Veterans from all branches of the United States Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard) are at risk for developing asbestos-related cancers, such as mesothelioma or lung cancer. Military members families may also be at risk from secondhand asbestos exposure.
Secondhand asbestos exposure occurs when someone is exposed to asbestos just by being in close proximity or by living with someone who is regularly exposed to asbestos. For example, dust often adheres to military uniforms or clothing and, if worn home, can expose loved ones to asbestos who come into contact with their clothes, this is especially true for those who may be in charge of laundering them.
The widespread use of asbestos in the military during the 1930s through the 1980s put many United States service men and women at risk of developing an asbestos-related disease, like mesothelioma, this is particularly true for navy veterans and shipyard workers. The majority of navy vessels prior to 1980 were built with hundreds of asbestos-containing products, such as asbestos fireproofing, insulation or lagging on pipes and around boilers, and in gaskets and valve packing.
Additional exposure to asbestos for army veterans typically comes as a result of operating and/or repairing and maintaining military trucks, tanks, and vehicles, or while living in barracks. The United States Military used asbestos in many different applications which created a wide variety of opportunities for asbestos exposure to those serving in the military.
Many veterans are, therefore, at a significantly higher risk of developing an asbestos-related disease.
If you were exposed to asbestos while serving our country, and have developed an asbestos-related illness, such as mesothelioma or lung cancer, you may be entitled to compensation.
Veterans may file a claim with the Veterans Affairs for developing an asbestos-related disease well after they served in the United States Military. Veterans may file an Application for Benefits, along with supporting medical documentation proving they are suffering from mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related disease. A claim for VA benefits should also be supported with evidence of service records, ship records and specifications, muster rolls, deck logs, and any other documentation available to help prove the validity of the claim. In order to receive VA benefits, veterans need to prove they suffer from an asbestos-related disease and that it was service related.
