The Mesothelioma Veterans Center has released new guidance aimed at helping families of veterans with mesothelioma navigate questions about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, treatment, and long-term planning as the new year begins.
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer only caused by asbestos exposure. For many veterans with mesothelioma and their families, a diagnosis is shocking. The cancer is incredibly rare, affecting around 1,000 veterans per year, and develops 10-50 years after initial exposure to asbestos.
“Families are often trying to make sense of a diagnosis while also learning how the VA benefits process works. The weeks after the holidays can be a moment when people have time to ask questions about care planning, finances, and what comes next. Our goal is to help them find clear starting points.”
— Major Jonathan Nelson (Ret), VA-accredited attorney & Marine Corps veteran
The Mesothelioma Veterans Center was founded in 2015 to help veterans and their families access VA benefits, treatment options, and financial compensation for mesothelioma. The organization’s team includes veterans, military family members, VA-accredited attorneys, and registered nurses who help families get the resources they deserve.
Helping Veterans and Families Access VA Benefits
Today, the VA offers a wide range of benefits to veterans affected by mesothelioma. Key VA benefits include disability compensation typically worth $4,158.17 a month, low-cost or free treatment through VA health care, and survivor resources. The Mesothelioma Veterans Center strives to make accessing these benefits as easy as possible.
Veterans have historically faced higher asbestos exposure risks. From the 1930s through the early 1980s, asbestos-containing materials were widely used by the U.S. military in ships, shipyards, planes, vehicles, and bases.
Service members didn’t understand the risks as private manufacturers of asbestos-containing materials hid the dangers for decades. These companies sold asbestos for military use without disclosing the serious health problems. Many are only just getting sick with mesothelioma in the present after being exposed decades earlier — and deserve VA benefits to manage their cancer.
“Families are surprised to learn how many VA benefits are out there, but applying for them can feel overwhelming,” Major Nelson said. “We help eligible families gather the information the VA requires, such as service documents, medical records, and timelines, so they can get the benefits they need.”
— Major Jonathan Nelson, VA-accredited attorney & Marine Corps veteran
More Ways We Support Veterans and Families
The Mesothelioma Veterans Center also offers veterans and their families its Free Veterans Packet. Our packet provides a comprehensive overview of benefits, treatments, financial options, and much more, walking veterans and families through everything they need to know after a diagnosis.
For those looking for medical guidance, they can connect with the Mesothelioma Veterans Center’s registered nurses to better understand symptoms, explore treatment options, and join support groups following a diagnosis. Many of the nurses and patient advocates on staff have decades of experience in assisting families.
Additionally, our experienced legal partners assist veterans and loved ones in pursuing mesothelioma compensation through legal claims at no upfront cost, if eligible. Filing doesn’t impact existing VA benefits packages.
Get Mesothelioma Veterans Support Now
The Mesothelioma Veterans Center encourages families to use the start of 2026 as an opportunity to have crucial conversations and reach out for support.
If you or a loved one has been recently diagnosed, we’re here to help you explore available VA benefits, review treatment plans with our registered nurses, and pursue compensation you may qualify for.
Call (877) 450-8973 or ask Major Nelson your mesothelioma questions now to learn how our team may be able to support you or a loved one with this cancer.
