deal.

It's a win for Royal British Legion

The Royal British Legion has issued an abrasive critique of the government for failing to keep its promise to legislate the military covenant. The charity has asked the minister to explain why the government isn't respecting its promise to veterans. It has also threatened to withdraw from several forums where it has been working with the Ministry of Defence.

Engagement of the Legion with the MoD is crucial, but it must be more productive to ensure that the needs of the community are met in a way that has a positive impact on their lives. It is therefore vital that the feedback loop in forums is improved to ensure that all issues that are not being addressed are recognized and the reasons for this are made clear.

As the UK's oldest and largest Armed Forces charity, the Royal British Legion is at the center of an entire national network that offers assistance to members of the Armed Forces and their families. They are also the organization that is best placed to understand the issues that those who serve, have served and their widows and widowers.

The fact that patients with mesothelioma are usually left without financial security is among their main issues. The compensation due to mesothelioma, Going Listed here, that is available is usually not enough to cover the costs of treatment or living expenses, and it is often not possible to get a mortgage.

This is particularly relevant to Navy veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma because asbestos was utilized in shipbuilding and other Naval activities. Many veterans are struggling to manage the symptoms of their disease and the impact it has on their financial health.

There are numerous organizations that can help. For instance, mesothelioma lawyers can assist in obtaining legal compensation for sufferers, which can be used to pay for treatment or cover essential living costs. In addition, mesothelioma sufferers can also make claims for compensation from companies who supplied asbestos-containing products.

Veterans will be delighted.

The Ministry of Defence announced that Navy veterans suffering from mesothelioma will be able to access a lump-sum payment of PS140,000. This will enable them to have significant financial aid to ease the financial pressure that mesothelioma has caused for their families.

Former service members who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma are sure to appreciate this news. The law has been amended so that they can be paid the same amount as civilian sufferers who have mesothelioma compensation claims.

The change is a result of campaigning by the Royal British Legion and other groups, which led to the Prime Minister agreeing to look at the issue. The MoD's decision to change its policy will allow a number of dying veterans who would have been eligible for a pension to receive a lump sum. This will give them the peace of mind they seek and the financial security they need to live out the rest of their lives.

Asbestos is linked to mesothelioma. Although the symptoms can take decades to show up, just one exposure can increase the risk. The majority of mesothelioma patients were exposed to asbestos while working, and this includes in Navy shipyards. The UK law changed in the last year to allow workers to sue employers if they were exposed to asbestos in the workplace, but many veterans are still unaware of the possibility of seeking compensation from the government.

Mesothelioma is a devastating cancer and there aren't words to express the extent it has affected many lives. The decision of the government regarding how to address the unfair treatment of veterans is a major victory.

However, it's not enough stop the suffering of mesothelioma patients and their families. They also have to seek compensation from companies who supplied the military with asbestos products. Depending on the shipyards, bases, and ships they worked on, veterans may be able to claim trust fund compensation against various corporations. This could include a range of large multinationals that have an history of selling asbestos-related products to the US Navy and other branches of the military.