Mesothelioma is an aggressive type of cancer most commonly associated with asbestos exposure. The most common group of people at risk of mesothelioma is older men over the age of 65 who experienced prolonged exposure to asbestos 20 to 50 years ago.
A great number of veterans fit into this category because asbestos was extensively used in military ships, shipyards, barracks, insulation, pipes, and other equipment and facilities. As a result, the Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes asbestos exposure as a possible basis for disability compensation connected to service. If you’re a veteran who has received a mesothelioma diagnosis, keep reading to understand your possible entitlements and your rights as you navigate this uncertain health journey:
VA Disability Benefits
Whether veterans already receive VA benefits or not, they can make additional mesothelioma disability claims to get compensated for their service-connected illness through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The VA pays out different compensation based on the disability rating for the health problems they face. There’s potential for you to receive a disability claims payout to cover the costs of what you may need as you fight your illness, such as:
- Cancer treatments
- Living expenses
- Travel expenses
- Lost wages
- In-home caregiver services
Specialized Healthcare
Being diagnosed with mesothelioma can be worrying if you don’t have health insurance or lack adequate coverage. However, as a veteran exposed to environmental hazards during service, you may be eligible for healthcare benefits. The VA provides priority enrollment in health care to certain veterans, including those with disabilities connected to their military service. While there is a long list of criteria, the most prominent one in your situation may be:
‘If you meet the basic service and discharge requirements and were exposed to toxins or other hazards while serving our country at home or abroad
You’re eligible for VA health care. This includes all Veterans who served in the Vietnam War, Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone after 9/11.’
Survivor Benefits
The reality is that despite advanced technology in medicine, mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that is rarely survivable. Most people diagnosed with it die within 12 to 21 months of their diagnosis. Just 15% will live past five years. Whether you’re the main breadwinner or not, it’s hard not to be fearful of what the future holds for your loved ones when you’re no longer there to support them.
For many veteran families, financial relief may come from the Veterans Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). This benefit is often provided to the surviving family members of deceased veterans by the VA as compensation for a service-related injury or illness. As the surviving spouse or child of a veteran, you may be entitled to a base monthly rate, as well as an added monthly amount based on factors such as:
- The veteran had a totally disabling disability rating in the eight full years before their death
- You were married to the veteran for those same eight years
- You have a disability and need help with regular daily activities
- You can’t leave your house due to disability
- You have one or more children under the age of 18
While you might feel entirely alone after receiving your mesothelioma diagnosis, you’re not. As a service member, you may be entitled to a range of benefits that ensure your healthcare and financial needs are met while you fight your illness and long after.
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