As a rare but aggressive cancer, mesothelioma can affect the tissue lining surrounding the heart, lungs, chest, or abdomen. The primary cause of this cancer is exposure to asbestos fibers, which can accumulate in the mesothelium after inhaling or ingesting it. Long-term exposure to these fibers can cause mutations or inflammation, leading to mesothelioma.
Due to the nature of their work, certain professionals are more at risk of developing mesothelioma. One such example is that of veterans due to the well-known use of asbestos materials in military vehicles, equipment, ships, and facilities. Those who served in the military, especially the Navy, inhaled or ingested significant proportions of asbestos during their service. However, since mesothelioma symptoms can take decades before they manifest, the disease often gets diagnosed when the cancer has already spread.
But while there’s not much you can do to treat mesothelioma, veterans battling this disease might be able to seek benefits elsewhere. Although it won’t cure cancer, these can still significantly alleviate the financial and emotional burden on you and your families.
So, here is a list of eight things every veteran fighting mesothelioma should know.
- VA benefits
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers various benefits and compensation options for veterans facing mesothelioma. Since the military recognizes the connection between asbestos exposure during military service, it must pay for damages. Your compensation can help with medical expenses such as consultations with specialists, diagnosis testing, and treatments.
Unfortunately, many veterans avoid pursuing these claims since navigating the VA benefits system can be complex and disorienting. However, the Mesothelioma Veterans Center can significantly help with this process and simplify the process for veterans. They are dedicated to assisting veterans to receive compensation and other benefits they deserve from the VA system.
- VA disability compensation
One type of mesothelioma remuneration veterans can claim is the VA disability compensation, which offers financial support to those who incurred disabilities during service. And since mesothelioma occurs due to asbestos exposure in military bases, vehicles, and equipment, those suffering from this disease are eligible for it.
Depending on factors like disease severity, years of service, and likely asbestos exposure, the amount of compensation can vary for each individual. Therefore, you must keep careful records of all relevant documents and evidence you may need to support your claim. Besides mesothelioma, disability compensation may also be eligible for veterans facing other asbestos-related diseases.
- VA pension
The VA also offers a Veterans Pension to wartime veterans who either have a limited income or are disabled. While disability compensation only factors in service-related disabilities, VA pension benefits also consider your financial needs and disability status. And since mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases can deprive you of your ability to perform a full-time job, this pension can significantly help ease your burden.
The pension rate for veterans largely depends on your countable income and the MAPR amount or maximum annual pension rate. You’re eligible to receive the pension based on the difference between these two values, which can vary depending on the number of dependents, cost of living, etc.
- Special Monthly Compensation
SMC, or Special Monthly Compensation, is another form of financial benefit the VA gives to veterans who sustained severe disabilities on the job. It specifically caters to the unique challenges veterans with disabilities present since they may require assistance for daily activities or face extraneous circumstances.
This compensation offers a tiered structure where the amount you’re eligible to receive depends on the severity and complexity of your disabilities. And since mesothelioma is quite aggressive, it can quickly weaken you and, therefore, qualify for the SMC. The compensation aims to address not only the physical impact of disabilities but also the resulting financial burdens that can arise from extensive medical care.
- Legal options
As a veteran facing mesothelioma, you might not be fully aware of various legal options beyond the standard benefits VA offers. For example, you can pursue a legal claim against companies responsible for asbestos exposure during your service period. This approach typically involves a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit and seeks compensation for damages incurred.
You might also want to consider joining a class-action lawsuit alongside other soldiers of your unit exposed to asbestos. This approach allows a group of individuals with similar claims to collectively pursue legal action against the responsible parties, which can be more efficient and cost-effective.
- Specialized care
Although the typically late diagnosis of mesothelioma leaves few treatment options, many veterans fail to explore beyond the traditional regimens specialists recommend. For example, palliative care is a crucial but often overlooked option that improves comfort and overall well-being. It can provide relief from symptoms, pain management, and emotional support for you and your families.
Furthermore, veterans might not be familiar with the potential benefits of clinical trials, such as those offering access to experimental therapies and innovative medical approaches. While these can’t cure the cancer, they can extend your life expectancy and improve treatment outcomes.
- Support groups
Online support forums and virtual groups have become increasingly popular, allowing veterans to connect and engage from the comfort of their homes, regardless of geographic location. These platforms foster community and camaraderie among veterans who may otherwise feel isolated in their battle against mesothelioma.
Specialized support groups tailored specifically to veterans with mesothelioma offer a unique space for individuals to connect with others who understand the challenges of military service and this rare cancer. Many hospitals, cancer centers, and local communities also organize avenues for veterans to establish personal connections and receive face-to-face encouragement. These groups often feature guest speakers and medical experts who can empower you with knowledge about the latest treatments and resources available.
- Earlier diagnosis
As a veteran, you should prioritize regular medical check-ups and communicate your asbestos exposure history to healthcare providers, ensuring a more proactive approach to early detection.
The primary reason mesothelioma has a poor outcome is that it gets diagnosed in its last stages when it’s already become aggressive. However, as a war veteran, you can get tested for mesothelioma early if you think you had asbestos exposure during your service. Early detection can significantly improve your treatment outcomes since it provides more disease management options. It also gives you plenty of time to pursue any legal claims you might want to.
Conclusion
Throughout the 20th century, millions of military soldiers, staff, and personnel were exposed to asbestos fibers. Therefore, it is no surprise that veterans comprise most patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. However, it’s your legal right to lay claim on compensation the VA or other companies are liable to pay you for injuries or disease. And if you’re unsure which benefits you can start with, use this guide to help you receive fair compensation.
