VA Benefits for Asbestos Exposure: Q&A With VA-Accredited Attorney Jonathan Nelson Posted on June 15, 2026June 15, 2026 by Christopher Dryfoos 4 Min Read Many U.S. veterans were exposed to asbestos throughout their military careers. This can lead to serious health issues like mesothelioma later in life. When veterans develop mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, they may qualify for significant benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). U.S. veterans can file for VA benefits more easily by working with a VA-accredited attorney. At the Mesothelioma Veterans Center, Major Jonathan Nelson (USMC, Ret.) leads the charge to help veterans get these benefits — for free. He fought for justice as a Marine Corps lawyer. Today, he walks U.S. veterans through the VA benefits process so they can focus on their health and family. We recently touched base with Jonathan about why veterans may be eligible for benefits after asbestos exposure and how he works to support those affected. Get help filing for mesothelioma VA benefits now — Major Nelson is standing by to assist you and your family. Q: Why does the VA offer asbestos benefits? The VA offers benefits for asbestos-related health issues because it understands the serious challenges that veterans with mesothelioma face. Most of the veterans I work with didn’t know asbestos was, essentially, a poison. But many of them routinely worked with products like insulation aboard Navy ships, cement used for Army bases, or brakes and clutches in military vehicles, so they were inhaling toxic fibers and dust on a daily basis. This contributes to the mesothelioma cases we see in so many U.S. veterans today, since asbestos-related diseases form decades after first exposure. Veterans didn’t deserve to get sick, and the VA offers benefits to care for them. If we can show the VA that you were exposed to asbestos on active duty, you may be eligible for disability compensation, or your dependents might be able to receive certain survivor benefits. Q: What are the main VA benefits for asbestos exposure? When we’re talking about asbestos-related VA benefits, many veterans want to know if they’re eligible for monthly payouts. VA disability compensation provides around $4,000 each month or more to veterans with mesothelioma, since the VA recognizes that this cancer is so aggressive and impactful to their health. Another key benefit is that the VA offers low-cost, or sometimes even free, health care services to former service members with service-connected conditions. Through a VA health care plan, veterans with mesothelioma are able to connect with VA doctors who specialize in this cancer. Finally, it’s helpful for veterans to know that some provisions are in place for their family. Survivor benefits may provide financial assistance in the event they pass away. One of the most rewarding things about my work at the Mesothelioma Veterans Center is helping veterans file for VA benefits at no cost to them. It’s stressful enough dealing with cancer. Getting the VA benefits you need following a diagnosis shouldn’t be. Q: Who is eligible for asbestos-related VA benefits? In order to get asbestos VA benefits, you need to have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or another asbestos-related disease. You also need to have evidence that the diagnosis is related to your time in the military. Service records and a statement from a doctor connecting this service to your mesothelioma diagnosis, called a nexus letter, are both crucial to proving your eligibility. The VA will review all the evidence you submit when filing for benefits and then issue a determination. Trying to prove you deserve VA benefits while also dealing with cancer can be difficult — but that’s why I’m here. I’ll take on that burden for you so you’re able to get the benefits you deserve. Q: What’s my asbestos VA rating? Your disability rating determines how much disability compensation you will receive each month. The VA disability rating depends primarily on which asbestos-related disease you have and how much it impacts your health and daily life. Mesothelioma is usually considered a 100% disability, so veterans with mesothelioma can expect to receive the highest disability payouts currently available. It also lowers some of your financial responsibilities if you get medical care from VA treatment centers. If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you should ask us to help you file a claim for an increased disability rating as soon as possible. The benefits of a 100% disability rate can greatly help you and your family offset the costs of this cancer. And many states also provide additional benefits (such as property tax exemptions) for veterans with a 100% disability rating. Q: Which organizations are helping with VA benefits following asbestos exposure? Organizations like the Mesothelioma Veterans Center are geared specifically towards helping U.S. veterans and their families more easily file for asbestos-related VA benefits. What makes us stand out is that we’re independent of the VA, so we work for you. That means there’s somebody in your corner who’s putting your needs first. It’s no secret that navigating the VA claims process can be a beast. When you’re already dealing with a cancer like mesothelioma, it can seem overwhelming. The Mesothelioma Veterans Center team has successfully helped veterans get the benefits they deserve for over a decade. And with fellow VA-accredited lawyers and fellow U.S. veterans on staff, we truly understand your experience and know how to avoid the pain points of the process. I’m here to answer questions about how we can help you get your benefits, prove your asbestos exposure, and much more. Q: What lawyers are recommended for military asbestos cases? It's often in your best interest to work with VA-accredited lawyers, such as myself, who have experience helping other U.S. veterans impacted by asbestos exposure. One of the biggest things I’m proud of is being able to take the guesswork out of filing a VA claim. I can access documentation to prove your asbestos exposure, request medical nexus letters, and work to make the process easier for you. You may also want to consider getting help from mesothelioma attorneys at national asbestos law firms. For instance, we’ve partnered with Simmons Hanly Conroy, a veteran-founded law firm that helps with private mesothelioma lawsuits. These types of claims can be filed in tandem with your VA claim for disability benefits to help you get even more money to help your family and provide for their future care. While every case is different, many other U.S. veterans have received $1 million or more with the help of Simmons Hanly Conroy. Get VA Benefits for Asbestos Exposure Now U.S. veterans didn’t deserve to develop mesothelioma from serving their country. If you or a loved one was exposed to asbestos while serving and is now sick, we’re ready to support you. Major Nelson and our other team members can guide you through the mesothelioma VA benefits claims process from start to finish. We assist with: Proving your asbestos exposure Requesting medical nexus letters and supporting records Filing a VA benefits claim for free Identifying additional resources to help you Call (877) 450-8973 or get help filing for asbestos VA benefits right now by working with our team.