If you’re a veteran with mesothelioma, you may be worried about what the 2025 government shutdown means for benefits you’re getting from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
It’s important to know that you’ll still have access to virtually all major VA benefits, including monthly compensation and treatments from VA cancer centers. Many VA programs are considered “essential” and are paid for automatically, regardless of a shutdown.
"VA benefits will continue to be processed and delivered, including compensation, pension, education and housing benefits."
– American Legion
Some less-essential VA benefits may be out of reach until the government reopens, though. Find out more about the government shutdown in 2025 and how it may affect you or a veteran you love.
Did the Government Shut Down?
Yes. In the fall of 2025, Congress did not pass the funding bills needed to keep the government running. Because of this, parts of the government were forced to shut down on October 1.
For veterans with mesothelioma — a cancer caused by asbestos — the 2025 shutdown may sound worrying. But the truth is, most VA services are still available.
VA hospitals and doctors will continue to provide care for mesothelioma and other cancers. Monthly VA payments like disability compensation and pensions will also keep going.
The Mesothelioma Veterans Center can help you access the VA benefits that you need for free even through the shutdown. Get started right now.
Which VA Benefits Aren’t Affected By the Federal Government Shutdown?
The majority of VA programs that help veterans with mesothelioma will remain available despite the government being shut down. According to the VA, about 97% of employees keep working during a shutdown as their jobs are considered necessary for health, safety, or legal reasons.
This means if you or a veteran you love is struggling with their diagnosis, they'll still be able to get the essential care and compensation they deserve.
Key mesothelioma VA benefits still available include:
- VA disability payouts: You’ll typically receive $4,044.91 a month since the VA considers mesothelioma to be a 100% disability.
- VA health care: Hospitals, clinics, and Vet Centers are all open and ready to treat U.S. veterans with mesothelioma.
- Survivors benefits: Families of veterans can still access services like survivors pensions and health care.
- Burial benefits: Funerals at VA cemeteries will continue, and families can apply for burial benefits and compensation if a veteran passes away from mesothelioma.
- Other core services: Suicide prevention, homelessness support,caregiver programs, and other services deemed “essential” remain active.
Call us at (877) 450-8973 now for help accessing all of the mesothelioma VA benefits you deserve. We’re ready to support you during this uncertain time.
VA Services Impacted By Government Shutdown
A few VA services will be paused because they are considered non-essential. Most of these don’t have a direct impact on veterans or families impacted by mesothelioma, though.
VA programs paused by the shutdown include:
- Applications for pre-selecting cemetery plots for living veterans
- Career counseling and transition program assistance
- Maintenance and groundskeeping of government cemeteries
- Placement of headstones for graves
- Printing of Presidential Memorial Certificates
In addition, all VA regional benefits offices will be closed. This could potentially make it harder for U.S. veterans with mesothelioma to apply for the benefits they deserve, but we can help.
Contact us to file for or maximize your VA benefits after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Why the U.S. Government Shutdown Matters for Veterans With Mesothelioma
Right now, no one knows when the shutdown will end. Congress and the President must agree on how much money to spend and which programs to fund before everything can reopen. Until then, the government will stay partly closed.
If the shutdown lasts a long time, the VA could potentially cut back more services that aren’t seen as essential, causing more confusion and stress for veterans and families facing cancers like mesothelioma.
In addition, some VA programs changed their plans if money ran low, so the VA may have to make adjustments if this one continues.
Resources for U.S. Mesothelioma Veterans Like You
The Mesothelioma Veterans Center is here to support veterans and families facing a mesothelioma diagnosis throughout the government shutdown and beyond.
We can help you access:
- VA benefits: You deserve VA benefits like disability compensation and health care after a mesothelioma diagnosis. We can walk you through the process of filing for benefits or maximizing them.
- Mesothelioma lawsuit compensation: The average mesothelioma lawsuit awards $1 million+. Our legal partners can file lawsuits on your behalf, making it easier and less stressful. The military and government won’t be sued.
- Payouts from asbestos trust funds: You may qualify for some of the $30 billion+ available in trusts. We can pursue trust fund claims for you, which don’t involve filing lawsuits.
- Top mesothelioma treatments: Our patient advocates can review your treatment options and find the best specialists and cancer centers near you.
To date, we’ve assisted over 3,300 U.S. veterans and their families get the resources they needed to make living with mesothelioma much easier.
“I didn’t do much other than pick up a telephone. Beyond that, they took care of everything. They legitimately care, and they have people who have gone through this with their family members.”
– Alan Bonnin, U.S. Army veteran with mesothelioma
Get Government Shutdown News & Help With Mesothelioma VA Benefits
If you or a loved one is a veteran with mesothelioma, it’s important to stay informed about how the U.S. government shutdown may impact your VA care and benefits. Even while essential services remain open, shutdowns can potentially create confusion and concern.
The Mesothelioma Veterans Center is here to help you understand your options, access VA benefits, and stay updated on government shutdown news.
Get our Free Veterans Packet now or call (877) 450-8973 to explore all of the ways we can assist you.
