Mesothelioma and Navy Veterans

Of all U.S. military branches, the Navy used the highest amounts of asbestos. Asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer. We can help U.S. Navy veterans with mesothelioma access or increase VA benefits, find treatments, and seek compensation.

Get Help Filing for VA Benefits

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

How Were U.S. Navy Veterans Exposed to Asbestos?

Proud U.S. Navy veterans risked their lives to defend our country, yet for much of the 20th century, they were in danger of a hidden enemy: asbestos.

Navy veterans could have been exposed to asbestos-containing materials in Navy ships and bases for fireproofing, soundproofing, and durability. Navy service members had the highest rates of exposure of any military branch.

As a result of this, Navy personnel could go on to develop serious asbestos-related health problems like mesothelioma or lung cancer decades after initial exposure.

Navy Veterans and Mesothelioma Quick Facts

Almost all U.S. Navy ships used asbestos from the 1930s to the early 1980s
Manufacturers of asbestos products hid the health risks from Navy veterans
Roughly 1 in 3 mesothelioma patients is a Navy veteran or shipyard worker
Navy veterans with mesothelioma often receive $4,158.17 or more a month from military benefits
Mesothelioma lawyers for U.S. Navy veterans often secure $1 million+ through legal claims

Navy Veterans & Mesothelioma Video Thumbnail

Video Summary: Major Jonathan Nelson, USMC (Ret) and VA-accredited attorney, explains why U.S. Navy veterans are at risk of mesothelioma and how he can help those diagnosed get VA benefits.

By working with us, eligible Navy veterans with mesothelioma can pursue U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, treatments, and legal compensation. Major Jonathan Nelson (Ret), a U.S. veteran and VA-accredited attorney, leads our charge to help veterans.

Get a Free Veterans Packet now to see how we can assist you or a veteran you love.

U.S. Navy Ships That Used Asbestos

Prior to the early 1980s, every U.S. Navy ship used asbestos due to government mandates before the health risks were widely known.

Our team has identified over 3,300 U.S. Navy ships that were built with asbestos-containing materials, all of which could have put veterans in danger of mesothelioma later in life.

Types of Navy ships with asbestos included:

Use our mesothelioma Navy ships database to learn if a vessel you served on had asbestos aboard.

Asbestos Exposure in Navy Shipyards

Asbestos products in Navy ships also put military shipyard workers at a very high risk of exposure. These service members removed, installed, and repaired asbestos products every day.

Breathing protection wasn’t provided until the late 1970s because the risks weren’t publicly understood, so millions of shipbuilders experienced Navy asbestos exposure on a daily basis in the decades prior.

“The large group most threatened is the 4.5 million people who worked in World War II shipyards, where asbestos dust was so pervasive that one often could not see across a room.”

– The New York Times

Hear From U.S. Mesothelioma Navy Veterans

Though mesothelioma is rare, many other U.S. Navy veterans have battled this cancer. Hear from some of these veterans and know that you’re not alone in your fight.

Walter Twidwell

During a 20-year military career, Walter Twidwell was exposed to asbestos on Navy ships and later developed mesothelioma. With help from mesothelioma attorneys, Walter secured over $40 million in compensation.

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Video Summary: Military veteran Walt talks about his time in the U.S. Navy, being diagnosed with mesothelioma, and filing a mesothelioma claim.

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.

Jim Gahan
While in the Navy, Jim Gahan worked on boilers insulated with asbestos. Given just months to live after a mesothelioma diagnosis, Jim fought the cancer for more than a year and filed a lawsuit to afford his treatment.

Frank Curre
Frank Curre was just out of high school when he survived the attack on Pearl Harbor but was exposed to asbestos in the process. On the 70th anniversary of the attack, Frank passed away from mesothelioma.

Albert Manring
A proud U.S. Navy veteran, Albert was exposed to asbestos as an electrician. He was later diagnosed with mesothelioma and took legal action to hold manufacturers of asbestos products accountable.

Join our Free Mesothelioma Support Group to talk with other U.S. veterans dealing with mesothelioma and get questions answered by Major Nelson, a registered nurse, and a cancer social worker.

Where Was Asbestos Found on Navy Ships?

A wide assortment of asbestos-containing products was used to keep U.S. Navy ships fireproof and durable.

Here are notable products that used asbestos in the Navy:

Berthing
Boiler rooms
Bulkheads
Deck flooring
Engine rooms
Gaskets
Insulation
Machinery
Pipe lagging
Pumps
Seals
Tanks
Valves and flanges

“Navy vessels were using asbestos for so many things. This included insulation, soundproofing, and fireproofing throughout most of the vessels that were produced from the 1930s into the 1980s.”

– Major Jonathan Nelson, VA-accredited attorney & Marine Corps veteran

The image below shows the areas on Navy vessels where asbestos could be found.

When was asbestos removed from Navy ships? Major renovations removed most asbestos-containing materials from Navy ships in the early 1980s. However, there was no way to lower the risk of mesothelioma in service members already exposed.

U.S. Navy Occupations With High Asbestos Exposure Risk

Many U.S. military rates (jobs) put service members at risk of asbestos exposure on Navy ships. Some Navy rates required U.S. military veterans to work with or around asbestos every day.

High-risk mesothelioma Navy jobs included:

Boiler tenders
Damage controllers
Electrician’s mates
Gunner’s mates
Hull maintenance technicians (HTs)
Machinist’s mates
Merchant marines
Metalsmiths
Pipefitters
Seabees
Shipyard workers
Welders

“I was a boiler tender when I went aboard my first ship and started doing my first job. I asked them what material it was made out of, and they told me asbestos. It didn’t kill anybody on the spot, that’s for sure, but asbestos companies knew the risks.”

– Walter Twidwell, U.S. Navy veteran with mesothelioma

Do you have a question about pursuing benefits and compensation if you were diagnosed with mesothelioma after serving in the Navy? Ask Major Nelson now!

Secondhand Asbestos Exposure in the U.S. Navy

Family members who lived on U.S. Navy bases also may have been exposed to asbestos through secondhand exposure.

This occurred when Navy personnel came home covered in asbestos fibers, which could stick to clothing and skin. Family members who hugged a service member or did their laundry risked exposure as a result.

Navy base housing and construction sites also put loved ones at risk if fibers were disturbed and entered the air.

Mesothelioma Navy VA Benefits

U.S. Navy veterans suffering from mesothelioma may be eligible for a wide range of medical and financial VA benefits.

The VA considers service-connected mesothelioma to be a 100% disability, meaning veterans diagnosed get maximum monthly payouts and lower health care costs.

Notable mesothelioma Navy VA benefits include:

Disability compensation: The VA pays out the highest disability compensation amounts, valued at $4,158.17 each month, tax-free, for veterans with mesothelioma.
Health care: Through VA health care coverage, Navy veterans with mesothelioma can get treated by specialists who understand their unique needs and diagnosis.
Aid & Attendance and Housebound: These benefits are paid on top of disability compensation to veterans who can’t care for themselves or are unable to leave their homes.
Survivor benefits: Families of veterans who pass away may be eligible for benefits like health care and financial stipends such as low-income pensions.

U.S. Navy veterans may be receiving VA benefits, but at a lower disability rating, at the time of their diagnosis. However, it may be possible to maximize a VA benefits package by submitting more evidence if you or someone you love has mesothelioma.

How We Help Mesothelioma Navy Veterans File VA Claims

We can help eligible Navy mesothelioma veterans file for or increase their VA benefits for free right now.

Our experienced VA-accredited attorneys, including Major Nelson, are ready to walk you through the process.

We’ll work with you through every step of the process, including:

Gathering evidence about your asbestos exposure
Collecting military service documents
Requesting medical nexus letters
Filing the VA benefits claim
Submitting more documentation as needed

“I want to make sure that veterans like you have the opportunity to get the benefits that you need now, and to make sure that your family is provided for in the future.”

– Major Jonathan Nelson, VA-accredited attorney & Marine Corps veteran

Get assistance filing for or increasing your mesothelioma Navy VA benefits today.

Legal Claims for Navy Veterans With Mesothelioma

Outside of VA benefits, U.S. Navy veterans can seek mesothelioma compensation through the legal system thanks to options like lawsuits and trust fund claims.

Pursuing legal compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits doesn’t impact VA benefits as it’s an entirely separate process. In fact, many U.S. veterans can get VA benefits and legal payouts, often worth $1 million or more, at the same time without suing the government.

Our legal partners at Simmons Hanly Conroy and Sokolove Law have decades of experience supporting U.S. veterans with mesothelioma. They have VA-accredited lawyers and fellow U.S. veterans on staff who may be able to assist you right now.

“There’s a number of us who’ve served in various branches of the military. It helps us to hear what veterans are going through."

– Corporal Michael Stewart (Ret), U.S. veteran and SHC asbestos attorney

Mesothelioma Navy Settlements & Verdicts

The vast majority of mesothelioma lawsuits reach out-of-court settlements, allowing U.S. veterans to get compensation without the additional time and stress of a trial.

The attorneys in our network have recovered significant mesothelioma settlements and trial verdicts for U.S. veterans across the country.

Notable Navy asbestos settlements and verdicts include:

$40.1 million

to a Washington Navy veteran

$1.55 million

for an Illinois Navy veteran

$4 million

to a Massachusetts Navy veteran

$1.83 million

for an Arizona Navy veteran

$2 million

to a North Carolina Navy veteran

$3.5 million

to a Wisconsin Navy veteran

$3.15 million

to a Minnesota Navy veteran

$3.78 million

to a Pennsylvania Navy veteran

$4 million

to a Kansas Navy veteran

$4.68 million

for a New Hampshire Navy veteran

Most mesothelioma lawsuits reach settlements within 6-12 months, allowing veterans and their Navy families to more quickly get the compensation they deserve.

Get a free case review to find out if you qualify to file a Navy mesothelioma lawsuit.

Asbestos Trust Funds

Asbestos trust funds were set up by bankrupt asbestos companies to pay victims. There’s an estimated $30 billion still available in these trusts today.

Our legal partners can help you file claims with any asbestos trust funds that you qualify for, as well as lawsuits and VA benefits claims.

Treatment and Health Care for Mesothelioma Navy Veterans

Mesothelioma Navy veterans can access low-cost or free treatment with VA health care benefits. Top mesothelioma doctors serve Navy veterans as part of the VA health care system.

Dr. Robert Cameron
Based in California, Dr. Cameron treats pleural mesothelioma in Navy veterans using the most effective treatments available.
Dr. Lorraine Cornwell
Dr. Cornwell heads the mesothelioma treatment program at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Texas.
Dr. Daniel C. Wiener
Dr. Wiener leads the thoracic surgery team at the Boston VA. Dr. Wiener is highly experienced and a Harvard Medical School Assistant Professor.

Call (877) 450-8973 now for help finding specialists who may be able to treat you or a loved one who served in the Navy.

Get Help Accessing Mesothelioma Navy Benefits

Proud U.S. Navy veterans fighting mesothelioma deserve access to benefits, health care, and justice after a diagnosis. The Mesothelioma Veterans Center may be able to help.

If eligible, work with our team to:

File or increase your mesothelioma VA benefits for free
Get treatments from top doctors
Pursue lawsuit compensation worth $1 million+ on average

Major Nelson and our other caring and dedicated staff members can quickly assist you or an eligible Navy veteran with mesothelioma.

Call (877) 450-8973 now to find out if we can help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.

Mesothelioma and Navy Veterans FAQs

What is the VA rating for mesothelioma?

The VA typically grants a 100% disability rating for mesothelioma. This rating allows veterans to get disability payouts typically worth $4,158.17 each month, as well as free or low-cost health care coverage.

Our team can help you file a VA claim or increase your VA disability rating to 100% after a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Can you sue the Navy for mesothelioma?

You can’t sue the U.S. Navy after a mesothelioma diagnosis. However, you can work with a mesothelioma lawyer to file lawsuits against manufacturers of asbestos-containing products, which hid the risks for decades.

These lawsuits award $1 million or more on average, and won’t impact your VA benefits. Get a free case review to find out if you qualify to file a lawsuit.

Do Navy ships still have asbestos?

A very small number of U.S. Navy ships still use some asbestos products, like the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, USS Mount Whitney, and USS Nimitz.

However, the asbestos on these ships is contained and doesn’t pose a risk to human health.

Most U.S. Navy veterans with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos before the dangers were known to the public.

What is the average payout for mesothelioma?

U.S. Navy veterans with mesothelioma may qualify for $4,158.17 a month or more through VA benefits and over $1 million on average in legal compensation.

Our mesothelioma law firm can help eligible veterans secure lawsuit compensation and access VA benefits too.

Why do veterans get mesothelioma?

U.S. Navy veterans get mesothelioma since the military relied on asbestos products between the 1930s and early 1980s.

Asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma, and many veterans were exposed to this mineral every day. Manufacturers of asbestos products knew the health risks for decades but hid them from service members.

What is the Navy settlement for mesothelioma?

An out-of-court settlement allows Navy veterans to access mesothelioma legal compensation without a trial. Many other U.S. Navy veterans have received $1 million to $2 million through military asbestos settlements.

Navy settlements and verdicts our legal partners have secured include:

$40.1 million to a veteran from Washington
$4 million to a veteran from Kansas
$3.5 million to a veteran from Wisconsin
$4 million to a veteran from Massachusetts

Contact our team now to learn if you may be eligible to pursue Navy mesothelioma settlements.

When did the U.S. Navy stop using asbestos?

The U.S. Navy stopped using asbestos aboard new ships in the early 1980s. Massive renovation projects also removed as much asbestos as possible from older U.S. Navy ships.

However, millions of U.S. Navy veterans had been exposed to asbestos before the dangers were widely known. As a result, Navy veterans make up 33% of all mesothelioma cases today.

What steps can Navy veterans exposed to asbestos take?

If you were exposed to asbestos while you served in the Navy, there are several steps you can take to get help.

Key steps to remember include:

Keep a close watch on your health as you age, as mesothelioma develops 10-50 years after exposure.
See a doctor if you develop symptoms of mesothelioma, like shortness of breath or chest pain, and let them know if you were exposed.
File for mesothelioma VA benefits after a diagnosis to access monthly payouts, free or low-cost medical care, and more.
Get a legal consultation to explore additional ways to recover compensation.

All of these options can make a mesothelioma diagnosis less stressful and easier to bear for you and your family.

Disclaimer

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.