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. A veteran can apply online, via mail or in person.

A veteran must prove that their illness or disease is linked to their military service before they can be paid. The VA has listed pleural disease, lung cancer and mesothelioma as asbestos-related diseases.

Eligibility

Asbestos fibers are linked to various health issues for veterans. This includes mesothelioma and asbestosis. These conditions can lead to expensive medical bills, a diminished quality of life, and even death. Compensation is available to assist in paying these costs. The VA has a procedure to determine who qualifies for these benefits. A veteran must have received an honorable discharge from the military and been exposed to asbestos. The VA uses medical records and a doctor's recommendation to assess eligibility. In addition to evaluating the symptoms and health issues, the VA may also require a veteran to undergo several tests, such as chest x-rays and CAT scans.

A mesothelioma lawyer can assist veterans compile all the necessary information needed to file an claim. They will know which documents to ask for from the military and doctors, how to gather evidence such as asbestos industry files and cutting-edge medical research and they can aid in appeals if a claim is denied.

The main VA benefit mesothelioma attorneys can assist in obtaining is disability compensation. It is a tax-free monthly benefit for veterans with mesothelioma or other conditions that are related to their time in the military. The amount of benefits is determined by the severity of the illness and the length of time in the military.

In addition to mesothelioma patients, veterans who have been diagnosed with other asbestos-related illnesses such as pleural diseases lung cancer, pleural disease, and asbestosis may be qualified for benefits. The VA provides Dependency and indemnity compensation to family members who have lost a loved one due to mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness.

Pre-existing conditions

While the VA has established procedures for compensation for asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma, it's difficult to get them accepted. The first step is to establish your diagnosis, which usually requires medical evidence that confirms the illness and confirms it was caused by asbestos exposure from service exposure. The VA also requires a written exposure history describing how and when you were exposed to asbestos during your military career and details regarding specific bases and ships, as well as other places where you worked.

Many veterans have received compensation as a result of lawsuits against companies liable for mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases. These companies, now in bankruptcy due to asbestos lawsuits filed by victims, have set up trust funds to pay the veterans and their families. These companies were among the largest employers for people at high risk of exposure to asbestos.

The VA will assign you a disability rating after your diagnosis has been confirmed. This rating is based on the severity of the disease and how it has affected your life. Mesothelioma patients or lung cancer patients asbestosis sufferers can receive compensation as high as 100% based on their health. Those with noncancerous signs, such as fibrosis and lymphatic effusions, are usually given a lower rating.

If you've been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, it is important to apply for benefits right away. You can apply via the internet, mail or in person. It is a good plan to consult with an accredited representative in your region who can assist you in filling out the VA EZ benefits forms and submit an "intent to apply" form that specifies the date when you will begin receiving payments. A mesothelioma lawyer may assist you in seeking other avenues of compensation, such as through a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible asbestos producers and their insurance companies.

Symptoms

Veterans suffering from asbestos attorneys-related illnesses can get medical treatment and other services at VA hospitals. These include tests and treatments, medications, and prescriptions. Veterans who have been identified with mesothelioma, or any other asbestos-related disease, can also qualify for disability benefits.

Asbestos is a hazardous material that can trigger a variety of symptoms. The most common symptoms are fatigue, chest pain, and shortness of breathe. It can take years to identify and years for the first symptoms of exposure to show. This delay could result in higher costs for healthcare, inability to work, and a lower quality of life.

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

In most cases, VA does not require veterans to prove that their mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases were caused by military service. The VA has a presumptive list of illnesses that are believed to be related to military service. This includes lung cancer and asbestosis.

Veterans of the Navy are at risk the most of developing an asbestos-related illness due to the fact that asbestos was used in their ships as well as shipyards, as well as housing on base. However, veterans from the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard and Marine Corps who were employed in similar positions were also exposed to asbestos. Asbestos-related diseases have a long latency, so it is crucial that veterans visit their doctor to discuss their experience.

Treatment

Veterans diagnosed with asbestos attorneys-related illnesses can receive a range of benefits from the VA. These include disability compensation, free healthcare, and the geriatric treatment. A lawyer who specializes in mesothelioma cases will help the plaintiff gather evidence and make an application. The lawyer can help them appeal a claim that has been denied.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in shipyards, aircraft bases and vehicle repair facilities. The material was exposed to military personnel on a daily base, particularly Navy personnel who worked on naval vessels and in shipyards. The Navy was the largest asbestos user however, all branches of the military were also at risk.

Veterans with asbestos-related diseases may be eligible for a monthly compensation to pay for their treatment. To qualify for this type of compensation, a vet must prove that their illness is related to their military service. This means submitting documentation of their work history, their asbestos exposure, and the symptoms that developed as a result of the exposure.

The most common asbestos-related diseases are mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Asbestosis is a non-cancerous condition that is rated as high as 100 percent by the VA. This means that veterans can receive the maximum amount of monthly payments. Mesothelioma and other types of cancer are classified at higher levels, based on their severity.

A lawyer with expertise in asbestos claims will make sure that all relevant evidence is provided to the VA asbestos trust funds, or liable companies. They can also file a lawsuit against these entities. This has been successful in several cases. They can also request records from hospitals and medical professionals.

Appeal

Veterans suffering from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses may get compensation. They also have the option of receiving health benefits and an improved disability rating, and other support. It is important for veterans to make a claim with the VA in the earliest time possible to get the maximum amount of compensation they are entitled to.

Veterans must submit their military service documents along with an asbestos exposure summary in writing to be eligible for VA compensation. The exposure summary should include specifics about the location, time, and how the veteran was exposed to asbestos. It should also outline their specific jobs and roles on military bases and ships. Veterans must demonstrate that they experienced 50% or more of their asbestos exposure during the military to be considered mesothelioma-related or have another asbestos-related disease.

In addition to submitting their military and medical records, veterans must show that exposure to asbestos caused their illness or condition. The VA will only compensate veterans who have been diagnosed with a condition associated with asbestos. This includes lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. This does not grant compensation for urogenital disorders which include prostate and bladder cancer.

A knowledgeable asbestos lawsuit attorney can help veterans with their claims. They can help with medical documents and military records as well as obtain additional evidence by accessing a database. They can also ensure that the correct paperwork is filed, and deadlines are set. They will make sure that they get the best compensation for their clients. If the VA denies the claim of a person, they can appeal. In some instances, this may involve a board appeal to a Veterans Law Judge.