Mesothelioma Compensation and the Royal Navy

The Ministry of Defence changed its policy on 16 December 2015 to allow service personnel suffering from mesothelioma to choose between the lump-sum amount or a traditional war pension. But the decision was not applicable to all veterans who had been diagnosed with the disease.

Rhod Minall and Fred Palmer were also affected, because they were exposed to asbestos during their military service, or in civilian positions. This was a terrible injustice to their families and the people they loved.

The law has changed

Mesothelioma is a severe form of cancer that is triggered by exposure to asbestos. The symptoms can take years to appear and, once diagnosed with the disease, sufferers are expected to live one or two more years.

The decision of the Government to amend the law is a huge step in the right direction. In April 2016, armed forces veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma will have the option select whether to receive a pension or a lump sum of up to PS140,000. This is significantly more than the average civilian compensation award.

Prior to the changes, armed forces veterans who were diagnosed with mesothelioma could only be eligible for mesothelioma benefits through a War Disablement Pension. This was a limited benefit that only offered a monthly income and was not suitable for those suffering with serious chronic illnesses like mesothelioma. The War Pension Scheme did not allow lump-sum compensation.

After a long period of lobbying, which was backed by the Royal British Legion and Asbestos Victims Support Group Forum, the law has been modified to allow armed forces veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma to access a lump sum of up to PS140,000, in addition to a traditional War Pension. The lump sum is also tax-free.

Previously, a mesothelioma compensation self employed diagnosis could have earned a war-related disability pension of up to PS32,000 if the patient was unmarried or divorced. Civilians with mesothelioma, on the other hand could receive as much as PS600,000.000 under the government's Diffuse Mesothelioma scheme.

All members of the armed forces who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma will be able to choose this option. The law will also apply to those who've been exposed to asbestos during their service and outside it, also referred to as "dual exposure".

Mesothelioma UK has already started helping former sailors and other armed personnel of the military with mesothelioma lawsuits. We can assist them to understand the new laws and what they mean. We can also assist them in determining the best way to get compensation. This can include tracing the companies that may be accountable for their exposure to asbestos.

The lump amount will be PS140,000.

Compensation is determined by a number of factors, including age, life expectancy following mesothelioma, and the amount of care required. It also takes into account the impact mesothelioma compensation fund's disease has caused on family members as well as whether or not the individual can work.

Asbestos sufferers must seek compensation from asbestos exposure responsible parties. If they are not able to locate the responsible party the government scheme will pay an amount in lump sum to patients of mesothelioma. The amount that is awarded is about PS144,000.

Former servicemen who were diagnosed with mesothelioma diffuse weren't eligible to claim a pension for war disability under the Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme 2008 This is a monthly amount determined by the individual's age and degree of disability. But, it's much less than mesothelioma compensation for civilians that can exceed six figures.

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

Simpson Millar, a mesothelioma lawyer, believes this is a huge victory for veterans suffering from mesothelioma. The majority of Navy personnel and a large number of civilians, docked at US ports throughout their careers in which they were exposed to harmful asbestos fibres. This is due to the widespread use of asbestos on American ships at the time. The symptoms of mesothelioma may take years to show up and, as a consequence that veterans are often left with only a few options to seek compensation.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that veterans with Mesothelioma who had never received 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 suffering from mesothelioma receive under the Diffuse Mesothelioma scheme.

However, this new payment will be taken from any existing war pension that an individual is entitled to. As a result, it is essential that anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma and considering applying for this new payment seeks the advice of experienced mesothelioma attorneys to ensure they get the right deal.

It's a win for Royal British Legion

The Royal British Legion has delivered an uncompromising rebuke to government over claims that it has reneged on its promise to establish the military covenant in law. The charity has asked the minister responsible to explain the reasons for refusing to honor its pledge to veterans and has threatened to pull out of several forums in which it engages 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 addressed in a manner that has a significant impact on their lives. It is therefore vital that the feedback loop in forums is improved in order that all issues that are not being addressed are recognized and the reasons behind this are made clear.

The Royal British Legion, as the UK's biggest and oldest Armed Forces Charity, is situated at the heart of a larger network that offers support to members of the Armed Forces. They are also the group that is best placed to comprehend the challenges faced by those who serve, have served and their widows and widowers.

The fact that mesothelioma patients are often left with no financial security is among their most pressing concerns. The compensation available isn't always enough to cover living expenses or medical costs and mortgages are usually difficult to get.

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

There are numerous organizations which can help. Mesothelioma lawyers can assist in obtaining legal compensation that can be used to pay for treatment and living expenses. Additionally, mesothelioma patients can also make claims for compensation from companies who supplied asbestos-containing products.

Veterans will welcome it

The Ministry of Defence announced that Navy veterans suffering from mesothelioma will be able to receive a lump-sum payout of PS140,000. The Ministry of Defence has announced that Navy veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma are able to access an amount of PS140,000 in a lump sum.

Former service members who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma will welcome this news. The law has been amended to allow them to be paid a similar amount to civilian patients who have mesothelioma compensation claims.

The change came about as a result of an initiative by the Royal British Legion, and other groups. This led to the Prime Minister declaring that he would investigate the issue. The U-turn by the MoD will allow many dying veterans, who would have qualified for a war pension to choose lump sum. This will give them peace of heart and the financial support they need to live out the rest of their lives.

Asbestos exposure is linked to mesothelioma. It can take decades for symptoms to appear but even a single exposure can increase the chance of developing the condition. The majority of mesothelioma patients were exposed to asbestos while working, and this includes in Navy shipyards. Last year the UK law was changed to permit employees who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace to sue their employers. However, many veterans are unaware that they may be entitled to compensation from the government.

Mesothelioma is a devastating disease that has impacted many lives. The decision by the government to tackle the discrimination against military veterans is a major victory.

But it's not enough to stop the suffering of mesothelioma patients and their families. They will also need to seek compensation from the companies who supplied the military with asbestos-based products. Depending on the shipyards and bases and ships that they were employed on, veterans may be able to make trust fund claims against various corporations. This can include a variety of multinational corporations that have a history of selling asbestos-related products to the US Navy and other branches of the Armed Forces.