Asbestosis

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What Is Asbestosis?

Asbestosis occurs when microscopic asbestos fibers get lodged in the tiny sacs within the lungs (called alveoli). The fibers damage the alveoli and prevent the lungs from properly filling with air.

Asbestosis is a type of pulmonary fibrosis, or interstitial lung disease. In cases of pulmonary fibrosis, the lung becomes damaged due to irritation from a mineral like asbestos or other causes.

Though asbestosis is not cancerous, it is still very dangerous. This incurable disease slowly worsens and can cause the affected lung to stop working.

Over time, asbestosis can lead to fatal outcomes like respiratory failure or heart failure. Those with asbestosis could also be at risk of mesothelioma, a deadly cancer also caused by asbestos exposure.

Fortunately, U.S. veterans that develop asbestosis could qualify for medical and financial benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Learn if we can help you file for VA benefits now.

Veterans & Asbestosis Risk

U.S. veterans that served between the 1930s and 1980s may be at a higher risk of asbestosis than the general public. The U.S. military heavily relied on asbestos-based products during this time, so many veterans were exposed to asbestos on a regular basis.

Fortunately, the VA understands the connection between asbestosis and military asbestos exposure and offers both medical care and compensation to affected U.S. veterans.

Veterans with asbestosis also may be able to take legal action against makers of asbestos-containing products who are responsible for their exposure. The military will not be sued as part of this process.

Asbestosis Causes

The only known cause of asbestosis is exposure to asbestos fibers.

Veterans may have been exposed by working on:

• Construction sites
• Ground vehicles
• Planes
• Ships & shipyards

When asbestos dust is inhaled into the lungs, microscopic fibers may get stuck in the alveoli. The human body cannot remove or break down these durable fibers.

Over several decades, healthy lung tissue becomes inflamed due to the asbestos fibers and scar tissue forms. Severe damage from asbestos limits lung function.

Risk Factors for Asbestosis

Anyone who was exposed to asbestos may develop asbestosis later in life. However, those diagnosed with asbestosis usually worked around asbestos for years or decades at a time.

Notable risk factors for asbestosis include:

• Industrial work: Those who served in industrial trades like carpentry or construction work in the 20th century often used asbestos-based products on a daily basis for long periods of time.
• Military service: Asbestos-based products could be found throughout U.S. military assets. Veterans that served as shipyard workers, insulators, and boiler tenders had a very high risk of exposure since they had to work with asbestos every day.
• Secondhand exposure: Those who lived with someone who worked around asbestos also had a high risk of exposure. Workers could bring home asbestos fibers on their clothes, and their families could inhale them without notice.
• Smoking: According to the American Lung Association (ALA), those who smoke have a higher risk of developing asbestosis. Smoking weakens the lungs and makes it easier for asbestos fibers to cause irritation.

Connie, a World War II veteran who fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima, was diagnosed with asbestosis decades after he served. He was regularly exposed to asbestos for 30 years while serving as an electrician. Since asbestos is heat and flame resistant, it was used in military electrical wiring for decades.

Symptoms of Asbestosis

Common asbestosis symptoms typically affect the lungs and chest.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), oxygen and carbon dioxide cannot properly flow through lungs damaged by asbestosis. As a result, those with asbestosis have a harder time breathing.

Other notable symptoms of asbestosis include:

• Chronic cough
• Chest pain and tightness
• Crackling in the chest while breathing
• Loss of appetite
• Shortness of breath
• Weight loss

Those with asbestosis may also develop other symptoms in some cases. For example, their fingertips may bulge into a boxy shape (known as clubbing). Scientists still don’t know exactly why asbestosis leads to this symptom.

Asbestosis Diagnosis

To diagnose asbestosis, doctors will take note of your symptoms and ask if you were ever exposed to asbestos.

From there, doctors may listen to your breathing through a stethoscope. They’ll want to hear if the lungs crackle as you inhale and exhale and will also note if you have trouble breathing.

Next, they'll likely take a chest X-ray or a computed tomography (CT) scan to look for problems in your lungs.

A pulmonary (lung) function test may also be used to determine how well your lungs work.

In some cases, a biopsy may be used to rule out other asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer or mesothelioma. Through a biopsy, doctors take a sample of lung tissue or fluid and analyze it under a microscope. This will allow them to see whether cancerous cells are present.

Asbestosis Prognosis

The expected outcome, or prognosis, of asbestosis is poor. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, patients with asbestosis typically live for 4 years or less following their diagnosis.

Asbestosis has a poor prognosis since there is:

• A risk of cancer: Patients with asbestosis may go on to develop asbestos-related cancers like lung cancer or mesothelioma. These cancers are very aggressive and have a low long-term survival rate.
• No cure: At this time, there is no cure for asbestosis. The impaired lung function caused by asbestosis is irreversible once it has started.

However, those with asbestosis may be able to improve their prognosis through various treatments.

Asbestosis Treatment Options

Asbestosis patients currently have several treatment options that can slow the disease’s progression and improve their quality of life.

Asbestosis treatment options include:

• Medications: Medications like steroids may sometimes be used to reduce lung inflammation. Researchers are still seeing exactly how effective steroids are in treating asbestosis.
• Oxygen therapy: You’ll receive oxygen through tubes that connect to your nose or a mask that fits over your mouth. This helps improve the oxygen levels in your body and reduce symptoms.
• Pulmonary rehabilitation: Pulmonary rehabilitation programs allow you to better manage your lung health. Therapists can teach you ways to reduce your symptoms and become more active. Pulmonary rehabilitation is often tailored to your specific needs.
• Lung transplants: Doctors remove the damaged lung and replace it with a healthy one. They are typically only used as a last resort if other treatment options don’t work, as it is a major surgery.

While not direct treatments, doctors also may recommend changes to your daily life to improve your health.

Lifestyle changes may include:

• Getting vaccinated: Since asbestosis weakens your lungs, you may be at a higher risk of complications from other lung infections. The Mayo Clinic recommends asking your doctor about vaccinations for lung diseases like pneumonia to reduce your risks.
• Quitting smoking: The ALA notes that smoking speeds up the progression of asbestosis. Smoking also puts you at an increased risk of lung cancer.
• Staying active & healthy: This includes getting regular exercise, sleeping well, avoiding asbestos and other toxic substances, and maintaining a proper diet.

Veterans may be able to get some of these treatments for free or at a reduced cost with VA health care.

Benefits for Veterans With Asbestosis

U.S. veterans diagnosed with asbestos may qualify for a wide range of benefits, both from the VA and through legal action. Learn about some of the top benefits below.

VA Benefits

The VA recognizes that military asbestos exposure can lead to asbestosis and other health problems among veterans. Today, veterans with asbestosis can file for VA benefits that can help them receive treatments to manage their condition.

VA benefits include:

• Financial compensation: Through VA financial benefits, you can receive monthly payouts to cover living expenses and health care costs.
• Medical care: If you have VA health care, you can access low-cost or free treatment from VA doctors and hospitals. This is especially helpful for asbestosis patients who also have mesothelioma, as some of the best mesothelioma doctors are partnered with the VA.
• Survivor benefits: Your family may also qualify for financial benefits if you pass away from asbestosis or another illness tied to military asbestos exposure. These benefits can keep your next of kin financially stable.

Get help filing for VA benefits with the help of U.S. veteran and VA-accredited attorney Eric Hall.

Asbestosis Legal Claims

Asbestosis legal claims allow you to pursue financial compensation from the makers of asbestos-based products. Legal claims are not filed against the U.S. military or government.

Filing an asbestosis claim may award you with more money than VA benefits would. Skilled asbestos attorneys can build and file a claim on your behalf, with no extra stress on you or your family.

Further, legal claims do not prevent you from receiving VA benefits. In fact, you may be able to file a lawsuit or other legal claim and a VA benefits claim at the same time. Connect with an asbestos lawyer to see if you’re eligible.

Asbestos Trust Funds

Many makers of asbestos-based products declared bankruptcy to avoid being sued. That said, you can still get compensation from thems through asbestos trust funds.

The government forced manufacturers that declared bankruptcy to set aside money in trusts for those who developed asbestos-related illnesses. Today, there is more than $30 billion available in these trust funds.

An asbestosis attorney can file claims with these trust funds on your behalf with less stress on your end.

Access Asbestosis Benefits & Financial Aid

Every year, veterans and civilians are diagnosed with asbestosis. Those diagnosed will suffer from the condition for the rest of their lives.

Fortunately, many with asbestosis and other asbestos-related diseases are able to pursue justice and financial aid through asbestos trust fund claims and lawsuits. U.S. veterans may qualify for more compensation and medical treatment through the VA if their diagnosis is linked to military asbestos exposure.

Get a Free Veterans Packet to learn how you can access benefits and compensation.