The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will increase its financial compensation benefits starting on December 1, 2025. This means veterans and families who suffer from mesothelioma related to military service will receive more money moving into 2026. See how VA compensation for mesothelioma is increasing
VA Disability Compensation & Pension Payouts To Increase
U.S. veterans with mesothelioma are often entitled to many VA benefits, including monthly financial payouts. At the start of December 2025, the VA will increase the amount of compensation paid through VA benefits.
Here are the compensation benefits that will increase:
- Aid & Attendance (A&A): The base rate for A&A is now $34,486 for veterans who have a dependent spouse.
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): Survivors of veterans may qualify for monthly VA DIC payments. The base rate is now $1,699.35.
- Disability compensation: Married veterans with mesothelioma who are considered 100% disabled will now receive $4,158.17 a month.
- VA pension: The VA increased the Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR) amounts. The base MAPR for those who qualify is now $17,440. Veterans whose income did not increase can expect more money from their pension.
These VA compensation increases can help veterans with mesothelioma and their families in a variety of different ways. In most cases, these financial benefits are tax-free and there aren't any limits on how veterans can spend the money. They also do not affect a veteran's ability to pursue other types of mesothelioma compensation.
If you served in the military and now have mesothelioma, we can help you get VA benefits. Major Jonathan Nelson (Ret) is a VA-accredited attorney and U.S. Marine Corps veteran ready to walk you through the process.
Why Can Veterans Access VA Compensation for Mesothelioma?
Veterans are one of the highest-risk groups for mesothelioma due to the widespread military use of asbestos between the 1930s and the early 1980s. Military bases, ships, and vehicles were built with asbestos for fireproofing and insulation. However, these assets could release asbestos fibers into the air. If you breathe in the fibers, you could develop mesothelioma later in life.
Military service members and the general public had no idea that asbestos was dangerous since manufacturers of asbestos-containing products hid the facts to keep profits high.
The VA is committed to financially assisting veterans who have disabilities, injuries, or illnesses related to their military service. To that end, the VA will provide financial compensation to veterans with mesothelioma to ensure that their medical bills, living expenses, and other costs are paid for.
How Much VA Compensation Can Veterans With Mesothelioma Receive?
The amount of VA compensation a veteran can receive depends on a couple of different factors, with the most notable being the number of dependents they have. Typically speaking, veterans with mesothelioma receive thousands of dollars every month.
Here's how much you could receive from:
- VA disability benefits: VA disability compensation pays out money based on what is known as a “disability rating.” Mesothelioma is considered a total disability (100% disability rating) by the VA, so veterans who qualify receive the most amount of money available. As previously mentioned, most U.S. veterans with mesothelioma will get $4,158.17 per month if they're married.
- VA pensions: Calculating VA pension is slightly more complicated. To qualify for a VA pension, a veteran’s income must be under the established MAPR rate. For example, if a veteran needs A&A and has a dependent spouse, their MAPR rate is $34,486. The MAPR is subtracted from the veteran's pension and then paid out in monthly installments.
- VA DIC: There is no income limit to receive VA DIC. Spouses can receive $1,699.35 per month, with more money provided for special circumstances.
"Benefits like monthly disability compensation and survivors' resources go a long way toward making life easier after a diagnosis. As a VA-accredited attorney, I can help veterans like you understand which benefits you're entitled to and assist you in accessing them."
— Major Jonathan Nelson (Ret), VA-accredited attorney & Marine Corps veteran
Major Nelson can help you file for mesothelioma VA benefits or increase your disability rating to 100% if you've recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma. With his help, you can get maximum VA benefit payouts for mesothelioma.
Call (877) 450-8973 now to connect with Major Nelson and get the benefits you deserve.
VA Mesothelioma Compensation FAQs
Can you make too much money to get VA benefits?
Depending on your income, you may or may not be able to receive a VA pension. However, Your income has no effect on disability compensation and many other types of benefits available through the VA.
By how much did the VA compensation rates increase?
The VA compensation rates increased by approximately 2.8% going into 2026.
Will the VA compensation rates continue to increase?
Yes, VA compensation rates increase each year to adjust for inflation. The VA typically announces the new compensation rate on December 1st of each year.
We Help Veterans Get Mesothelioma VA Benefits
If you're a U.S. veteran with mesothelioma, you deserve and likely qualify for significant VA benefits. While navigating the VA can be tricky on your own, Major Nelson can help you file right now, making it much easier for you and your family.
"I recommend that veterans get in touch with us as soon as possible if they’re facing mesothelioma. When it comes to cancer, every second counts. VA-accredited attorneys like myself can fight to get you the benefits you deserve, giving you and your family one less thing to worry about."
— Major Jonathan Nelson (Ret), VA-accredited attorney & Marine Corps veteran
Our team also help you pursue compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits and asbestos trust funds, which may award even more than monthly VA payouts. No legal action is taken against the military as part of these claims, and you'll still be able to get VA benefits at the same time.
Get help filing for mesothelioma VA benefits with Major Nelson's help right now, or call (877) 450-8973 to connect with our team.
