VA Compensation For Asbestos Illnesses

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers disability compensation for diseases that are a result of exposure to asbestos from the military. Veterans can apply online, via mail or in person.

To be eligible to receive compensation, a vet must prove that there is a connection between their illness or disease and their service in the military. The VA lists asbestos exposure during naval vessel overhaul-related illnesses such as pleural disease, Mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Eligibility

Asbestos fibers can cause a variety of health issues for veterans. This includes mesothelioma and asbestosis. These illnesses can lead to costly medical bills, a diminished quality of life, and even death. Compensation is available to help in paying these costs. The VA has a procedure to determine who is eligible for these benefits. A veteran must have received an honorable discharge from the military and been exposed asbestos. The VA evaluates eligibility based on medical records and the decision of a doctor. In addition to evaluating the symptoms and illness as well as the severity of illness, the VA may also require that a veteran undergo various tests, including chest x-rays and scans using CAT.

An attorney for mesothelioma can assist veterans collect all the data they require to make an claim. They know what is the average settlement for asbestos claim documents to ask for from the military and doctors, how to gather evidence, such as asbestos industry files and cutting-edge medical research, and can assist with the appeals process in case a claim is rejected.

The most important VA benefit mesothelioma attorneys can assist with is disability compensation. It is an annual tax-free benefit given to veterans with mesothelioma or other diseases caused by their service in the military. The amount of asbestos exposure of benefits is determined by the severity of the illness and how long the person was exposed to asbestos during the military.

Veterans who have been diagnosed with other asbestos-related illnesses such as lung cancer and asbestosis are also eligible for benefits. The VA offers Dependency and Indemnity compensation for family members who have lost a loved one to mesothelioma or asbestos exposure during naval vessel overhaul another asbestos-related disease.

Pre-existing conditions

The VA has compensation methods for asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma. However it can be challenging to obtain them accepted. First, you have to prove that you are a patient. This typically involves medical documents that prove that the disease was caused by asbestos exposure while in service. The VA also requires a written history of exposure detailing how and when you were exposed to asbestos during your military career as well as details on specific bases or ships in which you worked.

Many veterans have received compensation as a result of lawsuits filed against companies that are liable for mesothelioma and other asbestos exposure and mesothelioma-related diseases. These companies, which are now insolvent because of asbestos lawsuits brought by victims, set up trust funds to compensate veterans and their families. These companies used to be one of the largest employers of people who were at a high risk of exposure to asbestos.

The VA will assign you a disability rating after your diagnosis is confirmed. The rating is determined by how severe the illness is and how it has affected your life. Patients with mesothelioma, lung cancer or asbestosis may receive compensation of up to 100%, depending on their condition. Those with noncancerous symptoms like fibrosis or pleural effusions, are typically not given higher scores.

It is important that you apply for benefits as soon as possible if you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease. You can apply online, by mail or in person. It is a good idea to contact an accredited representative in your area who can assist you in filling out the VA EZ benefits forms and submit a "intent to apply" form that specifies the date when you will begin receiving your benefits. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist you in pursuing other sources of compensation, for instance, through a personal injury lawsuit against the liable asbestos manufacturers and their insurance companies.

Signs and symptoms

Veterans suffering from asbestos-related diseases can receive medical treatment and other services at VA hospitals. These services include prescriptions, medications, treatment procedures, and exams. Veterans who have been diagnosed as having mesothelioma, or any other asbestos-related disease may also be eligible for disability benefits.

Asbestos victims often experience a range of symptoms that can be hard to diagnose. The most frequent symptoms are breathlessness, chest pain and fatigue. However, it can be several decades before the first signs of exposure show up and then a long time before a diagnosis is established. This delay can result in increased costs for healthcare, inability to work, and a reduced quality of life.

Depending on the severity of the illness Based on the severity of the illness, the VA may give veterans a percentage of their total disability. This rating is based upon the Disability Rate Chart of the VA and is based on the condition. For example, a veteran who is diagnosed with mesothelioma and has a 100% disability rating can receive up to $2,400 a month.

In many cases, VA does not require veterans to provide proof that their mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases were caused by military asbestos lawsuit service. The VA has an inventory of presumptive diseases that are presumed to be related to service, including lung cancer, asbestosis and pleural disease.

Veterans of the Navy are at the highest risk of developing an asbestos-related illness because asbestos was employed in their ships and shipyards, in addition to on-base housing. However, veterans of the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard and Marine Corps who were employed in similar positions have also been exposed asbestos. Asbestos-related diseases have a long time of occurrence, so it is important that veterans consult their doctors to discuss their experience.

Treatment

Veterans who have been diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases are eligible for a variety of benefits from the VA. These include disability compensation, free healthcare, and Geriatric care. A lawyer specializing in mesothelioma claims can help to gather the evidence needed and make the claim. The lawyer can help them appeal the claim that was denied.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in shipyards, aircraft bases and vehicle repair facilities. Military personnel were exposed asbestos on a regular basis, particularly Navy employees working in shipyards and naval vessels. The Navy was among the biggest asbestos users, however, members of all branches of the military were at risk.

Patients diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses are eligible for monthly compensation to help pay for treatment. To qualify for the compensation, a veteran needs to prove that the illness is linked to their military service. This involves providing proof of their employment history, asbestos exposure, asbestos exposure during naval vessel overhaul and the symptoms that been triggered by the exposure.

The most commonly reported asbestos-related diseases are mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Asbestosis, which is a non-cancerous illness, is rated up to 100 percent by the VA. This means that veterans can receive the maximum monthly payment. Mesothelioma, and other cancers are more highly rated based on severity.

A lawyer with expertise in asbestos claims will make sure that all relevant evidence is sent to the VA and any of the asbestos trust funds or liable companies. They can also bring a lawsuit against these companies. This has proven successful in a variety of cases. They can also get records from hospitals and medical providers.

Appeals

Veterans with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases can benefit from compensation. They can also receive health care, a higher rating of disability and other kinds of assistance. Veterans should file a claim as quickly as they can so that they receive the highest amount of asbestos exposure of compensation.

In order to be successful in a VA asbestos compensation claim, veterans must provide military service records along with an asbestos exposure summary in writing. The summary should include details about the veteran's exposure to asbestos, including the location it was, when and in what way. It should also detail the specific roles and jobs they performed on military bases and ships. Veterans must prove that they were exposed to asbestos for at least 50% of the time in the military for mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases, to be considered service connected.

Veterans must also submit their medical and military documents to prove that exposure is the reason for their illness or condition. The VA will only award compensation for the diagnosis of a condition linked to asbestos. This includes asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. It does not provide compensation for urogenital illnesses like bladder and prostate cancer.

A knowledgeable asbestos lawyer can help veterans in pursuing their claims. They can assist with medical records and military records, and gather additional proof by accessing a database. They can also make sure that the proper paperwork is filed and the deadlines are adhered to. They will do everything they can to ensure their clients receive the best compensation. If the VA denies an applicant's claim they may appeal. In some instances it could be an appeal to a Veterans Law Judge.