How to Increase Mesothelioma Disability Rating

U.S. veterans with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases may be eligible for a key benefit offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which is disability compensation.

Through VA disability, a veteran receives money each month depending on their disability rating. Veterans with mesothelioma almost always receive a 100% disability rating. This means get the highest payouts, which are typically worth $4,158.17 monthly if married for 2026.

The Mesothelioma Veterans Center is ready to help you file for or increase your disability rating. Major Jonathan Nelson (Ret), a VA-accredited attorney and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, can guide you through the process for free right now.

Common Questions About Mesothelioma VA Disability Ratings

While the process of getting VA disability compensation can seem overwhelming at first, it's actually much easier with the help of accredited attorneys like Major Nelson.

Below, we've answered some common questions about how veterans with mesothelioma can access or increase their VA disability compensation.

What Is the VA Rating for Mesothelioma?

The VA typically gives veterans with mesothelioma a 100% disability rating. This means these veterans are eligible for the highest amounts of disability compensation through their VA benefits plan.

For 2026, veterans with a spouse can receive $4,158.17 per month if they have a 100% VA disability rating. Veterans without a spouse will get $3,938.58 each month.

You may have been approved for VA disability compensation for less serious conditions prior to your mesothelioma diagnosis. But, it’s possible to file an additional claim to increase your VA disability rating and get more money if you now have mesothelioma.

What Do I Need to File for a VA Disability Increase?

To increase your disability rating, you’ll need to file an additional claim that shows you have service-related mesothelioma.

You may need to include the following in your claim:

Medical records from VA hospitals confirming your diagnosis
Military service documents that can prove when, where, and how you were exposed to asbestos while serving
Supporting statements from family, friends, or other connections

The more evidence you can provide in your claim, the better the chance your claim will be approved and the VA will increase your disability rating. While it may seem daunting at first, you don’t have to go through this process alone.

At the Mesothelioma Veterans Center, we can guide you through the steps of increasing your disability compensation, and help gather evidence to support a claim, making it much easier.

“When a veteran is diagnosed with mesothelioma, I can help them file for disability compensation and get them the highest payouts that they’re eligible to receive.”

— Major Jonathan Nelson (Ret), VA-accredited attorney & Marine Corps veteran

How Long Will It Take to Get VA Disability Compensation?

It currently takes around 81 days for the VA to process disability claims. Factors like the unique circumstances of your diagnosis and how long it takes the VA to collect its own evidence play a role in how quickly VA disability benefits are approved.

With that said, working with a VA-accredited lawyer like Major Nelson can help you get the benefits you deserve as quickly as possible and with less risk of delay. With Major Nelson guiding you through the process, you'll avoid any extra hassles or costly mistakes.

Connect with Major Nelson now to get started on your mesothelioma VA benefits claim.

Other Compensation Options for Veterans With Mesothelioma

In addition to filing VA benefits claims, our team can connect veterans with additional options for mesothelioma compensation. These other options can award significantly more compensation than VA disability benefits will.

These options include:

Asbestos trust fund claims: These trust funds provide direct payments to those harmed by asbestos products. About $30 billion is still available in asbestos trust funds today.
Mesothelioma lawsuits: These lawsuits are not filed against the U.S. military but against asbestos companies. Many veterans have received $1 million or more in lawsuit compensation.
Wrongful death lawsuits: When a veteran passes away, their VA disability benefits stop. Families may qualify to file wrongful death lawsuits that typically award over $1 million to afford funeral bills, lingering medical expenses, and more.

"It’s vital for veterans to know that they can receive VA disability compensation in addition to money from legal claims against manufacturers who used asbestos in their products. Those legal claims don’t impact your VA benefits, so it’s important to explore all of your options in order to provide for your family.”

— Major Jonathan Nelson (Ret), VA-accredited attorney & Marine Corps veteran

While VA disability compensation is significant, mesothelioma treatment costs can exceed $400,000 in the first year, even with insurance. Mesothelioma legal claims can provide the additional compensation needed to cover any expenses you face and keep your loved ones secure.

Wondering about how to access VA benefits and additional mesothelioma compensation? Ask Major Nelson your mesothelioma questions now.

Get Help Increasing Your Compensation for Mesothelioma Today

U.S. veterans who have mesothelioma deserve compensation, support, and justice after a diagnosis. To that end, the Mesothelioma Veterans Center is here to help veterans get the most from their VA disability claims.

Major Nelson can help increase your VA disability rating to 100%, allowing you to get the highest payouts possible. Remember, for 2026, mesothelioma veterans will get $4,158.17 monthly if married.

We can also help you access additional compensation options — which potentially award millions of dollars — if you’re eligible.