Mesothelioma and the Army Compensation Program

Mesothelioma is a painful illness that often impacts veterans who served in the United States Army. These service members may qualify for compensation from asbestos trust funds and lawsuits.

Veterans of the Army were exposed to asbestos in barracks, vehicles, and aircraft. They may also have been exposed asbestos while working in Navy shipyards.

Symptoms

There are a myriad of symptoms mesothelioma patients might suffer from. Patients should be aware of their symptoms and notify their doctor if they experience changes.

Most patients suffering from mesothelioma suffer from pain and fluid accumulation in the chest or abdomen. Some patients may also feel fatigued, coughing or loss of appetite. Some of these symptoms are similar to those experienced with other illnesses, so some veterans may not be able to associate mesothelioma for the first time. According to the amount of asbestos exposure, certain symptoms are more apparent than others. High levels of asbestos exposure usually cause symptoms to come on more quickly than low-level exposure. As the disease progresses the symptoms of mesothelioma can change. This is known as metastasis.

Asbestos occurs naturally. It is durable, heat-resistant and is used in a variety of construction materials and military vehicles. Asbestos fibers can be airborne and inhalation is a primary method of mesothelioma exposure. Mesothelioma as well as peritoneal mesothelio pleural mesothelioma are caused by inhaling or ingestion of asbestos particles that are microscopic. Asbestos exposure has been linked to a range of medical conditions, including lung cancer.

The symptoms of mesothelioma vary from mild to severe, and it can affect the lungs and abdomen and abdomen, as well as joints and the heart. The majority of asbestos-related diseases can take between 10 and fifty years to develop.

Many veterans who were in the Army were exposed to asbestos in a variety of ways. They could have worked at military bases and in factories that manufactured asbestos-containing equipment, and on Navy vessels where asbestos was extensively used. Veterans who worked on Navy vessels in the fields of piping, milling, and shipyard work, as well as insulation, demolition, old buildings, carpentry and insulation are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

The majority of patients with pleural Mesothelioma are afflicted with breathing difficulties and chest pain in the beginning. They might also suffer from a pleural effusion, which is the accumulation of fluid inside the pleura which connects the lungs and chest. Pleural effusions may limit the lungs' capacity to expand when breathing. Inflammation and pleural thickening are common among mesothelioma patients.

As mesothelioma worsens patients who are affected will notice these symptoms become worse. Patients may suffer from fatigue, fever and a loss in appetite. Some mesothelioma patients have blood clots, which can be dangerous to their health. Patients can also experience difficulty swallowing, a condition that is known as dysphagia.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a cancer that is triggered by asbestos, so a mesothelioma diagnosis will likely require undergoing certain tests and an examination. Asbestos victims should seek out a mesothelioma specialist to perform the testing to prevent an incorrect diagnosis. A misdiagnosis could hinder patients from receiving the appropriate treatment and could cause the disease to spread more quickly.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma they'll order an imaging test to find any masses in the chest or abdomen. This may include the use of a CT scan, an MRI or an X-ray. The next step is to take the sample of tissue or fluid to be examined under microscope. A biopsy is the most conclusive method of confirming mesothelioma diagnosis.

The doctor will then determine if the sample is pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma and help them decide the best treatment for the patient. The biopsy can also help doctors determine the type of mesothelioma cells which can have an impact on the patient's prognosis.

The most well-known form of mesothelioma epithelioid is most common. This type grows more slowly than other cancerous cells, making it easier for doctors to treat. This type may also be found in the lungs, however it is typically less serious than pleural mesothelioma.

When the results of the biopsy are revealed, a specialist will determine the most appropriate treatment options for the patient. The doctor will also establish a prognosis based on the type of mesothelioma and the rate of growth.

Veterans with mesothelioma who have a military history of asbestos exposure could be qualified for compensation. Contact a VA-accredited claims representative to determine if you are eligible for benefits if you were exposed to asbestos while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Treatment

The type of malignant mesothelioma that a patient has and its stage determine treatment options. People with pleural mesothelioma often undergo surgery to relieve breathlessness due to the build-up of fluid in the chest cavity. The surgeon can use VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or open surgery to remove a portion of the wall of the chest and lung. A tube could also be inserted in the chest to drain fluid around the lungs several times a week.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is treated similar to pleural mesothelioma army compensation, however with less extensive surgery. Surgery can involve removing certain parts of the abdomen, such as the diaphragm and peritoneum. Mesothelioma patients may receive chemotherapy and radiation after surgery to kill cancer cells that remain.

Some patients with mesothelioma might not meet the criteria for surgery, even if their doctors believe they can be treated surgically. In these instances medical professionals may suggest palliative treatment to ease symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, and pain.

Mesothelioma can recur after treatment. The cancer may recur in the exact spot where it first began or spread to other regions of the body. In the event of recurrence, it can be more difficult to treat the mesothelioma.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally is renowned for its durability and resistance to heat. It was used in a variety of Army construction projects, including insulation and vehicles. When asbestos fibers are disturbed, they can be airborne and inhaling them can lead to a number of serious health issues.

The VA recognizes mesothelioma as being a service-connected disease. Veterans are eligible for financial aid to cover their treatment. A knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyer will help veterans receive the disability benefits they need.

Financial Assistance

The treatment for mesothelioma can be expensive. However, veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma are able to receive financial assistance. Veterans can receive compensation in form of disability benefits or settlements arising from mesothelioma suit. The compensation offered by these programs can help veterans pay for their medical expenses, as well as daily living costs.

Asbestos lawyers help veterans get the compensation they deserve for their asbestos exposure or mesothelioma. A knowledgeable lawyer can assist a veteran make a mesothelioma claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs, or pursue a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit against companies who are responsible for their asbestos exposure.

Most mesothelioma compensation payouts patients and their survivors are eligible for compensation from the VA since mesothelioma has been classified as a disease that is connected to service. The kind of asbestos exposure determines eligibility. Asbestos exposure is more likely to occur in Navy veterans who have worked in shipyards than Army veterans.

If a mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed, the patient can apply for an annual disability compensation for mesothelioma victims payment through the VA. The amount of the compensation depends on the degree of the disability resulting from mesothelioma. The VA also covers funeral and burial costs for those who have died from mesothelioma.

Veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses can also seek compensation from the asbestos trust funds and the manufacturers accountable for their exposure to asbestos. A mesothelioma suit can result in a settlement that is substantial for the victims and their family members.

Many nonprofit organizations provide grants to mesothelioma patients for travel, housing and other expenses associated with their cancer treatment. These grants are available to mesothelioma patients and their survivors. They can assist in paying for medical expenses and ease the financial burden.

Mesothelioma victims and their families are faced with a myriad of financial challenges due to the cost of mesothelioma treatments. Compensation from various sources could help them pay for these costs. Compensation from the VA mesothelioma fund, the VA and personal injury or wrongful-death lawsuit settlements against asbestos-related companies can be included. A lawyer can help a mesothelioma patient and their family members in pursuing compensation to cover medical expenses.