Helping American Heroes
Lawyers By State
Select Your State
Back
From the 1930s to the early 1980s, millions of military members risked exposure to a hidden enemy called asbestos. This material was used in military ships, bases, and vehicles, and anyone exposed could develop mesothelioma decades later. At the Mesothelioma Veterans Center, our mission is to help brave U.S. veterans facing mesothelioma access VA benefits, treatments, compensation, and more.
Video Summary: Military veteran Walt talks about his time in the U.S. Navy, being diagnosed with mesothelioma, and filing a mesothelioma claim. View Transcript
The word mesothelioma I didn’t know anything about. When I turned 70 I started getting pneumonia, but then as time went on they kept getting closer and closer and closer together [the occurrences] and I asked the doctor, I said, I wanna know why.
And they sent me downstairs to get a chest X-ray and the X-ray made it back before I got back up there.
He says, we're gonna go inside and take a look. He come up right to my bedside after the operation and showed me the pictures they took on the inside of the lung and he pointed out the cancer.
I really can’t explain it. I got a knot in my stomach, you know. But he told me then that there was no cure for it.
I was impressed by the Navy – seeing my uncle in that Navy uniform, you know – take pictures of him. So I just decided when I come outta school that I was gonna join the Navy.
I was very proud of that uniform. I was a boiler tender when I went aboard my first ship and started doing my first job. They told me — I asked them what the material was made out of and they told me it was asbestos.
It didn’t kill anybody on the spot that’s for sure, but it took years later when it started catching up with us. But, my understanding [is] that the powers-that-be knew.
I didn’t wanna sue my government and I damn sure didn’t wanna sue the Navy cause they're still feeding me. I wasn’t suing the government, I wasn’t suing the U.S. Navy, I was suing the manufacturer.
It was only 2 or 3 days and he was here [the lawyer]. He came and seen me, talked to me personally. He knew what kind of a man I was and how involved I was with my job in the Navy. Felt very comfortable with them. I was watching the way they handled it, they did good.
[It was] positive thinking, there was nothing negative about it, it was positive. They were prepared, they could go back to day 1, and I appreciated that. There was no guessing about it, they had the paperwork to back them up.
It was a hands-on approach I guess, and that’s what drew me. Cause that’s the way I do things – a hands-on approach. They damn well earned it.
U.S. veterans put their lives on the line to protect America’s values and freedoms. Yet each year, many of these heroes are diagnosed with a serious cancer called mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is only caused by asbestos exposure. U.S. veterans who worked with asbestos products while serving could go on to develop mesothelioma 10-50 years later, when they should be enjoying a much-deserved retirement.
The Mesothelioma Veterans Center is here to support U.S. veterans and families impacted by a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Founded by veterans, VA-accredited claims agents, and loved ones of veterans, we’re the #1 resource for veterans with mesothelioma. We’re independent from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), allowing us to fight for VA benefits and other resources.
We can help U.S. veterans like you:
Major Jonathan Nelson (Ret) leads the charge to help veterans and families impacted by asbestos-related diseases. He’s spent over 20 years fighting for justice and is accredited by the VA, making him an expert in recovering the benefits you deserve.
“Veterans facing mesothelioma need to know that there's support for them. We are able to provide them with medical information, get them to good doctors and hospitals, and help them to apply for VA benefits so that they are financially taken care of.”
– Major Jonathan Nelson, VA-accredited attorney & Marine Corps veteran
Get a Free Veterans Packet now to see all of the ways we can assist you or a U.S. veteran you love after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Get information on:
Get a Free Veterans Packet
If you’re a U.S. veteran with mesothelioma, the VA offers a wealth of benefits that can make your life easier, from monthly disability compensation to free or inexpensive health care coverage.
While filing for mesothelioma VA benefits can sometimes be confusing or time-consuming, the Mesothelioma Veterans Center can guide you through the process, making it easier and faster to get the benefits you deserve.
Below, explore top mesothelioma VA benefits that could help you and your family and see how we can help you access them.
As of 2026, mesothelioma veterans often get $4,158.17 or more per month, tax-free, from VA disability compensation. Veterans typically receive a 100% disability rating since mesothelioma is so aggressive, granting them the highest available payouts.
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is extra compensation awarded to some veterans as part of their VA disability benefits. SMC includes housebound compensation and Aid and Attendance (A&A). SMC payouts range from $139.87 to $6,651.97, depending on the case.
VA health care allows U.S. veterans with mesothelioma to get treatments at little to no cost. Many expert mesothelioma doctors and specialized hospitals are within the VA health care network, specifically treating veterans facing this cancer.
This is tax-free monthly compensation to surviving family members of U.S. veterans who died from a service-related disease like mesothelioma. VA DIC pays out $1,699.35 as of 2026.
Veterans may be able to receive a monthly VA pension if they meet certain income limits and other criteria. The average VA pension provides $1,184 per month each year, but payouts could be higher depending on the veteran’s net worth, level of disability, and more.
Family members of veterans who passed away from mesothelioma can pursue survivor benefits. They can include monthly compensation, reimbursement for funeral costs, and health care.
Ideally, U.S. veterans with mesothelioma should look into filing a VA benefits claim, or increasing their VA disability rating, as soon as possible following a diagnosis — and, at the Mesothelioma Veterans Center, we make the process easier.
Major Nelson is a VA-accredited claims agent who can guide you through every step so you can access the VA benefits that you need and deserve.
Here’s what the mesothelioma VA benefits process looks like:
"I want to make sure that U.S. veterans have the opportunity to get the benefits that they need now, that they're entitled to and to make sure that their families are provided for in the future.”
If you already receive VA benefits at the time of your mesothelioma diagnosis, Major Nelson can work to increase your disability rating to 100%. Doing so can increase your monthly disability payouts and potentially lower your health care expenses.
Get help filing for or maximizing your mesothelioma VA benefits right now.
File for VA Benefits
All branches of the military relied on asbestos before the risks were publicly known, putting U.S. veterans in danger of developing mesothelioma later in life. See how each branch used asbestos below.
U.S. Navy veterans had the highest risk of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma compared to other branches. Many U.S. Navy veterans were exposed to asbestos on an everyday basis through components like pipes, boilers, and insulation used in high-heat areas like engine rooms.
All Navy ships used asbestos products prior to the 1980s to keep them fireproof and durable, so those who served aboard them were at high risk of exposure. Veterans were also in danger if they worked in shipyards, where asbestos-containing products were installed or removed from vessels.
The U.S. Air Force used asbestos-containing brakes, gaskets, and clutches to prevent planes from catching fire. Many hangars and bases that U.S. Air Force veterans served on were also built with asbestos materials.
U.S. Army veterans may have been exposed to asbestos products like cement, wires, and insulation. Many U.S. Army bases, barracks, and vehicles contained asbestos, exposing countless service members.
Those in the U.S. Coast Guard had a very high risk of asbestos exposure. This branch used asbestos to keep its ships and bases fireproof. U.S. Coast Guard veterans who worked in boiler rooms, engine rooms, and other areas of military ships often suffered long-term exposure.
U.S. Marine Corps veterans who served aboard military ships, worked in shipyards, or serviced planes or vehicles risked regular exposure to asbestos-containing components.
Families also risked asbestos exposure if they lived with U.S. service members in military housing. Service members who worked with or around asbestos may have brought home stray fibers on hair, clothing, or equipment, resulting in secondhand exposure.
If you have questions on military asbestos exposure, filing for VA benefits, or accessing other resources, we’re ready to help. Ask Major Jonathan Nelson your mesothelioma questions now!
Ask a Veteran Now
While any U.S. veteran could have been exposed to asbestos, specific military jobs came with a higher risk than others.
Some roles meant that service members had to handle, install, or replace asbestos components every single day, making exposure practically inevitable. And since service members didn’t know asbestos was harmful, they had no way of protecting themselves.
Military personnel frequently exposed to asbestos included:
Navy shipyard workers ran the greatest risk, with around 4.5 million workers suffering asbestos exposure during Word War II alone, according to The New York Times. Pipefitters, installation workers, and vehicle mechanics also suffered regular exposure.
For many U.S. veterans, the risk of asbestos didn’t stop after their military careers ended. They often found civilian jobs similar to the ones they held while in the service, and many blue-collar industries also relied on asbestos products.
For example, U.S. Marine Corps veteran Conrad “Connie” Bauer worked as an industrial electrician and used asbestos-containing products for roughly 30 years. He later developed asbestosis, an incurable lung disease that’s only caused by asbestos.
Mesothelioma is very rare, with just over 1,000 U.S. veterans diagnosed annually, and requires specialized treatment. Thankfully, the VA health care system has specialized mesothelioma doctors on staff, allowing veterans to get expert care — often for free or at a lower cost.
These mesothelioma doctors treat U.S. veterans like you on a regular basis, allowing them to speak to your specific concerns and develop personalized treatment plans that suit your needs.
VA mesothelioma specialists include:
Dr. Cameron has nearly 30 years of experience treating U.S. veterans with pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung lining. He leads the cancer treatment team at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center.
Dr. Choi works at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Texas. He treats U.S. veterans who have developed peritoneal mesothelioma, which develops in the abdominal lining.
Dr. Cornwell is an experienced surgeon treating U.S. veterans facing pleural mesothelioma at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center.
Dr. Wiener, a thoracic surgeon, leads a team of doctors treating mesothelioma at the VA Boston Healthcare System.
Contact us now for help finding top veterans mesothelioma doctors and cancer centers. Our registered nurses are ready to review your options and help you move forward after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
A mesothelioma diagnosis can be stressful, but you’re not alone.
Our voices of mesothelioma veterans series highlights former service members who turned to the Mesothelioma Veterans Center for help after a diagnosis. Hear from a few of these veterans below.
Decades after serving aboard U.S. Navy ships, Walt was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma. With help from our legal partners, he secured a $40.1 million payout for himself and his family.
“Asbestos didn't kill anybody on the spot that's for sure, but years later it started catching up with us.” — Walter Twidwell, U.S. Navy veteran with mesothelioma
“Asbestos didn't kill anybody on the spot that's for sure, but years later it started catching up with us.”
— Walter Twidwell, U.S. Navy veteran with mesothelioma
Given only 6 months to 1 year to live after his diagnosis in 2018, Art is still alive today thanks to mesothelioma treatments and changes to his diet. Our team helped Art retrieve compensation to cover his health care and protect his family.
“We gave all that money to our kids, paid all their debts off, and paid our house off. We had no financial worries.” — Art Putt, U.S. Army and Air Force mesothelioma veteran
“We gave all that money to our kids, paid all their debts off, and paid our house off. We had no financial worries.”
— Art Putt, U.S. Army and Air Force mesothelioma veteran
After his mesothelioma diagnosis, Ernie helped spread awareness about the dangers of asbestos. He bravely battled mesothelioma for 7 years, living longer than expected thanks to multiple treatments.
“The thing to do is get up and do something. Don’t let the cancer bog you down.” — Ernie Conroy, U.S. Army veteran with mesothelioma
“The thing to do is get up and do something. Don’t let the cancer bog you down.”
— Ernie Conroy, U.S. Army veteran with mesothelioma
In addition to VA benefits, you may qualify for legal compensation often worth over $1 million after a mesothelioma diagnosis. This compensation can significantly help cover medical expenses and keep your family safe.
Accessing mesothelioma compensation through the legal system does not impact your VA benefits or involve suing the military. Only the manufacturers of asbestos-containing products that hid the health risks are sued.
Compensation options for veterans with mesothelioma include:
“Veterans never deserved to develop mesothelioma from serving their country. Mesothelioma lawyers such as myself handle the work of filing a lawsuit from start to finish on your behalf, so you can get the money you need with minimal extra stress.”
– Captain Brian Cooke, mesothelioma attorney & Marine Corps veteran
The Mesothelioma Veterans Center is proud to partner with Simmons Hanly Conroy, a veteran-founded asbestos law firm, to support U.S. veterans. The firm’s mesothelioma lawyers have secured over $10.3 billion for patients to date, including many U.S. veterans.
Get a free case review to learn if you may qualify for mesothelioma compensation.
Get a Free Case Review
U.S. veterans are American heroes and deserve nothing less than the best support and care possible when facing an aggressive cancer like mesothelioma.
At the Mesothelioma Veterans Center, we fight for U.S. veterans like you and your loved ones every day, leading the way through the aftermath of a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Our team of veterans, VA-accredited staff, and registered nurses can:
”We’re here to help you and your family understand your health care options, receive any VA benefits you’re entitled to, and pursue money from asbestos companies to ease any financial worries.”
Call (877) 450-8973 now to connect with our team or get a Free Veterans Packet to learn about all the ways we can help you or a U.S. veteran you love following a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Virtually all mesothelioma cases are given a 100% disability rating by the VA since this cancer is so aggressive, allowing veterans to get the most disability compensation possible.
As of 2026, mesothelioma veterans with a 100% disability rating can receive $4,158.17 a month.
At the Mesothelioma Veterans Center, we can help you increase your VA disability rating to 100% following a diagnosis. Major Jonathan Nelson is a VA-accredited attorney ready to assist you.
“There can be long-term benefits that come from getting your VA disability rate to the right number as soon as possible,” Major Nelson said.
Get help filing for or increasing your mesothelioma VA benefits now.
Many U.S. veterans get mesothelioma since they worked with or around asbestos products during their service. The health risks of asbestos were hidden by private manufacturers for decades.
Over 1,000 veterans are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. This cancer takes 10-50 years to form after asbestos exposure, so most don’t get sick until later in life.
Mesothelioma veterans receive over $1 million or more on average through compensation claims filed against manufacturers of asbestos-containing products.
Filing legal compensation claims won’t impact your VA benefits — you can get both at the same time. And, the money from legal action can change your family’s life for the better.
“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,” U.S. veteran Art Putt said of the mesothelioma compensation he secured. “We still don’t have any financial worries because of it. They don’t either.”
Get a free case review now for help securing mesothelioma compensation.
There are no time limits on filing VA mesothelioma claims, but it’s in your best interest to file as quickly as possible.
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer, so filing promptly can help you start to get the needed medical and financial VA benefits to deal with this cancer sooner.
Don't wait: We can help you file for mesothelioma VA benefits or maximize them if eligible.
The VA typically assigns a 100% disability rating to U.S. veterans suffering from service-related lung cancer. This allows these veterans to get the highest payouts available.
Lung cancer can be caused by asbestos exposure and other toxins that veterans may have encountered while they served.
Proving your asbestos exposure is essential to accessing VA benefits and legal compensation. The Mesothelioma Veterans Center can help prove you were exposed to asbestos by gathering records related to your military service and work history.
“When a veteran is diagnosed with mesothelioma, he doesn't always know where the asbestos exposure occurred or when it happened,” Major Jonathan Nelson said.
“Fortunately, we have a huge database of information that includes buildings, ships, machinery, and vehicles. And so we can help figure out where or when that exposure occurred," he continued.
Anyone affected by a veteran’s mesothelioma diagnosis may qualify for compensation through different sources. For instance, U.S. veterans can receive $4,158.17 or more from VA disability payouts.
Additional compensation, worth over $1 million on average, may also be available with help from our partner mesothelioma law firm Simmons Hanly Conroy, founded and led by U.S veterans.
Call (877) 450-8973 for help pursuing mesothelioma compensation.
Common symptoms of mesothelioma among U.S. veterans include chest pain, trouble breathing, swelling of the abdomen, and a cough that won't go away.
See a doctor promptly if you develop any of these symptoms and were ever potentially exposed to asbestos decades ago. Doctors can determine if your symptoms are caused by mesothelioma, and from there, recommend treatments to improve your survival time.
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. Visit the UCLA Health website to learn more about Dr. Robert Cameron.
Retired U.S. Major & VA-Accredited Attorney
Jonathan N. Nelson is a retired U.S. Marine Corps Major, VA-accredited attorney, and a legal advisor at the Mesothelioma Veterans Center. While serving, he served as a Staff Judge Advocate for the Second Marine Division and later spent more than a decade responding to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) appeals. Major Nelson is proud to assist veterans with mesothelioma in accessing benefits.
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.