Mesothelioma & Air Force Veterans

The United States Air Force used asbestos in planes and bases from the 1930s until the early 1980s. U.S. Air Force veterans exposed to asbestos may develop an aggressive cancer called mesothelioma later in life. We can help Air Force veterans with mesothelioma pursue VA benefits, treatments, and compensation.

Legally reviewed by Jonathan N. Nelson Retired U.S. Major & VA-Accredited Attorney

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Air Force and Mesothelioma Risks

The U.S. Air Force relied on asbestos to help keep bases, planes, and other assets fireproof and durable.

Mesothelioma takes 10-50 years to form, so Air Force veterans exposed long ago are still at risk of getting sick today.

Air Force service members were often exposed to asbestos in:

Airplanes
Bases and barracks
Ground vehicles

Air Force Veterans and Mesothelioma Video Thumbnail

Video Summary: U.S. Air Force veterans could develop mesothelioma if they were exposed to asbestos during their service. These veterans now qualify for VA benefits and private compensation.

For decades, asbestos was considered a miracle material because of its heat resistance and fireproofing properties. The United States Air Force used it extensively in planes and bases between the 1930s and early 1980s for these reasons.

Unfortunately, those who served in the Air Force during this time frame have a higher risk of developing mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure.
Air Force veterans working with or around asbestos-containing airplane parts could unknowingly inhale or swallow the fibers and get sick later in life.

Many Air Force veterans are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year, even though they were exposed decades ago.

Thankfully, Air Force veterans with mesothelioma can receive benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Mesothelioma VA benefits include disability compensation, health care, pensions, and more.

U.S. Air Force veterans with mesothelioma may also qualify to file private claims for additional compensation. These types of claims are filed against the makers of asbestos-based products, not the military or government.

We owe a debt of gratitude to our Air Force veterans for their service and sacrifice. If you or a loved one is an Air Force veteran with mesothelioma, contact the Mesothelioma Veterans Center today to get help accessing VA benefits, financial aid, and medical care.

Service members didn’t realize asbestos exposure could cause cancers like mesothelioma decades after the fact. Manufacturers of asbestos-containing products hid the risks from the military and general public to make significant profits.

We can help Air Force veterans with mesothelioma file for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, find top doctors and treatments, and pursue compensation to cover expenses.

Get our Free Veterans Packet now to see how we can assist Air Force veterans like you after a mesothelioma diagnosis. Major Jonathan Nelson (Ret) and the rest of our team are here to help you get the benefits you deserve.

Resources for Mesothelioma Air Force Veterans

U.S. Air Force veterans fighting mesothelioma can access a wide range of helpful resources offered as part of their VA benefits plan. They may also be eligible for compensation from legal claims and trust fund payouts.

Find out more about top resources for mesothelioma Air Force veterans below.

Air Force and Mesothelioma VA Benefits

Many VA benefits provide compensation to Air Force veterans with mesothelioma and other service-related disabilities. The VA considers mesothelioma to be a 100% disability, allowing affected veterans to get the highest financial payouts.

Key mesothelioma Air Force VA benefits include:

Disability compensation worth $4,158.17 a month, tax-free
Additional payouts for Aid & Attendance or housebound veterans
Pension plans for low-income veterans
Survivor benefits to help with funeral expenses and more

Call (877) 450-8973 now to get help filing for or increasing your VA benefits after a mesothelioma diagnosis. Major Nelson is an expert in the VA claims process and is ready to assist you.

“I want to make sure veterans have the opportunity to get benefits they need now, and to make sure their families are provided for in the future.

— Major Jonathan Nelson (Ret), VA-accredited attorney & Marine Corps veteran

Mesothelioma Lawsuits

U.S. Air Force veterans may qualify to file mesothelioma lawsuits against manufacturers of asbestos-containing products. These lawsuits award $1 million on average, with some veterans receiving much more.

Mesothelioma lawsuits are never filed against the U.S. military or government and don't affect your ability to file for VA benefits. Loved ones can also file wrongful death lawsuits if an Air Force veteran they loved passed away from the cancer.

Asbestos Trusts Funds

Many asbestos companies filed for bankruptcy to avoid lawsuits and were forced to put money into trusts to help victims.

There’s an estimated $30 billion still available in asbestos trust funds today. Our legal partners can help you or an Air Force veteran you love file claims with all of the trusts you qualify for.

VA Mesothelioma Treatment for Air Force Veterans

Getting mesothelioma treatment is key to living longer with this cancer. The VA health care system has top cancer centers treating mesothelioma in Air Force veterans.

Doctors on staff can help veterans determine how military asbestos exposure contributed to their cancer, and recommend the best treatments specific to their diagnosis.

VA hospitals treating mesothelioma include:

Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center
VA Atlanta Healthcare System
VA Boston Healthcare System
VA Miami Healthcare System
West Los Angeles VA Medical Center

U.S. Air Force veterans with mesothelioma can get specialized treatment for free or at a greatly reduced cost as part of their VA health care benefits.

Compensation Secured for Mesothelioma Air Force Veterans

Our team has recovered over $1 million on average for mesothelioma in Air Force veterans through the legal system.

Accessing compensation for mesothelioma does not impact your ability to receive VA benefits, and our legal partners won’t sue the military or government.

Notable payouts secured for Air Force veterans include:

$4.14 million

to an Indiana Air Force veteran and welder

$3.86 million

to an Arizona Air Force veteran and electrician

$2.92 million

for a Wisconsin Air Force veteran

$3.56 million

to an Arizona Air Force veteran and teacher

$2.9 million

for a South Carolina Air Force veteran

$2 million

to a Colorado Air Force veteran and machinist

$1 million

to a Michigan Air Force veteran

$1.86 million

for a Virginia Air Force veteran and mechanic

$2.49 million

for an Arkansas Air Force veteran

$3.9 million

for a Colorado Air Force veteran

Our team may be able to help you or a mesothelioma Air Force veteran you love seek compensation, too.

Would you like to learn more about compensation and benefits available to Air Force veterans with mesothelioma? Ask Major Jonathan Nelson (Ret) now!

How Did Air Force Asbestos Exposure Occur?

Many Air Force veterans were exposed to asbestos while serving their country and protecting our freedoms. Prior to the early 1980s, asbestos was seen as essential for use in U.S. military applications across the world.

Asbestos was commonly used by the U.S. Air Force in:

Aircraft components like brakes and engines for durability, insulation, and fireproofing
Bases and buildings in tiles, cement, paint, roofing, and additional materials
Other assets like weapons, ground vehicles, and more

"When my dad was in the Air Force, he was exposed to asbestos with a lot of the things that he worked with every day for four years in the Air Force as a B-52 jet engine mechanic."

– Mike Crosby, son of Air Force mesothelioma veteran Fred Crosby

Many U.S. Air Force veterans were put in danger of developing cancers like mesothelioma later in life as a result of this widespread use of asbestos.

Air Force Bases With Asbestos

Over 80 U.S. Air Force bases were built with asbestos-containing materials. Air Force veterans across the country serving on these bases risked exposure on an everyday basis.

Air Force bases that used asbestos included:

Amarillo Air Force Base
Beale Air Force Base
Charleston Air Force Base
Edwards Air Force Base
Ethan Allen Air Force Base
Fairchild Air Force Base
Francis E. Warren Air Force Base
Griffiss Air Force Base
Holloman Air Force Base
Lackland Air Force Base
Malmstrom Air Force Base
Minot Air Force Base
Nellis Air Force Base
Patrick Air Force Base
Plattsburgh Air Force Base
Randolph Air Force Base
Scott Air Force Base
Topsham Air Force Base
Travis Air Force Base
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base

“Common sources of asbestos exposure on Air Force bases included boilers, insulation, drywall, pipe coverings or lagging, adhesives, sealants, and cement. Many aircraft, hangars, barracks, and other buildings on base all could have used these components.”

— Major Jonathan Nelson (Ret), VA-accredited attorney & Marine Corps veteran

Harmful asbestos fibers could have easily been released into the air during construction or repair jobs on Air Force bases.

Call (877) 450-8973 if you or a loved one served on an Air Force base and you now have mesothelioma. You may qualify for benefits, treatments, and financial compensation.

Air Force Planes Using Asbestos

The U.S. Air Force used asbestos to keep planes durable and ‌heat-resistant. Virtually all planes built by the Air Force contained asbestos until the early 1980s.

Air Force planes that contained asbestos included:

B-36 Peacemaker
B-47 Stratojet
B-52 Stratofortress
B-58 Hustler
F-104 Starfighter
KC-135 Stratotanker
SR-71 Blackbird
U-2 Spyplane

Some of the most common asbestos products used in Air Force planes included engine components, gaskets, heat shields, brake pads, wiring, adhesives, clutches, and more.

Working with or around asbestos-containing products on planes could put Air Force personnel at a high risk of exposure, contributing to a mesothelioma diagnosis later in life.

High-Risk Air Force Asbestos Occupations

Anyone serving in the Air Force prior to the early 1980s could have risked asbestos exposure. With that said, many Air Force roles put service members in contact with asbestos-containing materials every day.

Air Force personnel at a high risk of exposure included:

Aircraft mechanics: Air Force mechanics and technicians had the highest risk of exposure since they had to install, repair, and replace asbestos-containing plane parts on a daily basis, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
Construction workers: Insulation, piping, drywall, and other construction materials used to build Air Force bases, barracks, radar stations, and hangars contained asbestos. Maintenance and construction workers were at regular risk of exposure as a result.
Firefighters: When Air Force planes or buildings caught fire, they could release asbestos fibers into the air. Firefighters could easily breathe in fibers while working to put out blazes. Protective equipment used by firefighters could have contained asbestos, too.
Other jobs: Air Force electronic technicians, aircraft handlers, metalsmiths, welders, and environmental specialists risked regular exposure to asbestos while serving.

“It takes 10-50 years or more for asbestos to cause mesothelioma, so Air Force veterans who served decades ago are still at risk of getting sick today.”

— Major Jonathan Nelson (Ret), VA-accredited attorney & Marine Corps veteran

Working with asbestos-containing products in these roles could send tiny fibers flying into the air, where U.S. Air Force personnel could breathe them in or swallow them. These fibers remain in the body for decades and may eventually cause mesothelioma.

Secondhand Exposure Risks and the Air Force

Air Force families were at risk of secondhand asbestos exposure, particularly those who lived on base housing. Asbestos dust could stick to the uniforms of Air Force personnel, and when they returned home, the fibers could be breathed in by loved ones.

Spouses and children have gone on to develop mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases later in life due to secondhand exposure, even though they never directly worked with asbestos materials.

Get our Free Veterans Packet to explore VA benefits, compensation, and treatment options if you or a loved one is fighting mesothelioma after serving in the Air Force.

U.S. Air Force Veterans Who Survived Mesothelioma

While mesothelioma is aggressive, some Air Force veterans have bravely fought this cancer and gone on to live fulfilling lives. Hear from Air Force veterans who became mesothelioma survivors below.

Arthur Putt

After serving in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army, Arthur “Art” Putt worked as a mechanic, where he was exposed to asbestos-containing brakes.

In 2018, Art developed a cough that wouldn’t go away. His doctors diagnosed him with pleural mesothelioma and expected him to live a year or less. However, with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and dietary changes, Art is thriving and is approaching 10 years of survivorship.

“You can’t change it. Make the best of it as you can,” Art says. “Get as close to your family and friends as you can.”

Shandi Speedy

While serving in the U.S. Air Force, Shandi received a shocking peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis in 2014. She was just 26 years old.

She suffered secondhand exposure as a child because her father had worked on Air Force planes containing asbestos. Originally given 14 months to live, surgery and chemotherapy have kept her cancer-free for more than a decade.

“I feel very optimistic,” she told the EWG in a recent report. “But it’s always in the back of my head: When is it going to come back?”

We Can Help Mesothelioma Air Force Veterans

Mesothelioma Air Force veterans can pursue VA benefits, health care services, and compensation to ease their stresses by working with our team.

The Mesothelioma Veterans Center has helped thousands of veterans and families get key resources after ‌military asbestos exposure led to a cancer diagnosis.

Mesothelioma Air Force veterans can access:

VA benefits paying out $4,158.17 monthly
Free or low-cost mesothelioma treatments
Legal payouts worth $1 million+ on average

Major Nelson and the rest of our experienced team stand ready to help you. Call (877) 450-8973 now or get a Free Veterans Packet to explore all the ways we can assist you.

Air Force and Mesothelioma FAQs

What is the VA rating for mesothelioma?

The VA typically grants a 100% disability rating for mesothelioma in U.S. Air Force veterans. This means veterans can receive the highest disability payouts for this cancer.

With this rating, the VA awards $4,158.17 a month to married mesothelioma Air Force veterans, helping them cover any expenses they face following a diagnosis.

What are common symptoms of mesothelioma in Air Force veterans?

First symptoms of mesothelioma appear 10-50 years or more after asbestos exposure.

Notable symptoms of mesothelioma include:

Anemia
A persistent bloody cough
Chest or abdominal pain
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Swelling in the abdomen
Unexplainable weight loss

Symptoms vary as mesothelioma can develop in different parts of the body, such as the lung lining (pleura), heart lining (pericardium), and abdominal lining (peritoneum). Many symptoms are vague at first but worsen over time.

If you or an Air Force veteran you love served prior to the 1980s and is experiencing these symptoms, consider getting screened for mesothelioma. Be sure to mention any military asbestos exposure history, which can help rule out more common conditions.

What is the average payout for a mesothelioma claim?

Air Force veterans with mesothelioma typically receive $1 million or more through an asbestos claim. This compensation is in addition to the monthly payouts awarded by the VA.

Get a free case review now to find out your eligibility for compensation. Our team can file claims on your behalf if you qualify so you can get the highest payouts possible.

Who is eligible for mesothelioma compensation?

U.S. Air Force veterans and anyone else impacted by a mesothelioma diagnosis may be eligible for financial compensation.

Private companies made and sold asbestos products until the early 1980s without disclosing the health risks. As a result, you may qualify to pursue payouts from them if you have mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, such as lung cancer or asbestosis.

Do I qualify for mesothelioma Air Force VA benefits?

Air Force veterans with mesothelioma can file for VA benefits if as long as they received an other-than-dishonorable discharge. They will need to provide various types of evidence to support their claim.

Here’s what’s needed for a mesothelioma VA claim:

Proof of military asbestos exposure, such as where a veteran was stationed and which job they held
Records confirming a mesothelioma diagnosis
A medical nexus letter, where a doctor confirms their cancer is linked to asbestos exposure

Major Nelson is a VA-accredited attorney who can assist you in collecting the evidence needed. He’ll also guide you through the entire claims process, making it much easier. Get help filing for VA benefits now.

Which military bases had asbestos?

Over 80 U.S. Air Force bases used asbestos-containing products before the risks were known, including Edwards Air Force Base, Scott Air Force Base, and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Those at the highest risk of Air Force asbestos exposure worked with or around asbestos-containing products on bases. These service members include construction workers, welders, and electricians.

When did the Air Force stop using asbestos?

The U.S. Air Force took steps to limit and phase out the use of asbestos starting in the 1980s. A partial asbestos ban by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1989 also significantly limited military use of this harmful material.

However, not all of the asbestos was removed from Air Force assets, so those serving from the 1980s onward could still be at risk due to “legacy asbestos” found in older planes, bases, and other materials.

A federal report released in July 2025 found that personnel stationed at Minot Air Force Base, Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, and Malmstrom Air Force Base had a higher cancer risk due to legacy asbestos left behind in its aging buildings.

Is mesothelioma considered a disability?

Yes, mesothelioma is considered to be a 100% disability by the VA. This means that veterans affected typically qualify for the highest monthly VA disability payouts.

As of 2026, the VA awards $4,158.17 in monthly disability compensation to married veterans with mesothelioma.

Veterans must be able to link military asbestos exposure to their diagnosis in order to get mesothelioma VA disability benefits, and our team can assist with this process. Ask Major Jonathan Nelson (Ret) now for help accessing your VA benefits.

Mesothelioma and Air Force Veterans