Mesothelioma Compensation and the Royal Navy

The Ministry of Defence changed its policy on 16 December 2015 to give service members suffering from mesothelioma the option of receiving a lump-sum payment or a traditional war pension. The change was not applicable to all veterans already diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Rhod Minall and Fred Palmer were also affected due to exposure to asbestos in their military service or in civilian jobs. This was a massive injustice for them as well as their families.

The law has changed

Mesothelioma is a virulent form of cancer that is triggered by exposure to asbestos. It can take a long time for symptoms to manifest and, once diagnosed, the majority of sufferers will live for a minimum of just one or two years.

The government's decision to alter the law is a major step in the right direction. In April 2016, veterans of the armed services diagnosed with mesothelioma will be able select whether to receive their pension or a lump sum of up to PS140,000. This is a more substantial amount than the typical civil award.

Prior to the changes, armed forces veterans who were diagnosed with mesothelioma could only claim mesothelioma benefits through a War Disablement Pension. This was a limited benefit that only offered a regular monthly income and was not suitable for those suffering from serious long-term diseases such as mesothelioma. The War Pension Scheme did not allow lump-sum compensation.

After intensive lobbying, supported by the Royal British Legion, Asbestos Victims Support Group Forum and the Royal British Legion, the law was amended to give veterans of the armed forces that have been diagnosed with mesothelioma the right to an amount of lump sums up to PS140,000, addition to the traditional War Pension. The lump sum is also tax-free.

Prior to this, mesothelioma diagnosed could have qualified a person for a war-related 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 Scheme.

The new law will be applicable to all veterans of the armed forces diagnosed with mesothelioma who wish to pursue this option. The law will also apply to those who've been exposed to asbestos during their military service and outside it, also known as "dual exposure".

Mesothelioma UK is already helping former soldiers, sailors and other military personnel with their mesothelioma claims. We can assist them to understand the new laws and the implications. We can also assist them in determining the best way to get compensation. This may include tracing companies that are accountable for their asbestos exposure.

The lump amount will be PS140,000.

The amount of compensation given to patients is determined by various factors, such as age, the impact mesothelioma has on life expectancy and the level of care needed. It also takes into account the effect mesothelioma's cancer has affected family members and whether or not the individual can work.

Asbestos victims should seek compensation from those responsible for their exposure to asbestos. If they cannot find the responsible parties, a federal program pays lump sums of money to mesothelioma sufferers. The average amount is around PS144,000.

In the past, ex-servicemen who were diagnosed with mesothelioma were able to be eligible for a war-related disability pension under the Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme 2008. This is a monthly amount determined by the individual's age and degree of disability. However, this is considerably less than mesothelioma compensation for civilians, which can reach six-figures.

Fred Minall, 74 from Northampton Fred Minall, 74, from Northampton, who was an engineer for the naval branch of the Royal Navy between 1957 and 1965, has now been told that he'll be entitled to a lump sum of PS140,000 under the new law. Mesothelioma is an incurable lung disease caused by exposure to asbestos.

According to mesothelioma lawyers Simpson Millar, this is a huge victory for mesothelioma patients who have suffered from the disease. The majority of Navy personnel, as well as many civilians, were docked at US ports throughout their careers where they were exposed to harmful asbestos fibres. This is because of the widespread use of asbestos in American ships during this time. Mesothelioma symptoms can take a long time to manifest and, as a result that veterans are often left with fewer options to seek compensation.

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

However, this new payment will be taken from any war pensions an individual receives. It is therefore important that anyone with mesothelioma is thinking about applying for this benefit seeks the advice of an experienced mesothelioma lawyer to ensure they get the best price.

It is a win for the Royal British Legion

The Royal British Legion has issued an angry critique of the government for not keeping its promise to legislate the military covenant. The charity has asked the minister to explain why the government is not honouring its commitment 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 essential, but it must be more effective to ensure that the needs of the community are met in a manner that has a positive impact on their lives. It is essential that the feedback loop within forums is improved in order that any issues that are not being addressed are recognized and the reasons are made clear.

The Royal British Legion, as the UK's biggest and oldest Armed Forces Charity, is located at the heart of a national network that offers support to members of the Armed Forces. The Royal British Legion is the best organisation to comprehend the issues that confront those who served as their widows or orphans and their families.

One of the major problems for mesothelioma sufferers is that they are often left without a financial security because of their disease. The compensation available is not always enough to cover the living expenses or medical costs and mortgages are usually difficult to obtain.

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.

There are several organisations which can help. Mesothelioma lawyers can assist in obtaining legal compensation which can be used to pay to pay for treatment and living expenses. Mesothelioma sufferers may also seek compensation from the companies that supplied asbestos products.

It will be a welcome sight for veterans

The Ministry of Defence announced that Navy veterans with mesothelioma can access a lump-sum payment of PS140,000. This will allow them to receive substantial financial support to ease the financial burden that pleural mesothelioma compensation can cause their families.

Former service personnel who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma are sure to appreciate this news. The law has been changed so that they can be paid a similar amount as civilian patients who have mesothelioma compensation claims.

The change is a result of a campaign by the Royal British Legion and other groups, which led to the Prime Minister pledging to investigate the issue. The MoD's U-turn will allow many dying veterans who would have been eligible for pensions to choose a lump-sum. This will give them peace of mind and the financial assistance they need to live out the rest of their lives.

asbestos compensation mesothelioma is linked to mesothelioma. It can take years for symptoms to manifest but even a single exposure could increase the risk of developing the condition. The majority of mesothelioma sufferers were exposed to asbestos while at work, including in Navy shipyards. In the year 2000, the UK law was changed to allow employees who were exposed to asbestos while at work to sue their employers. However, many veterans are unaware that they may be eligible for compensation from the government.

Mesothelioma is a devastating disease that has no words to express the extent that it has affected so many lives. The government's decision regarding how to address the unfair treatment of veterans is a major victory.

However, it's not enough end the suffering of mesothelioma patients and their families. They also need to seek compensation from companies that supplied asbestos products to the military. Veterans may be able to file trust fund claims with several different corporations, based on the place they worked, which could include bases, shipyards and ships. This can include large multinationals that have a long tradition of selling asbestos-related products to the US Navy or other branches of the military.