The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced that several of its financial compensation benefits would increase starting on December 1, 2023. This means veterans and families who suffer from mesothelioma related to military service will receive more money starting this year. See how VA compensation for mesothelioma increased.
VA Disability Compensation & Pension Payouts To Increase
U.S. veterans with mesothelioma are often entitled to financial VA benefits. On December 1st, 2023, the VA announced that several of its financial benefits would increase in 2024.
Here are the compensation benefits that increased:
- Aid & Attendance (A&A): As part of the VA Pension Plan, A&A rates increased to $27,609.
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): Survivors of veterans may qualify for monthly VA DIC payments. The base rate is now $1,612.75.
- Disability compensation: Married veterans with mesothelioma typically received $3,823.89 per month in 2023, but moving into 2024 they'll now get $3,946.25 every month.
- VA pension: The VA increased the Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR) amounts. The base MAPR for those who qualify is now $16,551. 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 were later diagnosed with mesothelioma, our team — including U.S. veteran and attorney Eric Hall — can help you pursue VA benefits and other forms of compensation today.
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. Asbestos made military bases, ships, and vehicles very durable, but if humans inhale asbestos fibers they can develop mesothelioma, a deadly cancer, decades later.
The military and the general public had no idea that asbestos was dangerous since manufacturers of asbestos-based 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 affected by 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 – most notably, the number of dependents they have.
- 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 $3,946.25 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 their situation. For example, a veteran with no dependents and who needs A&A has a MAPR rate of $27,609. How much the pension will pay depends on the veteran's income. If their income is $15,000, they would receive $12,600.
- VA DIC: There is no income limit to receive VA DIC. Spouses can receive $1,612.75 per month, with more money provided for special circumstances.
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. Your income has no effect on disability compensation and many other types of benefits available through the VA.
Eric Hall — a VA-accredited lawyer and veteran — can help you get started. File for VA benefits today.
By how much did the VA compensation rates increase?
The VA compensation rates increased by approximately 3.2%% going into 2024.
Will the VA compensation rates continue to increase?
Yes. They typically increase each year to adjust for the rate of inflation. The VA typically announces the new compensation rate on December 1st of each year.
How Veterans Can Access VA Compensation for Mesothelioma
Veterans with mesothelioma can apply for VA benefits right now. VA-accredited attorney Eric Hall and our caring patient advocates can help veterans find the benefits they need during this trying time.
We can also help you pursue compensation through legal claims 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.
Contact our team today to learn more.
