Mesothelioma Compensation and the Royal Navy

On 16 December 2015 the Ministry of Defence changed their policy to allow service members diagnosed with mesothelioma the option of choosing whether to receive a lump sum or a traditional war pension. But the decision did not apply to all veterans who had already been diagnosed with the disease.

This includes Rhod Palmer and Fred Minall, who were exposed to asbestos during their military service as well as civilian jobs. This was a great injustice to them and their families.

The law has changed

Mesothelioma is a fatal and aggressive cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos, can take decades to manifest. It can take decades for symptoms to show and, once diagnosed, the majority of sufferers live a lifespan of just one or two years.

It is a significant step forward that the Government has made the decision to change the law. In April 2016, armed forces veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma can choose select whether to receive their pension or to take a lump sum amounting to PS140,000. This is significantly higher than the average civilian compensation award.

Before the changes, veterans of the armed forces who were diagnosed with mesothelioma were able to be eligible for the War Disablement Pension. This was a limited benefit that only offered an income that was regular and monthly, and was not appropriate for those suffering from severe long-term diseases such as mesothelioma. Additionally, it was not possible to obtain lump sum compensation for mesothelioma under the War Pension Scheme.

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 that have been diagnosed with mesothelioma the right to a lump sum up to PS140,000, in addition to the traditional War Pension. The lump sum will be tax-free.

Prior to this, a mesothelioma compensation us navy veteran diagnose could have qualified a person to receive a war disability pension of up PS32,000 regardless of whether they were divorced, single, or widowed. Civilians suffering from mesothelioma however, can receive up PS600,000.000 under the government's Diffuse Mesothelioma program.

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

Mesothelioma UK has already started helping former sailors and other military services personnel with mesothelioma claims. We can help them understand the new law and the issues involved. We can help them determine the best method to receive compensation. This could include tracing companies who are responsible for their asbestos exposure.

The lump amount will be PS140,000.

Compensation is determined by a variety of factors, including age, life expectancy after mesothelioma, and the amount of care required. The amount of compensation given to patients is determined by a range of factors such as age, the effect mesothelioma will have on life expectancy and how much care they need.

Asbestos sufferers should seek compensation from those accountable for their exposure to asbestos. For those who are unable to locate the responsible parties, a federal program pays lump sums to mesothelioma victims. The average amount is around PS144,000.

Prior to this, ex-servicemen diagnosed with mesothelioma were able to be eligible for a war-related disability pension under the Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme 2008. This is a monthly payment based on the individual's age and degree of disability. This is a much smaller amount than the civilian mesothelioma settlement, which could be in six figures.

Fred Minall from Northampton who served in the Royal Navy as a naval engineer between 1957 and 1964 has been informed that he is entitled to a lump-sum payment of PS140,000 under the new law. Mesothelioma is an incurable lung disease that is caused by exposure to asbestos.

Simpson Millar, a mesothelioma lawyer, says that this is a huge victory for veterans suffering from mesothelioma. Most Navy personnel, like many civilians, were docked in US ports during their career which exposed them to asbestos-related toxins. This is because of the widespread use of asbestos in American ships during this period. The signs of mesothelioma might not be apparent for a long time and leave veterans with a limited compensation options.

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that veterans with mesothelioma who have never received a war pension will receive an amount of lump sum up to PS140,000. This is a significant increase from the amount that non-married mesothelioma veterans receive under the Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme.

This new payment will be subtracted from the current war pension that a person receives. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma is considering applying for this benefit seek advice from a seasoned mesothelioma attorney to ensure they get the best deal.

It is a victory for the Royal British Legion

The Royal British Legion has delivered a stinging rebuke to the government over claims that it has not acted on its promise to make the military covenant a permanent part of in law. The charity has asked the minister to explain why the government is not honoring its pledge to veterans. It has also threatened to pull out of several forums that it has worked with the Ministry of Defence.

Engagement of the Legion with the MoD is crucial, but it must be more effective to ensure the community's needs are met in a way which makes a real impact on their lives. It is therefore vital that the feedback loop within forums is improved so that any issues that are not being addressed are recognized and the reasons behind this are made clear.

The Royal British Legion, as the UK's largest and oldest Armed Forces Charity, is at the centre of a larger network of support for members of the Armed Forces. The Royal British Legion is the most effective organisation to comprehend the issues that confront those who served as their widows or orphans and their families.

One of the major concerns of mesothelioma sufferers is that they are often left without a financial security because of their illness. The amount of compensation available is usually not enough to cover the costs of living or medical expenses, and it's typically not feasible to get a mortgage.

Asbest was used in shipbuilding as well as other Naval activities. Many veterans are struggling with their symptoms and the impact of their condition on their financial status.

However there are a variety of organizations that can assist in this. For example, mesothelioma lawyers can help to secure legal compensation for sufferers, which can be used to pay for treatment or the essential expenses of living. Patients with mesothelioma can also claim compensation from the companies who supplied asbestos products.

It will be welcomed by veterans

Navy veterans who are diagnosed with mesothelioma are eligible to access an amount of PS140,000 in one lump sum according to the Ministry of Defence has announced. The Ministry of Defence has announced that Navy veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma will be able to access the lump sum of PS140,000.

Former service members who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma are sure to appreciate this news. The law has been modified to allow them to be paid a similar amount as civilian sufferers with mesothelioma compensation claims.

The change is a result of the campaigning of the Royal British Legion and other groups, which resulted in the Prime Minister making a commitment to examine the issue. The U-turn by the MoD will help many veterans dying of illness, who could have qualified for a war pension, to choose the lump amount. This will give them the peace of mind they require and the financial security they require to live the rest of their life.

Asbestos exposure can be linked to mesothelioma. Although symptoms can take a long time to develop, even one exposure can increase your risk. The vast majority of mesothelioma sufferers were exposed to asbestos while working, and this includes in Navy shipyards. The UK law was changed in the last year to allow workers to sue employers if exposed to asbestos while working, but many veterans are not aware that they are able to seek compensation from the government.

Mesothelioma is a devastating cancer and there aren't words to describe the way it has affected many lives. The decision by the government on how to handle the unfair treatment of veterans is a major victory.

But it's not enough to end the suffering of veterans with mesothelioma as well as their families. They will also have to seek compensation from companies that supplied asbestos products to the armed forces. Depending on the shipyards, bases and the ships they worked on, veterans might be eligible to make trust fund claims against various corporations. This can include a variety of large multinationals that have been known to sell asbestos-related products to the US Navy and other branches of the military.