The Hidden Dangers: Veterans at Higher Risk for Mesothelioma

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News Summary

A significant number of veterans face a heightened risk of mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure during their service.

The Hidden Dangers: Veterans at Higher Risk for Mesothelioma

As our nation honors its heroes, a grim reality looms for many of the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Veterans are facing a heightened risk of mesothelioma, a rare and deadly cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure. Alarmingly, approximately 33% of all mesothelioma diagnoses in the United States involve veterans. This underreported plight sheds light on the dangers that numerous service members were unwittingly exposed to during their military careers.

A Legacy of Asbestos in the Military

Throughout the 20th century, asbestos was a ubiquitous material in military applications. This dangerous substance was heavily integrated into military ships, aircraft, vehicles, and bases due to its fire-resistant properties. Historical records indicate that every Navy ship built between the 1930s and 1970s contained asbestos in various materials, including boilers, pipes, and fireproofing materials.

Navy personnel are particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of asbestos exposure due to the extensive use of this material in shipbuilding and maintenance. During their service, many veterans were not informed about the inherent dangers of asbestos, nor did they receive adequate protective equipment. While the U.S. military phased out the use of asbestos in the late 1970s, the residual effects of earlier exposure have left many veterans grappling with serious health concerns decades later.

The Rising Toll of Mesothelioma

Each year, an estimated 1,000 veterans are diagnosed with mesothelioma, a disease marked by a long latency period that makes early detection critical. However, misdiagnosis rates are concerning, with studies indicating that 14% to 50% of these diagnoses could be incorrect. Consequently, it is vital for veterans to seek regular medical checkups for early detection of asbestos-related diseases.

Compensation Options for Veterans

Good news for veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma lies in the potential compensation avenues available. Many veterans may qualify for compensation through military asbestos lawsuits, VA benefits, and asbestos trust fund claims. On average, past asbestos trust fund settlements awarded to veterans typically range between $300,000 and $400,000. If a veteran becomes 100% disabled due to mesothelioma, they become eligible for maximum VA compensation benefits, with the monthly stipend amounting to approximately $3,831.30 for single veterans—higher for those with dependents.

Importantly, filing a legal claim for asbestos exposure will not impact a veteran’s ability to receive VA benefits. Organizations specializing in asbestos claims report that they’ve efficiently secured more than $5.2 billion in claims nationwide over the last 45 years, offering veterans the opportunity to access the financial resources they need without stress.

VA Health Benefits and Support

Veterans with mesothelioma can access comprehensive health care through the VA, often with low or no copayments. Additionally, family members of veterans who succumbed to service-related mesothelioma are typically eligible for benefits, ensuring support survives even when the veteran does not. Legal claims can be submitted against companies responsible for exposing these service members to asbestos, leveraging the significant research and historical data available to prove liability.

Raising Awareness

As attention turns to improving veteran health care access, frameworks like the SIGMA Act aim to deflect earlier negligence regarding tangible toxic exposures, such as asbestos. In doing so, veterans must understand their risks and the significant health ramifications that may accompany their faithful service. With higher rates of mesothelioma diagnoses among veterans, access to resources and informed awareness remains crucial.

As we endeavor to protect the rights and welfare of our veterans, it is essential to remain vigilant about the dangers of asbestos and promote early detection. Each veteran deserves to live without the burden of uncertain health, armed instead with knowledge and access to robust compensation options.