There are a variety of VA benefits available to veterans with mesothelioma. Veterans and their families may get monthly financial payouts of $3,823.89 or more to help with living expenses through VA benefits. Veterans can also get free or low-cost treatments from mesothelioma specialists with VA Health Care benefits. File for mesothelioma VA benefits right now.
Veterans Benefits for Military Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma develops decades after asbestos exposure, and asbestos was used by all U.S. military branches: the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy. As a result, 1 in 3 mesothelioma patients is a veteran.
Thankfully, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers benefits to help veterans with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
Video Summary: VA-accredited attorney Eric Hall notes the different VA benefits available to veterans and families affected by mesothelioma. These benefits include disability compensation, health care services, and benefits for a veterans' family members or survivors. Veterans can also access private benefits to get even more compensation. Call (877) 450-8973 to get started. View Transcript
Veterans diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases are entitled to several different types of benefits from the VA to include disability benefits, [and] health care benefits. There are even survivor benefits for those with asbestos-related diseases.
Veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of their service in the military are likely to receive a benefit of $3,500 of monthly income tax-free to the veteran.
Veterans with mesothelioma who are exposed while they were in the service are also entitled to private benefits as well, and we encourage veterans to call and find out how we can help them.
Your mesothelioma VA benefits may include:
- Aid and Attendance (A&A)
- Disability compensation
- Health care for veterans
- Housebound benefits
- Pensions
- VA Fiduciary Program
Your family members may also qualify for VA benefits like financial compensation and health care.
Mesothelioma VA benefits for family members include:
- Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
- Funeral benefits
- Health care for dependents
- Survivor pension (also called death pension)
Get a free veterans packet to see how you can access VA benefits right now.
Get a FREE Veterans PacketGet information on:
- Top Treatments
- Best Doctors
- Improving Prognosis
How to File a Claim For Mesothelioma VA Benefits
Most veterans must file post-service claims to get mesothelioma VA benefits. This cancer typically develops decades after exposure, and almost all military members have retired by the time they’re diagnosed.
Learn about the steps to file a mesothelioma VA claim below.
1. Determine Eligibility
You can pursue mesothelioma VA benefits if you:
- Served on active duty or had active duty/inactive duty training
- Developed mesothelioma due to your military service
- Were honorably discharged
2. Gather Evidence
You’ll need evidence to support your VA mesothelioma claim. This evidence may include documents showing when and where you were exposed to asbestos while you served, medical records related to your mesothelioma diagnosis, and a doctor’s written statement linking exposure to your illness.
Our team can help you gather the right information you’ll need to file for mesothelioma VA benefits. Call (877) 450-8973.
3. Get a Medical Exam
Generally, the VA requires veterans to get a medical exam to see if their illness is service-related before awarding benefits.
Since asbestos is a known toxin, the VA classifies mesothelioma as a “presumed disability.” This means that you may be able to bypass this exam if you have enough evidence to support your claim.
4. File the Mesothelioma VA Benefits Claim
Once you’ve gathered supporting evidence, it’s time to file for mesothelioma VA benefits. You can file a claim by mail, in person, online at va.gov, or with the help of a lawyer or claims agent.
The VA recommends working with a VA-accredited claims agent to make the process as easy as possible. Without help, filing a VA claim can be confusing.
Don’t miss out: Eric Hall, a fellow veteran and VA-accredited attorney, can help you file right now.
Secure Submission
There are no time limits to file for mesothelioma VA benefits. But, it’s in your best interest to file a claim as soon as possible. The sooner you file, the sooner you can get the mesothelioma VA benefits you deserve.
5. Await a Decision and Receive Benefits
Once the claim has been submitted, the VA will review it. While it normally takes a few months for the VA to review a claim, you can work with VA-accredited mesothelioma lawyers to speed up this process.
Attorneys can help you gather key information so it’s easier for the VA to review your claim. They can also contact your local congressperson who can lobby to have your claim reviewed faster. Some claims have been reviewed in one month or less with this help.
Once your claim is approved, you’ll start to receive VA benefits for mesothelioma. Trying to get 100% VA disability? Get help filing a claim from our VA-accredited attorney.
Types of Mesothelioma VA Benefits
VA Disability Compensation
Those suffering from a disability related to their service may qualify for tax-free VA disability compensation.
Learn how to file a mesothelioma VA disability claim and pursue additional benefits with a free veterans packet.
Get a FREE Veterans PacketGet information on:
- Top Treatment
- Best Doctors
- Improving Prognosis
VA Pension
Pensions are provided to low-income, disabled veterans. A veteran must have served on active duty for 90 days or more to file a mesothelioma VA pension claim.
The veteran’s annual family income and net worth must fall below the amount set by Congress to get a pension. As of December 2022, the net worth limit is $150,538.
Aid and Attendance (A&A)
The Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefit is for military veterans who need a caregiver. A&A can help veterans with mesothelioma afford care from another person.
Veterans can receive A&A if they’re bedridden, living in a nursing home, or need a caregiver to help with dressing, bathing, or using the bathroom.
Housebound Benefits
Veterans who cannot leave their homes due to a disability may be eligible for housebound benefits. The veteran must qualify for VA disability compensation or a pension to get this benefit.
Veterans who qualify for housebound benefits will get additional money on top of VA disability benefits or pension payouts.
VA Health Care for Veterans
Veterans can use VA health care for free or low-cost treatments from mesothelioma doctors at select VA hospitals.
The VA has two world-renowned mesothelioma thoracic surgeons who treat veterans: Dr. Daniel Wiener in Boston (replacing Dr. Abraham “Avi” Lebenthal) and Dr. Robert Cameron in Los Angeles. The VA may pay for travel expenses if the veteran gets a referral to a specialist from their local VA doctor.
U.S. veteran and VA-accredited attorney Eric Hall can help you access VA health care and other benefits right now.
Mesothelioma VA Benefits for Spouses and Dependent Children
The spouse and children of a veteran who passed away from mesothelioma can also pursue VA benefits.
VA Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC)
VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC) is tax-free money paid to a veteran’s survivors. Families can apply for VA DIC if their loved one died in the line of duty or from a service-connected disability like mesothelioma.
Survivors Pension
The spouse and dependents of a veteran may qualify for survivors pension (also called a death pension).
To qualify, a family’s net worth and yearly income must be under certain limits established by Congress. A veteran’s service (such as when they served and for how long) also affects eligibility.
VA Health Care Through CHAMPVA
The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) is health care for families of disabled or deceased veterans. CHAMPVA allows qualifying family members to access health care at a lower cost.
To be eligible, you must be one of the following:
- The spouse or child of a veteran who is disabled from a service-related condition
- The surviving spouse or child of a veteran who died from a service-related condition
- The surviving spouse or child of a veteran who was disabled at the time of death
Funeral & Burial Reimbursement
The VA can pay burial expenses in many cases. The VA will pay up to $2,000 if the veteran passed away due to a service-related condition on or after September 11, 2001. If the veteran died before that date, VA burial benefits pay out $1,500.
The U.S. Department of Defense also provides military funeral honors. Funeral honors are performed at both national and private cemeteries. Most funeral directors can help families access funeral honors.
Finally, military headstones are often given at no charge. Families can apply for a headstone with the VA. It can be sent to any cemetery around the world.
Getting Your Mesothelioma VA Benefits
Getting mesothelioma VA benefits is much easier with help from our team.
Veteran and VA-accredited lawyer Eric Hall deals with the ins and outs of filing for mesothelioma VA benefits. Eric and our Claims Agents can review your case and help you pursue all the benefits you deserve.
Most importantly, our Claims Agents can ease some of your stress so that you can focus on your health and spending time with loved ones. File for mesothelioma VA benefits with our team’s help right now.
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.
Mesothelioma VA Benefit FAQs
Is my income too high to get mesothelioma veterans benefits?
No. There are benefits for all veteran mesothelioma patients regardless of income. Monthly financial benefits and VA health care can provide peace of mind and security for you and your family.
What costs can be covered with my mesothelioma VA benefits?
A wide range of costs can be covered by VA benefits. VA financial benefits can pay for basic living expenses, in-home care, and funeral costs. VA health care benefits can cover mesothelioma treatment bills.
Your spouse may also qualify for monthly compensation from the VA if you pass away from mesothelioma. Get a free veterans packet to learn how VA benefits can help you and your family.
Is mesothelioma a VA disability?
Yes. Mesothelioma is considered a VA disability because many veterans were exposed to asbestos while they served.
Other asbestos-related illnesses that are considered VA disabilities include asbestosis and asbestos lung cancer
Speak with our veterans advocates to learn if your asbestos-related disease could be considered a VA disability.
I served in the military decades ago. Can I still get mesothelioma VA benefits?
Yes. Veterans who were exposed to asbestos while serving decades ago can receive mesothelioma VA benefits today.
The U.S. Armed Forces used asbestos until the early 1980s to make bases, vehicles, and ships fireproof and heat resistant. The military was unaware of the dangers since makers of asbestos-based products hid the risks.
The VA also recognizes that mesothelioma does not usually appear until 10-50 years after someone was exposed to asbestos. Thus, those exposed decades ago can still file claims.
Can veterans from any military branch pursue mesothelioma benefits?
Yes. U.S. veterans from any branch of the military may have been exposed to asbestos if they served between the 1930s and early 1980s. If this exposure led to mesothelioma, the veteran may qualify for VA benefits.
U.S. Navy veterans were at the highest risk of exposure as ships contained tons of asbestos up through the 1980s. Veterans who worked in shipyards also had a high risk of exposure since they had to handle many asbestos-based products used aboard Navy ships.
Our team can find out when and where you were exposed to asbestos and help you file for mesothelioma VA benefits. Get started now.
If I get mesothelioma VA benefits, will I be forced to see a VA doctor?
No. While many veterans are eligible for free VA health care, there is no requirement that they use it. Veterans with private health insurance can continue treatment through their civilian doctors.
Can I pursue mesothelioma compensation outside of the VA?
Yes. After a mesothelioma diagnosis, you may be able to file private claims to access money from the makers of asbestos-containing products. These claims pay out $1 million on average.
You can also file claims with asbestos trust funds, which contain more than $30 billion as of 2023, to get additional compensation.
These private claims will not be filed against the U.S. military or government and won’t impact your ability to file for VA benefits.
