Mesothelioma Compensation and the Royal Navy

On the 16th of December, 2015, the Ministry of Defence changed their policy to allow service members diagnosed with mesothelioma to choose whether they want to receive a lump sum or a traditional war pension. The decision, however, did not apply 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 in civilian jobs. This was a massive injustice for them and their families.

The law has been modified

Mesothelioma is a fatal and aggressive cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos, can take decades to develop. The symptoms can take years to show up and, after being diagnosed with the disease sufferers are expected to live for one or two more years.

The decision of the Government to amend the law is a major step in the right direction. From April 2016, veterans of the armed forces diagnosed with mesothelioma can choose select whether to receive a pension or an amount of lump sum up to PS140,000. This is a much greater amount than a typical civil award.

Before the changes, veterans of the armed forces who were diagnosed with Mesothelioma only had access to the War Disablement Pension. It was a monthly income and was not appropriate for those suffering from severe long-term diseases such as mesothelioma. Furthermore it was not possible to obtain lump sum compensation under the War Pension Scheme.

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

Previously, a mesothelioma diagnosis could have earned a war disablement pension of up to PS32,000 if the patient was single or divorced. Civilians who have mesothelioma, on the other hand, can receive up PS600,000.000 under the government's Diffuse Mesothelioma program.

The new law will be applicable to all veterans of the armed services diagnosed with mesothelioma and who wish to pursue this option. It will also be available to those who were exposed to asbestos during their armed forces service and also outside of it known as 'dual exposure'.

Mesothelioma UK has already started helping former sailors and other armed personnel with mesothelioma-related claims. We can assist them to understand the new laws and the implications. We can help them determine the best way to receive compensation. This may include tracing companies that are accountable for their asbestos exposure.

The lump sum will be PS140,000.

Compensation is determined by a range of factors, including age, life expectancy following mesothelioma as well as the amount of care required. It also takes into account the impact mesothelioma's disease has caused on family members as well as whether or not the person is able to continue working.

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

Former servicemen who were diagnosed with diffuse mesothelioma compensation scheme were only eligible to claim an income for war-related disability under the Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme 2008 This is a monthly payment based on the individual's age and level of disability. This is a lower amount than the civilian mesothelioma settlement, which can be in the six figures.

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

According to mesothelioma lawyers, Simpson Millar, this is an enormous victory for patients with mesothelioma. The majority of Navy personnel and a large number of civilians, were docked at US ports throughout their careers where they were exposed harmful asbestos fibres. This is due to the widespread use of asbestos on American ships at the time. The symptoms of mesothelioma may not be apparent for a long time and leave veterans with a only a few options for compensation.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that Mesothelioma patients who had not previously been awarded an amount of war-pension, will receive up to PS140,000 in a lump-sum payment. This will be a significant improvement on the current amount that non-married veterans with mesothelioma receive under the Diffuse Mesothelioma scheme.

This new payment will however be subtracted from the current war pension an individual receives. As a result, it is important that anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma and considering applying for this new payment seeks advice from seasoned mesothelioma lawyers to ensure they receive the best deal.

It's a win for the Royal British Legion

The Royal British Legion has delivered an uncompromising rebuke to government over claims that it has not acted on its pledge to establish the military covenant in law. The charity has asked the minister to explain why the government is not honouring its commitment to veterans. It has also threatened to withdraw from several forums in which it has been working with the Ministry of Defence.

The Legion's involvement with the MoD is crucial, but it needs to be more effective to ensure that the community is taken care of in a manner that can make a difference to their lives. It is essential that the feedback loop in forums is improved to ensure that any issues that are consistently not being addressed are recognized and the reasons for this are clearly explained.

As the oldest and largest Armed Forces charity, the Royal British Legion is at the center of a national network that provides assistance to members of Armed Forces and their families. They are also the organisation that is best placed to understand the challenges faced by those who serve and have served as well as their widows and widowers.

Patients with mesothelioma are often left without financial security is one of their main concerns. The amount of compensation available is typically not enough to cover the cost of care or living expenses, and it's usually not feasible to obtain a mortgage.

Asbest was used in shipbuilding, as well as other Naval activities. Many veterans are struggling to cope with the symptoms of their disease and the impact it has on their financial situation.

There are numerous organizations that can assist. Mesothelioma attorneys can help secure legal compensation which can be used to pay to pay for treatment and living expenses. Mesothelioma sufferers may also seek compensation from the companies who supplied asbestos-containing products.

It will be welcomed by veterans

Navy veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma can now to receive a lump sum of PS140,000, the Ministry of Defence has announced. This will enable them to receive substantial financial support to ease the financial burden that mesothelioma has caused for their families.

This news will be greeted by the countless former military personnel who were diagnosed with mesothelioma. The law has been amended so that they are paid a similar amount to civilian sufferers with mesothelioma compensation claims.

The change came about as a result of a campaign by the Royal British Legion, and other groups. This led to the Prime Minister declaring that he would investigate the issue. The MoD's decision to change its policy will allow many dying veterans who were entitled to a pension to choose a lump-sum. This will provide them with the peace of mind they need as well as the financial assistance they need to live out the rest of their life.

Asbestos exposure is linked to mesothelioma. Even though symptoms can take decades to show up, just one exposure could increase your risk. The vast majority of mesothelioma sufferers were exposed to asbestos while working, which includes in Navy shipyards. The UK law changed last year to permit people to sue employers if exposed to asbestos in the workplace, but many veterans aren't aware that they can seek compensation from the government.

Mesothelioma has been a terrible illness that has had a devastating impact on many lives. The government's decision on how to handle the unfair treatment of veterans is a major victory.

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