Yes, if you are a U.S. veteran with mesothelioma, you may qualify for benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as well as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Each of these options awards monthly compensation, and you may be eligible for payouts from both. However, each has its own steps to file.
The Mesothelioma Veterans Center can help you file for VA benefits for free and understand your other financial options more clearly.
Will SSDI Affect My VA Benefits for Mesothelioma?
No, getting SSDI won’t affect your VA benefits if you’re facing a service-related cancer like mesothelioma. Both options allow you to receive compensation that can make your journey with mesothelioma easier and less stressful.
Here’s what to know about SSDI and VA benefits:
- SSDI: This is awarded by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to those who have a disability that prevents them from working. Compensation varies significantly and depends on how long you worked before you became disabled.
- VA benefits: These are awarded to U.S. veterans with mesothelioma linked to their military service. Notable VA benefits include disability compensation worth $4,158.17 monthly for 2026, as well as free or cheaper health care services from military doctors.
While it's a relief for many veterans to know they may qualify for both of these options, the filing process for each can be confusing. In particular, accessing mesothelioma VA benefits in a timely manner is often stressful without help.
At the Mesothelioma Veterans Center, we make filing for VA benefits easy. Major Jonathan Nelson (Ret), a VA-accredited attorney and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, can help you file for free now. We can also walk you through other compensation options you may qualify for.
How to Apply for Mesothelioma SSDI
If you've been recently diagnosed with mesothelioma, you can apply for SSDI online at the SSA’s official website or over the phone at 800-772-1213.
You’re only eligible to apply for SSDI if you have a significant illness or injury that will prevent you from working for at least 1 year or will result in death. You also must be making under a set amount if still working, which is known as the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. For 2026, the SGA limit is $1,690 a month.
However, if you have mesothelioma, you may automatically qualify for SSDI under the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program. The SSA recognizes mesothelioma as a significant disability since it’s so aggressive.
SSDI pays out a different amount of money depending on factors like how long you have worked and how much you made prior to your mesothelioma diagnosis. You can log into the SSA website to determine how much you could possibly receive through SSDI.
What to Know About Applying for Mesothelioma VA Benefits
Applying for mesothelioma VA benefits is an entirely separate process from getting SSDI. It involves submitting a claim and evidence directly to the VA. Major Nelson can assist you with every step for free, so you can get the benefits you need.
“I can help when we have a veteran call into our company who is looking for VA benefits or trying to provide for his family under these difficult circumstances. I'm there to make sure that they get what they're entitled to.”
– Major Jonathan Nelson (Ret), VA-accredited attorney & Marine Corps veteran
Major Nelson can help:
- Determine your eligibility by reviewing basic information about your mesothelioma diagnosis and any possible asbestos exposure
- Gather evidence on your behalf, such as medical documents and military records, to prove asbestos exposure occurred
- File a claim with the VA while ensuring all of the needed documentation is submitted
The VA assigns disability ratings from 0% to 100% for different service-related health issues. If you have mesothelioma, you'll likely be considered 100% disabled, meaning you'll get the maximum payouts worth $4,158.17 monthly.
Get free help filing for mesothelioma VA benefits now from Major Nelson.
How Long Does It Take to Get Mesothelioma VA Benefits and SSDI?
Since the approval processes are different, the time it will take to get both mesothelioma VA benefits and SSDI varies.
It takes the VA 85 days on average to approve benefits. Working with VA-accredited attorneys like Major Nelson may allow you to get benefits as quickly as possible, since they can build claims without making mistakes.
“If you're able to submit a fully put-together VA claim at the onset, you should be able to get some kind of benefits within a few months, give or take.”
– Major Jonathan Nelson, VA-accredited attorney & Marine Corps veteran
For SSDI, approval typically takes 6-8 months after you’ve applied. You’ll only start to get payouts after 6 months from when the SSA recognizes the disability started. But, since mesothelioma is listed under the SSA CAL program, you could have shorter wait times.
And though SSDI and VA disability benefits are separate from one another, having a 100% disability rating could fast-track your SSDI claims processing. You’ll likely have a 100% VA rating if you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Questions about accessing mesothelioma VA benefits or other compensation options? Ask Major Nelson now.
SSDI & VA Benefits for Mesothelioma: Get Help Now
SSDI and VA benefits are both important options to explore if you or a veteran you love has recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma. In many cases, other families have been able to access both types of benefits at the same time.
While understanding these options and how to access them can sometimes be confusing, the Mesothelioma Veterans Center is here to help.
Major Nelson and other members of our team can:
- Build and file mesothelioma VA claims for free
- Help you understand your other compensation options
- Get the support you and your family deserve after a diagnosis
Get free help applying for mesothelioma VA benefits now or call (877) 450-8973 to connect with our experienced team.
