Asbestos Exposure | VA Disability

Military Asbestos Exposure Claims

For decades, the United States military unknowingly placed servicemembers in constant contact with asbestos, a toxic mineral that causes deadly diseases decades after exposure. Veterans from all branches face disproportionately high rates of mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis due to widespread asbestos use in ships, aircraft, barracks, and equipment. These brave men and women who served their country now battle devastating illnesses that could have been prevented if manufacturers had disclosed the dangers they knew existed.

At The Lyon Firm, our experienced team of attorneys is committed to helping veterans navigate the complex process of seeking compensation and benefits for the adverse health effects resulting from exposure to asbestos during their military service.

We understand the unique challenges veterans face, and we are here to advocate for your rights and provide the legal support you need to secure the benefits you deserve. With years of expertise in this specialized area of law, we are your trusted allies in the pursuit of justice.

Explore this page to learn more about the intricacies of VA Disability Claims for Asbestos Exposure and how we can assist you in this important journey.

What Kind of Damages Are Available in an Asbestos Exposure VA Disability Claim?

In an asbestos exposure VA Disability claim, veterans may be eligible for various types of compensation and benefits to address the physical, emotional, and financial challenges they face as a result of their asbestos-related health conditions.

The specific damages available can include:

• Disability Compensation: Veterans who have been diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer may be entitled to disability compensation. The amount of compensation is based on the severity of the condition and its impact on the individual’s ability to work and lead a normal life.
• Special Monthly Compensation (SMC): In cases where asbestos-related disabilities are particularly severe or have additional complications, veterans may be eligible for special monthly compensation, which provides increased financial assistance.
• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): Surviving spouses, children, or dependents of veterans who have passed away due to asbestos-related illnesses may be eligible for DIC benefits to provide financial support.
• Medical Care: Veterans with asbestos-related diseases may receive medical care through the VA healthcare system, ensuring they have access to the necessary treatments and therapies.
• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Services: For veterans who are unable to continue their previous employment due to asbestos-related disabilities, the VA offers vocational rehabilitation services to help them re-enter the workforce or acquire new skills.
• Aid and Attendance (A&A): Veterans with asbestos-related illnesses who require the assistance of another person for daily activities may qualify for A&A benefits.

It’s important to note that the availability and amount of compensation may vary depending on individual circumstances, including the severity of the asbestos-related condition, the veteran’s military service, and the evidence provided to support the claim.

Seeking the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney who specializes in VA Disability Claims for Asbestos Exposure can be invaluable in maximizing the benefits you are entitled to and navigating the claims process effectively.

What Does an Asbestos Exposure Lawyer Do for Your Case?

An asbestos exposure lawyer plays a crucial role in helping individuals who have been harmed by asbestos-related illnesses, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer, pursue legal actions to seek compensation for their injuries. Here are some key tasks and services that an asbestos exposure lawyer can provide for your case:

• Investigation: Your attorney will work to gather evidence to support your case. This may involve collecting medical records, employment history, witness statements, and expert testimony to establish the link between your asbestos exposure and your illness.
• Negotiation: Your attorney will engage in negotiations with the defendants’ legal teams or asbestos trust funds to reach a fair settlement. They will strive to secure the maximum compensation available for your damages, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
• Representation: If a settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, your attorney will represent you in court during the litigation process, advocating for your rights and presenting your case before a judge and jury.
• Asbestos Trust Fund Claims: If applicable, your lawyer will help you navigate the complex process of filing claims with asbestos trust funds, which have been established to compensate victims of asbestos exposure when the responsible companies have gone bankrupt.
• VA Disability Claims: If you are a veteran pursuing VA Disability Benefits for asbestos-related illnesses, your attorney will assist you in preparing and presenting a strong case to the Department of Veterans Affairs, helping you secure the benefits you deserve.

An experienced asbestos exposure lawyer can be a valuable advocate in helping you navigate the complexities of asbestos-related legal claims and secure the compensation you deserve for the physical, emotional, and financial hardships caused by asbestos exposure.

Where Military Asbestos Exposure Occurred

Naval vessels contained asbestos throughout virtually every compartment. Ship insulation, pipe coverings, gaskets, valves, and fireproofing materials released microscopic fibers into confined spaces where sailors lived and worked. Boiler rooms, engine compartments, and repair areas created especially hazardous conditions where dense concentrations of airborne asbestos fibers became unavoidable during routine maintenance and emergency repairs.

Aircraft mechanics encountered asbestos in brake pads, clutch assemblies, heat shields, and electrical components. Each brake service or equipment repair released clouds of asbestos dust that workers inhaled without adequate respiratory protection. Military vehicles, including tanks and transport trucks, incorporated asbestos in similar components, exposing Army and Marine Corps personnel during maintenance operations.

Base construction and infrastructure exposed additional servicemembers. Barracks, mess halls, administrative buildings, and housing units contained asbestos floor tiles, ceiling materials, roofing products, and wall insulation. Demolition work, renovation projects, and battle damage repairs disturbed these materials, creating exposure incidents that affected personnel across all occupational specialties. Even those not directly working with asbestos encountered contamination when sharing living spaces with those whose uniforms carried fibers from work areas.