Mesothelioma Support Options for Veterans

The Mesothelioma Veterans Center can help you find support groups, file for or increase your VA benefits, and access medical and financial aid. Seeking mesothelioma support can provide valuable assistance if you or a U.S. veteran you care about is affected by an asbestos-related disease. Find support options below.

Looking for a mesothelioma support group near you? We can help. Call (877) 450-8973

How U.S. Veterans With Mesothelioma Can Get Support

U.S. veterans and civilians with malignant mesothelioma can get support after a diagnosis through a wide range of programs and services.

Support options for U.S. veterans with mesothelioma include:

  1. An older man hugs his daughterSupport groups: Mesothelioma support groups allow you to get advice from other patients, caregivers, and medical professionals. Our team can help you find support groups that fit your needs.
  2. Military benefits: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers medical and financial benefits to veterans with mesothelioma. Work with our team to file a VA claim or maximize your benefits.
  3. Financial assistance: You may be eligible for financial payouts and grants to cover expenses after a mesothelioma diagnosis. We can help you apply for financial assistance.
  4. Medical help: Cancer treatments are key to living longer with mesothelioma. Our mesothelioma patient advocates can help you find top doctors, treatment options, and programs to help cover medical costs.

By utilizing these support options, you can take charge of your mesothelioma cancer journey.

Since 2015, the Mesothelioma Veterans Center has helped thousands of U.S. veterans and family members get access to treatments, VA benefits, financial aid, and other support.

Learn more about mesothelioma support options in our Free Veterans Packet.

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Mesothelioma Support Groups for Veterans and Families

Through a mesothelioma support group, you’ll meet other patients battling this rare cancer. Many support groups are led by professional moderators such as nurses or social workers who can answer questions and offer advice.

You can join mesothelioma support groups in various ways: in-person, over-the-phone, and online. View notable support groups below to help you navigate your diagnosis.

In-Person Support Groups

In-person cancer support groups meet at regular intervals (weekly, biweekly, or monthly) in local communities.

You can find local support groups through: 

  • The Mesothelioma Veterans Center: Our on-staff nursing support team and patient advocates can locate support groups near you after a diagnosis. Contact us to find a group in your area.
  • Hospitals: Military or civilian hospitals often host cancer support groups for patients. For example, Brigham and Women’s Hospital runs a support group for patients getting treated through its International Mesothelioma Program.
  • Community facilities: Local support groups may meet in community gathering spaces such as churches.

Before attending any in-person sessions, check with the support group to confirm the date and time and if there are any requirements to join.

Phone and Online Support Groups

Over-the-phone and online mesothelioma support groups offer flexibility while still offering a sense of community.

Call (877) 450-8973 to get help finding online or phone-based support groups and other resources. Our team specializes in assisting U.S. veterans with mesothelioma.

Online and phone mesothelioma support groups include:

  • The Veterans Crisis Line: The Veterans Crisis Line helps veterans and their families who are in crisis. Dial 988 and press 1 24/7 to access the line.
  • CanCare: CanCare has online support groups for patients, caregivers, and those with stage 4 cancer. It can also connect you with one-on-one support from a cancer survivor or caregiver.
  • CancerCare: This organization hosts online, video, and in-person support groups for patients, caregivers, and bereaved families, as well as patients.
  • Cancer Hope Network: This organization allows patients, caregivers, and survivors to connect with a peer mentor who had a similar cancer diagnosis or lived experience at no cost.
  • Cancer Survivors Network (CSN): Hosted by the American Cancer Society (ACS), CSN allows survivors, patients, and family to connect with others who have faced similar issues through online discussion boards and chat rooms.
  • The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation: Also known as the Meso Foundation, it hosts a number of online support groups via Zoom and Facebook for patients, loved ones, and survivors.
  • Mesothelioma Straight Talk (General Discussion): This online community, hosted by the Meso Foundation on Facebook, is open to anyone affected by mesothelioma, from patients to family and friends.
  • Mesothelioma Straight Talk (Patient Support): This private Facebook group is also hosted by the Meso Foundation and is exclusively for mesothelioma patients.

Some hospitals may also host their own mesothelioma support groups online or by phone.

Phone or online support groups may require you to RSVP ahead of time, so make sure to do so if you plan on joining.

Support Groups for Family and Caregivers

A mesothelioma diagnosis affects the entire family. By joining support groups, caregivers and family members can get advice, avoid burnout, and find a path forward while helping a loved one with this cancer.

Caregiver and family support options include:

  • VA Caregiver Support Program: The VA offers resources and training so you can provide the best care possible to a U.S. veteran that you love.
  • (Caregivers) Circle of Support Group: Hosted by the Meso Foundation via Zoom, this monthly mesothelioma caregiver support group discusses topics related to caring for a loved one with mesothelioma.
  • Spousal Loss Conversation Group: If you lost a loved one to mesothelioma, join this mesothelioma family support group to help you grieve and get closure.

Many other organizations, including CancerCare, the CSN, and Cancer Hope Network, also offer support to family and caregivers.

Mesothelioma Financial Support for U.S. Veterans

You or a U.S. veteran you love may be able to access life-changing financial support after a mesothelioma diagnosis to cover medical bills, basic living expenses, and much more.

Mesothelioma financial support options include:

  • VA benefits: VA disability benefits pay out nearly $4,000 a month to most veterans with mesothelioma. Veterans can also get free or low-cost treatments with VA health care. We can help you file a VA claim or increase the benefits you receive.
  • American Cancer Society: Call the ACS helpline at 1-800-227-2345 to get information about covering cancer-related expenses, finding the best treatments, and many other topics.
  • Mesothelioma lawsuits: Our team offers legal support for veterans with mesothelioma, with many veterans receiving $1 million or more by filing lawsuits with our help. Lawsuits are never filed against the military or government.
  • Patient Advocate Foundation: You can find services to help afford treatment costs, living expenses, medication, and more through this organization's National Financial Resource Directory. It also can help you find nearby support programs.
  • Trust funds: Bankrupt asbestos companies were forced to set up trusts to reimburse those with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos trust funds contain over $30 billion today. We can help you file an asbestos trust fund claim to access some of this money if eligible.

The Mesothelioma Veterans Center may be able to help you find financial support after a mesothelioma diagnosis. Connect with our patient advocates now at (877) 450-8973 or learn more with our Free Veterans Packet.

Mesothelioma Veterans Guide
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Get information on:

  • Top Treatments
  • Best Doctors
  • Improving Prognosis

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Financial Support for Travel and Transportation Costs

Patients may need to travel for treatment if they live far away from a mesothelioma cancer center. Travel expenses can quickly add up in these cases.

Fortunately, the VA and other programs can help patients travel for free or at a reduced cost.

Travel resources for mesothelioma patients include:

  • VA travel pay reimbursement: This program offers reimbursement to qualifying veterans and caregivers for travel expenses to and from approved health care appointments.
  • Fisher House: This foundation offers free lodging to the families of veterans receiving treatment. Many of the houses are near VA facilities.
  • Lawsuits: Promptly filing a mesothelioma lawsuit can ensure that you have financial aid to cover travel costs and treatment expenses. Remember, these lawsuits often award $1 million or more and you can start to get money in 90 days or less. Find attorneys who can help you file a lawsuit now.
  • Medical transportation: Medicaid can cover travel to doctor’s appointments as a non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) benefit. Some private insurance may also cover NEMT, but be sure to check with your provider.
  • Road to Recovery: Through this program, patients can get rides appointments related to their cancer from volunteers. This program is run by the ACS. Call 1-800-227-2345 to learn more.
  • Travel grants: The Meso Foundation can reimburse patients who are traveling to get a consultation from a mesothelioma doctor or those joining a clinical trial.

Medical Support Options for Mesothelioma Veterans

U.S. veterans with mesothelioma can access many different medical support options to get the treatments and care they need after a diagnosis.

If you or a loved one has mesothelioma, connect with a mesothelioma nurse right now by calling (877) 450-8973. Our nurses can help you find top treatment options, connect with expert doctors, and answer medical questions.

a doctor reassures an older man holding test resultsOther medical support options include:

  • VA health care: Veterans enrolled in VA health care can get treatment from some of the nation’s best mesothelioma doctors. They can also access in-home care and other medical support services.
  • Civilian cancer care: U.S. veterans with mesothelioma can use private insurance if they don’t have VA health care to get treated by civilian mesothelioma doctors at cancer centers across the country.
  • In-home nursing care: An in-home nurse gives caregivers a break so they can recharge and feel less stressed.
  • Mesothelioma hospice care: Hospice care is focused on easing a patient’s pain and improving quality of life when treatment is no longer effective. Patients can get hospice care in their home, at a hospital, or at a special facility.

Find the best medical support options for veterans and civilians in our Free Veterans Packet.

Mesothelioma Veterans Guide
Get a FREE Veterans Packet

Get information on:

  • Top Treatments
  • Best Doctors
  • Improving Prognosis

Get a Free Veterans Packet

Mesothelioma Support Organizations

Mesothelioma support organizations were created by patients, loved ones, and medical experts to help others fight this cancer.

They offer a wide range of resources, such as information on mesothelioma treatments, support groups, financial aid programs, fundraisers for cancer research, and more.

Notable mesothelioma organizations include:

  • The Mesothelioma Veterans Center: We are the oldest and most trusted veterans-oriented mesothelioma organization. We’ve helped thousands of veterans with mesothelioma access support, including treatments, VA benefits, and financial aid. Contact us to see how we can help you.
  • Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO): Founded in 2004, the ADAO advocates for a ban on asbestos and helps those harmed by mesothelioma find support.
  • Cancer Support Helpline: This organization can help patients find support groups, treatments, transportation services, and more after a cancer diagnosis.
  • The Meso Foundation: This non-profit organization is dedicated to raising awareness and finding a cure for mesothelioma. It hosts support groups for patients and loved ones, provides treatment information, and offers travel grants.

Get Support for Mesothelioma Now

U.S. veterans or civilians fighting mesothelioma deserve as much support and help as possible. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, the Mesothelioma Veterans Center can help you get support.

We can connect you with mesothelioma support options like:

  • Doctors, nurses, and treatment plans
  • Financial aid (often worth $1 million+) to cover expenses
  • Support groups for you and your loved ones
  • VA benefits like monthly compensation and health care

Get our Free Veterans Packet to see all the ways we can assist you or call (877) 450-8973 to connect with our team right now.

FAQs About Mesothelioma Support for U.S. Veterans

How do you help someone with mesothelioma?

If a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a great first step is to simply let them know that you’ll be there for them.

Ask the patient how you can help them. Simply running an errand, preparing a home-cooked meal, or driving them to a medical appointment are all simple ways to show that you care.

Is there any hope for mesothelioma?

Yes, there is hope for mesothelioma. It may be possible for you or a loved one to live for many years, depending on how your body responds to treatments.

Researchers are also studying possibly more effective treatments in clinical trials, and these new treatments could help you or a family member live longer.

Further, financial support can help offset treatment expenses, so a diagnosis won’t be financially devastating to your family.

Our team can help you access treatments, compensation, and other mesothelioma support options. Get a Free Veterans Packet to see all the ways we can assist you.

Can you live a normal life with mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is life-changing, but you might be able to live a typical life after undergoing treatments and receiving support.

When U.S. Air Force and Army veteran Arthur Putt was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2018, he was given a year or less to live and told he wouldn’t be able to eat solid foods again.

But, by getting treated and using natural supportive therapies, Arthur is still alive today and eats regular food for lunch and dinner.

Are mesothelioma support groups free?

Many mesothelioma support groups are free, but some may have rules as to who can join.

The Mesothelioma Veterans Center can help you find free mesothelioma support groups and other resources. Call (877) 450-8973 now.

What are some mesothelioma support options for veterans?

Notable mesothelioma support options for U.S. veterans include VA benefits, financial claims, and medical services.

VA benefits such as disability compensation and VA health care allow veterans to get monthly payouts and treatment from top cancer care teams, respectively.

Veterans with mesothelioma may also be entitled to $1 million or more by filing financial claims with our team’s help.

Veterans Support Team
Todd Gersten, MD PhotoReviewed by:Todd Gersten, MD

Double Board-Certified Oncologist and Hematologist

  • Fact-Checked
  • Editor

Todd Gersten, MD, is a double board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist specializing in general adult oncology and hematologic disease. He is a physician partner with the Florida Cancer Specialists and practices in Wellington, Florida.

Dr. Todd Gersten is an independently paid medical reviewer.

Christopher Dryfoos PhotoWritten by:

Contributing Author

Christopher Dryfoos is a journalist and member of the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA). As the grandson of the U.S. Navy’s first forensic pathologist, he aims to help veterans with mesothelioma access needed care.

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