The U.S. Army used asbestos in bases, vehicles, and other assets before the risks were well known. This put U.S. Army veterans at risk of mesothelioma and other deadly illnesses. We can help Army veterans with mesothelioma pursue benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), treatments, and financial compensation.
Why Are U.S. Army Veterans At Risk of Mesothelioma?
Between the 1930s and early 1980s, the U.S. Army used asbestos-containing products to keep its bases and vehicles heat-resistant and durable. Army veterans could develop mesothelioma 10-50 years later if they were exposed to the fibers in these products.
Service members didn’t realize that asbestos could lead to mesothelioma. The companies that made and sold asbestos-based products knowingly hid the dangers to make a profit.
At the Mesothelioma Veterans Center, we can help you:
- Access VA benefits typically worth $3,946.25 a month
- Pursue legal compensation worth $1 million+ on average
- Connect with top doctors and cancer centers near them
- Understand their diagnosis and get support
Get our Free Veterans Packet to learn about all the ways our team can assist eligible veterans with mesothelioma.
U.S. Mesothelioma Army Veterans We’ve Helped
Thousands of U.S. veterans and families have trusted the Mesothelioma Veterans Center to get the resources they need after a diagnosis. Hear from two U.S. Army veterans our team helped below.
Art Putt
Art served in the U.S. Army and Air Force before becoming a mechanic, where he was constantly exposed to asbestos in brake pads.
Following his mesothelioma diagnosis in 2018, we secured a significant payout for Art. This allowed him to afford life-saving treatment and make sure his family would be taken care of.
“We gave all that money to our kids, paid all their debts off, paid our house off, and made our life a little easier because we had no financial worries.”
— Art Putt, U.S. Army & Air Force veteran with mesothelioma
Ernie Conry
Ernie was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma after decades of work as a mechanic and military service during the Korean War.
We helped Ernie get compensation to cover treatments that allowed him to become a long-term survivor.
“Don’t let the cancer bog you down. Someday, it might bog you down, but my God, if you are still moving, keep moving.”
— Ernie Conry, U.S. Army veteran with mesothelioma
How Did the U.S. Army Use Asbestos?
The U.S. Army and other branches of the armed forces used asbestos to insulate and fireproof buildings, ships, planes, weapons systems, and equipment.
Asbestos-containing materials used by the Army included:
- Cement foundation
- Electrical wiring
- Floor and ceiling tiles
- Gaskets
- Gloves and fireproof suits
- Insulation
- Pipes
- Roofing materials
- Siding
As Army personnel worked with or around these products, asbestos fibers may have been released into the air. Those who inhaled or swallowed the fibers could develop mesothelioma 10-50 years later.
Army personnel didn’t know the risks of asbestos exposure since manufacturers concealed the deadly truth for much of the 20th century.
Video Summary: U.S. Army veterans are at risk of mesothelioma. This is because Army bases and vehicles relied on asbestos for between the 1930s and early 1980s. Get help now by calling (877) 450-8973. View Transcript
The United States Army used countless asbestos-based products from the 1930s to the early 1980s. As a result, U.S. Army veterans who served their country during this time frame are at high risk of developing mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer that can develop decades after asbestos exposure.
Since asbestos is very durable and fireproof, it was included in many products that were used to make Army bases, vehicles, and other assets. At the time, the risks of asbestos were hidden by corporations, so Army personnel didn’t know they were in danger.
Sadly, many U.S. Army veterans develop mesothelioma each year from being exposed to asbestos while they served. Mesothelioma can form in the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen, and is almost always fatal.
Fortunately, there is hope for U.S. Army veterans who have received a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Army veterans with mesothelioma can receive specialized treatment through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. These former service members can also access financial payouts worth thousands of dollars each month, and get help for their spouse and families.
In addition to health care benefits, U.S. Army veterans with mesothelioma may also qualify for private compensation from asbestos companies. This money can provide veterans with the financial security to take care of their medical treatment and daily living expenses.
If you or a loved one served in the U.S. Army and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact the Mesothelioma Veterans Center right now. We can help you explore your options and get the support you deserve.
Army Bases That Used Asbestos
Over 60 U.S. Army bases were built with asbestos-based products, like cement sheet and insulation. Soldiers living or working on these military bases were at risk of asbestos exposure.
Some of the Army bases and barracks that used asbestos included:
- Camp Bullis, Texas
- Camp Dodge, Iowa
- Camp Haan, California
- Camp Mackall, North Carolina
- Fort Benning, Georgia
- Fort Carson, Colorado
- Fort Devens, Massachusetts
- Fort Dix, New Jersey
- Fort Drum, New York
- Fort Meade, Maryland
- Fort Riley, Kansas
- Fort Shafter, Hawaii
Get a Free Veterans Packet if you served on a U.S. Army base and now have mesothelioma to learn about benefits and resources available to you.
High-Risk Jobs for Army Asbestos Exposure
Anyone serving in the U.S. Army may have come in contact with asbestos, but some jobs carried a higher risk of exposure.
High-risk Army jobs included:
- Automotive work
- Carpentry
- Construction
- Demolition
- Electrical work
- Millwork
- Pipefitting
- Plumbing
- Shipyard work
Military veterans who worked in the jobs above could have been exposed to asbestos every day. For example, Army construction workers regularly used asbestos-containing insulation, pipes, and cement.
Modern-Day Army Asbestos Exposure Risks
The Army stopped using asbestos in the 1980s when the health risks became clear. However, millions had already been exposed. Mesothelioma takes 10-50 years or longer to develop after exposure, so many Army veterans are at risk today.
While steps were taken to remove most asbestos from military assets, some products may still be found in older Army buildings.
Fort Campbell finally demolished several asbestos-containing buildings dating back to World War II in 2021. A project planner said the buildings were “just unsafe to be in” since they contained asbestos.
Secondhand Asbestos Exposure Risks in Army Families
The dangers of asbestos exposure were not limited to Army soldiers. Their families may have been put at risk as well if they lived on Army bases through secondhand exposure.
Soldiers could bring home stray asbestos fibers that stuck to their hair or clothes after a day’s work, exposing loved ones. Family members could also unknowingly inhale or swallow asbestos fibers disturbed during Army construction or renovation projects.
Asbestos Risks in Army Vehicles
Almost all Army vehicles built before the early 1980s, including ambulances, buses, jeeps, and tanks, contained asbestos.
Asbestos was used in the following vehicle parts:
- Brake pads
- Clutches
- Gaskets
- Heating systems
- Hood liners
- Spark plugs
- Valves
The U.S. Army used asbestos to keep vehicle parts from wearing down. However, working with these parts could send asbestos fibers flying into the air. This puts Army mechanics at risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses later in life.
VA Benefits for Army Veterans With Mesothelioma
Army veterans with mesothelioma and their families may qualify for many benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Notable Army mesothelioma VA benefits include monthly compensation and free or low-cost medical treatments. Learn about top benefits below.
Financial VA Benefits
As of 2024, married veterans with mesothelioma can access $3,946.25 or more in monthly payments from VA disability compensation.
The VA typically grants a 100% disability rating for mesothelioma, meaning veterans can get the highest financial payouts.
U.S. Army mesothelioma VA benefits can cover:
- In-home caregiving services
- Medical treatments and medications
- Mortgages, rent, and living expenses
- Other bills that follow a cancer diagnosis
We can help you apply for VA benefits right now or increase your mesothelioma VA benefits to 100% after a diagnosis.
VA Health Care for Army Veterans
In addition to financial compensation, Army mesothelioma veterans can get medical treatment at little to no cost through VA health care.
Undergoing mesothelioma treatment is key to living as long as possible after a diagnosis. Veterans can get care from top mesothelioma doctors and cancer centers through the VA.
Doctors and Medical Care for Mesothelioma Army Veterans
Mesothelioma is a life-threatening disease that may require urgent medical care. The VA health care system has leading mesothelioma doctors on staff to treat Army veterans. Learn about some of these doctors below.
Dr. Robert Cameron
Dr. Robert Cameron works at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center. He has developed breakthrough treatments to help patients live longer. Visit the UCLA Health website to learn more about Dr. Robert Cameron.
Dr. Lorraine Cornwell
Dr. Lorraine Cornwell helps U.S. veterans with mesothelioma in and around Texas through the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center.
Dr. Daniel Wiener
Dr. Daniel Wiener treats mesothelioma at the Boston VA, working alongside a team of other cancer specialists so patients get the best care possible.
Mesothelioma Army veterans can work with these doctors if they have VA health care. Use our Free Doctor Match to find a specialist who can help you.
Legal Help for Army Veterans With Mesothelioma
Along with VA benefits, Army veterans with mesothelioma may be entitled to legal compensation from several sources.
Veterans can seek legal compensation from:
- Asbestos trust funds: These trusts, set up by bankrupt asbestos companies, currently have more than $30 billion available.
- Mesothelioma lawsuits: U.S. veterans may be able to file a lawsuit and seek financial payouts that award over $1 million on average.
Legal claims are never filed against the U.S. Army, other branches of the military, or the government. Veterans can still file for VA benefits even if they take legal action.
Compensation We’ve Secured for U.S. Army Veterans
Our legal partners have secured millions of dollars for U.S. Army veterans and families affected by mesothelioma.
Notable payouts include:
Call (877) 450-8973 now to see how much compensation you could potentially receive.
We’re Here to Help U.S. Army Mesothelioma Veterans
Every year, proud U.S. veterans develop asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma, decades after being exposed to asbestos in the military.
The Mesothelioma Veterans Center has helped thousands of veterans get the VA benefits, treatments, and compensation they deserve after a diagnosis.
We may be able to assist you or a loved one in:
- Filing for or maximizing your VA disability benefits
- Finding top doctors and hospitals near you
- Pursuing legal compensation worth $1 million+
Call (877) 450-8973 now or get a Free Veterans Packet to learn about all the ways we may be able to assist you or a loved one who served in the Army.
Mesothelioma and Army Veterans FAQs
Can veterans get compensation for asbestos?
Yes, U.S. Army veterans with mesothelioma can get compensation from VA benefits worth $3,946.25 a month or more in most cases.
Veterans can also seek compensation from lawsuits and trust fund claims. Mesothelioma lawsuits award $1 million or more on average, and no legal action is taken against the U.S. military in this process.
Contact our team now to get help securing compensation for asbestos-related diseases.
How do you prove asbestos exposure in the military?
Work with the Mesothelioma Veterans Center to prove how you were exposed to asbestos while serving in the U.S. Army.
Our partner mesothelioma attorneys can conduct an investigation to determine when, where, and how your exposure occurred. From there, we can pursue VA benefits and compensation on your behalf.
How much is compensation for death from mesothelioma?
If you lost a U.S. Army veteran you love to mesothelioma, you may be able to seek compensation worth $1 million+ on average from a wrongful death lawsuit.
Wrongful death lawsuits are filed against the manufacturers of asbestos-containing products that caused the veteran’s illness, not the U.S. military or government.
Call (877) 450-8973 to find out the potential value of your case.
Who is most likely to get mesothelioma?
U.S. Army veterans who regularly worked with or around asbestos-containing products are more likely to develop mesothelioma.
Army mechanics, plumbers, and construction workers were among those exposed to asbestos on a daily basis while on active duty.
What is the VA disability rating for mesothelioma?
The VA typically rates mesothelioma as a 100% disability. This means U.S. Army veterans with mesothelioma can get the highest monthly disability payouts for this cancer.
As of 2024, the VA pays out $3,946.25 a month to veterans with a 100% disability rating.
Contact our team now to get help filing for or increasing your mesothelioma VA benefits after a diagnosis.
Has anyone survived mesothelioma?
Yes. Many veterans and civilians have become long-term mesothelioma survivors.
U.S. Army and Air Force veteran Art Putt was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2018 and is still alive today. Another Army veteran, Ernie Conry, lived for over 7 years with mesothelioma thanks to his treatment plan.
Other mesothelioma patients have lived for 15+ years.
The Mesothelioma Veterans Center has no affiliation with and is not endorsed or sponsored by Dr. Robert B. Cameron. The contact information above is listed for informational purposes only. You have the right to contact Dr. Cameron directly.
