Mesothelioma and the Army Compensation Program

Mesothelioma can be a painful illness that affects many veterans of the United States Army. They may be eligible for compensation from asbestos trust funds and lawsuits.

Asbestos was found in barracks and vehicles, and also in aircraft. They may be exposed to the asbestos while working in Navy shipyards.

Symptoms

There are a myriad of symptoms mesothelioma patients can be afflicted with. They differ based on the stage and type of mesothelioma. Patients must keep track of their symptoms and report any changes to their physicians.

The majority of mesothelioma symptoms are swelling and pain, in the chest or abdomen. Some patients also experience fatigue, a cough and a loss of appetite. Some of these symptoms may be misinterpreted as signs of other ailments. So some veterans may not be able to recognize them initially. Based on the level of asbestos exposure, certain symptoms appear later than others. Symptoms can appear more quickly when exposure to asbestos is high. Mesothelioma symptoms may also change as the disease progresses and spreads to other areas of the body, a process referred as metastasis.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. It is a strong, heat-resistant material that is used in many military vehicles and construction materials. Inhalation of asbestos compensation mesothelioma fibers is the most common method for mesothelioma. Mesothelioma as well as peritoneal mesothelio pleural mesothelioma are caused by the inhalation or ingesting of asbestos particles in microscopic sizes. Asbestos exposure has been linked to a wide range of medical conditions including lung cancer.

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

Many veterans who served in the Army were exposed to asbestos in a variety of ways. They could have worked on bases for military or in factories that made 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 insulation, demolition and old buildings, carpentry and insulation are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

In the early stages of the disease, pleural mesothelioma patients typically have chest pain and trouble breathing. A pleural effusion may occur, which is an accumulation of fluid within the pleura lining the chest and lungs. Pleural effusions can limit the lungs' ability to expand when breathing. The thickening of the pleural membrane is common among mesothelioma patients.

As mesothelioma progresses and the symptoms get more severe. Patients may suffer from fatigue, fever and a decrease in appetite. Some mesothelioma patients have blood clots, which can be dangerous to their health. Patients may also have a hard time swallowing, a problem that is called dysphagia.

Diagnosis

Since asbestos is a major mesothelioma causing agent, a diagnosis will most likely include a biopsy and certain tests. To avoid a misdiagnosis, asbestos sufferers should have mesothelioma specialists perform the tests. False diagnoses can prevent patients from getting the right treatment and could give the disease more time to grow.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order an imaging test to find any lumps or tumors that are present in the abdomen or chest. It could be an CT scan or MRI. The next step is to take samples of fluid or tissue to be examined under microscope. A biopsy is the most conclusive method to confirm mesothelioma diagnoses.

When a doctor has a sample to examine and determine if it is pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma. This can help them determine the best course of treatment for the patient. The biopsy can also help doctors determine the type of mesothelioma cells which could have an impact on the patient's outlook.

The most prevalent mesothelioma type is epithelioid. It grows slower than other cancerous cells, making it more easy for doctors to treat. This type can also occur in the lungs, however it is typically less serious than pleural mesothelioma.

After the results of the biopsy are available A specialist will decide the best treatment options for the patient. The doctor will also establish a prognosis on the basis of the mesothelioma type and the rate that it is growing.

Veterans suffering from mesothelioma with an asbestos-related history in the military exposure may be entitled to compensation. Contact a VA-accredited claim representative to find out if you qualify for benefits if you were exposed to asbestos in the United States Armed Forces.

Treatment

The type of mesothelioma malignancy the patient has and the stage it is determined by treatment options. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma frequently undergo surgery to alleviate breathlessness due to the build-up of fluid in the chest cavity. The surgeon may make use of VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments) or open surgery to remove part of the wall of the chest and lung. A tube can be put into the chest cavity to drain the fluid around lung several times per week.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma is treated in a similar way to pleural Mesothelioma, but with less invasive procedure. Surgery can involve removing certain parts of the abdomen, including the diaphragm and peritoneum. After surgery, patients with mesothelioma are able to undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatments to kill any cancer cells left.

Some people with mesothelioma are not suitable for surgery, even though doctors believe they can be treated by surgery. In these situations doctors may recommend palliative treatment to alleviate symptoms such as fatigue and insomnia.

After treatment, mesothelioma may recur. Cancer may return to the same location that it first began or spread to other parts of the body. If it recurs, it could be more difficult to treat the mesothelioma.

Asbestos is a natural mineral that is known for its strength and resistance to heat. It was used in a variety of Army construction projects, including insulation and for vehicles. Asbestos fibers can become airborne when disturbed and can cause serious health problems if inhaled.

The VA recognizes mesothelioma as being a service-connected disease, and veterans can receive financial assistance to cover their treatment. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience can assist veterans in obtaining the disability benefits they deserve.

Financial Assistance

The cost of mesothelioma treatment can be expensive. Veterans who have been diagnosed as having mesothelioma may be eligible for financial aid. Compensation programs for veterans include disability benefits as well as mesothelioma settlements for lawsuits. The compensation offered by these programs can help veterans pay their medical expenses, as well as the cost of living.

Asbestos lawyers assist veterans in getting the money they deserve for their exposure to asbestos or mesothelioma. An experienced lawyer can assist the veteran in filing a mesothelioma lawsuit with the Department of Veterans Affairs or filing an injury-related or wrongful death suit against the companies that are responsible for their asbestos exposure.

In the majority of cases, mesothelioma victims and their families can receive compensation from the VA since mesothelioma is a service-connected illness. The type of asbestos exposure determines eligibility. For example, Navy veterans who worked in shipyards could be at a higher risk of being exposed to asbestos than Army veterans.

The VA will pay a veteran an annual disability payment in the event of a mesothelioma diagnosis. The amount of compensation is contingent on the level of disability caused by mesothelioma. In addition, the VA offers compensation for funeral and burial costs for those who pass away from mesothelioma.

Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma, or other asbestos-related illnesses, may also seek compensation through asbestos trust funds as well as the manufacturers accountable for asbestos exposure. A mesothelioma suit could result in a settlement that is substantial for victims and their family members.

Many different nonprofit organizations provide grants to mesothelioma patients to cover accommodation, travel and other expenses associated with their cancer treatment. Mesothelioma patients and survivors of their family members are eligible for these grants to help cover medical expenses and reduce the financial strain.

Mesothelioma victims and their families face a variety of financial challenges due to the cost of mesothelioma treatments. Compensation from various sources could help them pay for these expenses. Compensation from the VA, mesothelioma funds and personal injury or wrongful-death settlements against asbestos-related companies can be included. Lawyers can assist mesothelioma patients and their loved ones seek How much Compensation do you get for mesothelioma to cover their medical expenses.