Mesothelioma and the Army Compensation Program

Mesothelioma can be a painful illness that affects a large number of veterans of the United States Army. These servicemen may be eligible for compensation through asbestos trust funds or lawsuits.

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

Signs and symptoms

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

The majority of mesothelioma symptoms involve the presence of fluid and pain either in the chest area or abdomen. Some patients also suffer from fatigue, cough and loss of appetite. Certain of these symptoms are similar to those experienced with other diseases, so some veterans may not associate mesothelioma initially. Depending on the asbestos exposure, certain symptoms are more apparent than others. The symptoms may be more apparent when asbestos exposure is high. As the disease progresses, the symptoms of mesothelioma can change. This is known as metastasis.

Asbestos occurs naturally. It is a tough and heat-resistant substance that is used in many military vehicles and construction materials. Inhalation of asbestos fibers is the main method for mesothelioma. Mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma can be caused by the inhalation or ingesting of asbestos particles that are microscopic. Asbestos has been linked with lung cancer and other medical diseases.

The symptoms of mesothelioma range from mild to extremely severe and affect the lungs, abdomen and the heart as well as joints. The majority of asbestos-related diseases require between 10 and 50 years to develop.

Asbest was utilized in a variety of ways by veterans of the Army. They could have worked at military bases or in factories that made asbestos-containing equipment and on Navy vessels where asbestos was widely used. Veterans who worked on Navy vessels in the areas of piping, milling, and shipyard work, as well as demolition, insulation, old buildings, carpentry and insulation are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

The majority of patients with pleural Mesothelioma have breathing difficulties and chest pain in the early stages. A pleural effusion may occur, which is an accumulation of fluid in the pleura lining the lungs and chest. Pleural effusions limit the ability of the lungs to expand during breathing. Patients with mesothelioma typically suffer from pleural thickening and inflammation.

As mesothelioma worsens affected patients will notice their symptoms becoming more severe. Patients may experience fatigue, fever and a loss in appetite. Certain mesothelioma patients develop blood clots that can be dangerous to their health. Patients may also have difficulty swallowing, a condition that is known as dysphagia.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related tumor and a mesothelioma diagnosis is likely to require certain tests and receiving a biopsy. To avoid misdiagnosis, asbestos victims should have mesothelioma specialists conduct the tests. Incorrect diagnosis can stop patients from receiving appropriate treatment and could allow the disease to spread more quickly.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order a imaging test to identify any tumors in the chest or abdomen. This can be a CT scan or MRI. The next step is to take samples of fluid or tissue for analysis under a microscope. A biopsy is the only way to confirm that a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Once the doctor has a sample to look at, they will determine whether it is peritoneal or pleural mesothelioma, which can then aid in determining the best course of treatment for the patient. The biopsy also helps doctors determine the mesothelioma type, which could affect the prognosis.

The most commonly used mesothelioma type is epithelioid. It develops more slowly than other cancer cells, making it more easy for doctors to treat. This type can also affect the lungs, but is less severe than pleural msothelioma.

A specialist will decide what the best treatment options are for the patient once the results of a biopsy have been obtained. The doctor will also determine the prognosis, which is determined by the mesothelioma compensation fund (florianflower.com published an article) type and how fast it is growing.

Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma, who have an background of asbestos exposure during the military, may be eligible for compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Contact a VA-accredited claim representative to determine if you qualify for benefits if you were exposed to asbestos while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Treatment

The type of mesothelioma malign a person has and its stage determine treatment options. Patients with pleural mesothelioma typically undergo surgery to alleviate breathlessness that is caused by the accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity. The surgeon can use VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or open surgery in order to remove a portion of the that lining the chest wall and lungs. A tube may be placed in the chest to drain fluid around the lungs a few times per week.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma is treated similarly to pleural Mesothelioma but with less extensive surgery. Surgery may involve the removal of parts of the abdomen, including the diaphragm and peritoneum. Mesothelioma patients can undergo chemotherapy and radiation following surgery to kill cancer cells that remain.

Some patients with mesothelioma may not suitable for surgery, even though their doctors believe that they could be treated with surgery. In these cases doctors may recommend palliative treatment to alleviate symptoms such as fatigue and sleeplessness.

After treatment, mesothelioma may return. The cancer can come back in the same spot from which it started or spread to other areas of the body. If it recurs, it could be more difficult to treat mesothelioma.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally is renowned for its toughness and resistance to heat. It was used in many construction projects for the Army, including insulation and on vehicles. Asbestos fibers can become airborne when disturbed and can cause serious health complications if inhaled.

Veterans are eligible for financial aid to pay for treatment if the VA recognizes mesothelioma as a condition that is related to service. A mesothelioma attorney can assist veterans in obtaining the disability benefits that they deserve.

Financial Assistance

The cost of mesothelioma-related treatments can be high. Veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma may be eligible for financial aid. Veterans can receive compensation in the form of settlements or disability benefits from mesothelioma suit. These compensation programs can help veterans cover their medical costs as well as the cost of living.

Asbestos lawyers can help veterans receive the money they deserve due to mesothelioma or asbestos exposure. An experienced lawyer can assist the veteran in filing a mesothelioma lawsuit with the Department of Veterans Affairs or filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit against the companies responsible for their asbestos exposure.

In the majority of cases, mesothelioma patients and their families qualify for compensation from the VA because mesothelioma is considered a condition that is linked to a service. The type of asbestos exposure determines eligibility. For instance, Navy veterans who worked in shipyards may have a higher risk of asbestos exposure than Army veterans.

The VA will pay a veteran a monthly disability payment if a mesothelioma is confirmed. The amount of the payout is contingent on the severity of the disability resulting from mesothelioma. The VA also compensates for funeral and burial expenses for those who have died from mesothelioma.

Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma, or other asbestos-related diseases may also be eligible for compensation due to mesothelioma through asbestos trust funds and the manufacturers accountable for asbestos exposure. A mesothelioma case could result in a settlement that is substantial for victims and their family members.

Numerous non-profit organizations offer grants to mesothelioma patients to cover accommodation, travel and other expenses related to their cancer treatment. Mesothelioma patients and survivors of their family members are eligible for these grants to cover medical expenses and reduce financial stress.

The cost of mesothelioma treatments can be an economic burden for the patient and their family. Compensation from various sources could aid in the payment of these expenses. These include payments from the VA and mesothelioma trust fund, as well as personal injury or settlements for wrongful death lawsuits against the companies that are responsible for asbestos exposure. A lawyer can assist a mesothelioma patient and their family members in pursuing compensation to pay for medical expenses.