Veterans who served in the U.S. Coast Guard from the 1930s to the early 1980s are at risk of developing asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma. Due to the heavy use of asbestos on military ships, many service members were routinely exposed to the deadly mineral. Financial and health care benefits are available to eligible Coast Guard veterans with mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma and U.S. Coast Guard Veterans
Men and women who served in the United States Coast Guard any time between World War II until the early 1980s may be at risk of developing mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, or another asbestos-related disease.
It takes 20-50 years for this cancer to develop after initial asbestos exposure, meaning its first symptoms usually appear well after the veteran served in the military.
If you served in the Coast Guard and were diagnosed with mesothelioma, you can pursue financial and medical benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). You may also qualify for legal compensation to help pay for treatment and provide support for your family.
Contact our team today to learn more about accessing veterans benefits.
Resources for Coast Guard Veterans With Mesothelioma
VA Financial Benefits
The VA offers benefits designed to relieve the financial burden of living with mesothelioma for victims and their loved ones. VA officers and accredited lawyers can help you file your VA claim.
Some eligibility requirements for VA benefits include:
- Being an honorably discharged veteran
- Providing a detailed report of your asbestos exposure
- Showing that over 50% of your exposure occurred during active duty in the Coast Guard
Mesothelioma has a 100% disability rating according to the VA. This means that former Coast Guard service members with mesothelioma are usually eligible for the maximum payout for disability compensation.
Other VA benefits for mesothelioma may be available based on income, number of dependents, or caregiver needs.
VA Health Care Benefits
The VA Healthcare System has two of the best mesothelioma surgeons in the world, Dr. Robert Cameron and Dr. Avi Lebenthal. Many Coast Guard veterans with mesothelioma can get free treatment from these specialists.
Legal Compensation
Manufacturers made and sold asbestos-containing products to the U.S. Coast Guard, even though they knew of the deadly risks. These companies could be held financially responsible if you developed an asbestos-related disease after being exposed to their products.
You may be eligible to receive compensation from an asbestos trust fund or a mesothelioma lawsuit. Both legal options may allow you and your family to access the financial help and justice you deserve.
Asbestos legal claims are not filed against the U.S. Coast Guard.
Asbestos legal claims are filed against the manufacturers responsible for your cancer. Because of these companies’ negligence, they were forced to set up asbestos trust funds to help pay victims for the harm they caused. These funds have over $30 Billion, and you may qualify to receive a portion of this money.