If you're one of the millions of veterans and mesothelioma has impacted your life, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact our office today to learn if you are and start immediately. You can also learn more about the mesothelioma claims process here.
A veteran has served in the military or chosen to serve and has been officially recognized as a veteran. The causes of mesothelioma have always been associated with asbestos exposure. Still, new evidence suggests that exposure to other inhaled carcinogens may also be associated with "solvents, metals, organic solvents, and formaldehyde." Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the mesothelial cells found in the lungs, heart, and abdomen lining.
Although there's some evidence to suggest that military veterans may be at a greater risk of getting this disease than other people, research is still ongoing. So far, however, it seems likely that veterans are particularly at risk when exposed to this metal in the military. Still, mesothelioma causes are strongly associated with asbestos due to the vast majority of research focusing on workers exposed to the mineral.
Veterans and mesothelioma have a strong connection because veterans who have been exposed to asbestos in the military have been found to have higher rates of mesothelioma. In the United States, about one in every two hundred veterans who served in the military between 1960 and 1980 has been diagnosed with mesothelioma. Additionally, about 1 in every 484 Vietnam veterans and 1 in every 729 Gulf War veterans are affected. This implies that veterans are more likely to develop mesothelioma than those never been in the military. And even though rates of mesothelioma are climbing for everyone, those rates are growing much faster for veterans.
Most of the statistics above don't include Vietnam veterans, as the government didn't count them in those numbers until 1973. But when we factor that in, it makes sense that there'd be a higher risk of mesothelioma for veterans since they may have served both in Vietnam and within a year or two of those timespans.
How could this affect people?
Those who served in the military are at a much greater risk of developing mesothelioma than non-military people. These risks go up the longer they've done in the military because they would have been exposed to more carcinogens such as formaldehyde and solvents while they were in the military. This means that when they returned home, they were exposed to even more carcinogens in their community. Also, they would have been exposed to more carcinogens since they could be much closer to offensive jobs in their communities than the rest of the population.
If you're one of the millions of veterans and mesothelioma has impacted your life, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact our office today to learn if you are and start immediately. You can also learn more about the mesothelioma claims process here.
For most of the 20th century, asbestos products have widely been used in the U.S. militaries due to their insulate and fireproof capabilities. Each arm of the U.S. armed forces uses this product to construct trucks, ships, barracks, tanks, aircraft, and other vehicles and equipment. This metal was also used in military bases and aboard warships, submarines, and aircraft carriers. According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (V.A.), the Navy used this metal in nearly every ship built between 1922 and 1980. Before the 1970s, veterans who served in the Navy were exposed to asbestos while working on boats manufactured before that year.
The military acquired the metal materials from merchants who kept hold of crucial information concerning the dangers of this toxic product. This exposed the service members who were exposed to it as well. Some veterans exposed to this noninflammable metal and later developed mesothelioma have filed lawsuits against the U.S. government and the merchants who provided them with the materials.
According to a 2002 report from V.A., more than twelve thousand former servicemen died of malignant pleural mesothelioma between 1979 and 1999, and an estimated five thousand more will die within the next twenty years. In 2009, it was estimated that veterans would not stop developing this disease within their lifetimes.
This fire-retardant was used in many areas of a ship, but there were two significant locations where service members were exposed. The first places were the boiler and engine rooms. These were areas in which the veteran was forced to wear a respirator, as they were filled with asbestos particles that could be easily breathed in a while working. Due to being enclosed, these areas are not ventilated, nor do they have air conditioning. The second area was the sleeping quarters. The U.S. Navy began building ships that required all sailors to share a room in the late 1930s, and these were spaces where service members slept and dressed in their uniforms. This means they were heavily exposed to asbestos fibers from the clothes of their bunkmates who previously occupied the space.
A study published in 2020 by the International Journal of Radiation Biology examined the root cause of death among military personnel who tested nuclear weapons between 1945 and 1962. As much as no illnesses were connected to radiation exposure, it was observed that there was a higher mesothelioma risk among those who were serving on Navy ships. A similar journal published in 2019 indicated that mesothelioma mortality was higher among the service members who served on Navy ships when these ships were at sea.
During World War II, the military began using aircraft and needed to insulate them with asbestos. This metal was also used for fireproofing, gaskets and wiring. The risks veterans were exposed to by working on these planes were numerous. The aircraft did not have air conditioning, so service members had to work with asbestos when it was extremely hot or cold. When working on these planes, service members risked being exposed to the toxic fibers whenever they moved them. Also, many of these planes were used in the 1950s and early 1960s. This means service members were exposed to this non-flammable metal more often than veterans from other military branches. One of the planes used in Vietnam was the F-4 Phantom II, a fighter jet containing 300 pounds of asbestos product materials.
The U.S. Air Force has been dramatically affected by these metals, as they have been using them for insulation and protection during much of their history while in flight. The Air Force housed many active duty reservists and members of the National Guard in their military bases. These bases were built so that they never went through the same ventilation system that other buildings went through, so they were exposed to this metal while inside. However, when the bases were closed down, many service members who served on them had to remain there their entire lives because most of the family housing was released once the base was closed.
This metal was used on ships and submarines in the U.S. Coast Guard, so it was more widespread than in other service branches. During World War II, the Coast Guard established its naval fleet, and the need to use this product became more widely known. When the service members entered, they were exposed to this non-flammable metal because they were expected to build these ships that called upon it during their careers. Most of these ships sailed on the deep seas and were exposed to heat and frigid temperatures. Veterans who served on these ships have since testified to the dangers of this metal and have been seeking help from the U.S. Coast Guard in helping them in their search for justice.
This non-flammable metal was used for many purposes within the U.S. Merchant Marine, but it was most often used in shipboard boilers. The non-combustible produced for these boilers was called cementite, and it was also mined from mines in more than thirty states. The U.S. Merchant Marine ships delivered goods to ports worldwide from import to export. They were essential in the economy of America at that time because they had freighters involved with transporting iron ore, coal, grains, iron, and oil products to different places around the world. When working on these ships, shipyard workers were also widely exposed to this noninflammable metal since they required many people to join their crew. The U.S. Merchant Marine was not the only military branch that used this noninflammable metal, as all three branches of the U.S. military had used this product over their lifetime.
The National Guard was founded in the early 20th century. Its primary purpose was to have an army that could defend America in case of a foreign invasion or other major conflicts. In the mid-1980s, Governor Thomas Kean of New Jersey ordered that the National Guard take over patrolling the state from local police officers to help combat rising crime rates. When they took over, they were exposed to toxic levels of asbestos in vehicles, buildings, and many other spaces. They were also exposed to asbestos while working on ventilation systems. The National Guard has since been working to find out how asbestos could seep into the many buildings within their spaces and has also been trying to help veterans with a history of fighting against asbestos.
Guardsmen can also be exposed to this metal while responding to various emergencies. For instance, during the 2005 Hurricane Katrina, 50,000 National Guard troops were deployed in the Gulf States to provide security, medical services, and other emergency assignments in the aftermath of the disaster. There are three primary ways to be exposed to asbestos: breathing air tainted with this non-combustible metal, consuming food or water containing non-combustible metal, or touching asbestos fibers directly to their skin. The most common route of exposure is through breathing air filled with asbestos.
If you're one of the millions of veterans and mesothelioma has impacted your life, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact our office today to learn if you are and get started right away. You can also learn more about the mesothelioma claims process here.
During World War II, asbestos metal was widespread in other military parts besides being used in ships and planes. The U.S. Army used asbestos metal for insulation in buildings, barracks, and tents, but many countries also used it for poison gas masks for soldiers to wear, which contained this metal in them. This metal was also used on medicine boxes to prevent germs from spreading; however, this medicine had very little of this material.
In World War II and the Korean War, there were occupational airborne exposures while service members worked on the ships used in naval battles. In the Vietnam War, plane crews needed to wear a "hootch suit" made of this metal; however, there is no proof that this material ever went airborne. In addition to this material being on a ship, U.S. soldiers were also working on landing craft, the Naval Shipyard, and fixed airfields. While working on these jobs, the military members were exposed to this metal in the air they breathed and on their tools and other materials used during their service.
This non-flammable metal was used in many locations after the Vietnam War to prepare for another war or make buildings better and safer from fire. For instance, many National Guard bases were built with this non-flammable brick to construct better grounds for the military in future wars. However, the military still uses this material in air conditioning systems and heating vents; however, research has shown that the levels of airborne asbestos have not yet reached dangerous levels.
Many government and military projects were underway during the Cold War to ensure that operating bases, communication sites, and facilities were built within strategic locations. There was a high demand for construction workers to help make these buildings, but it was hard to find people who would work during this time because of their fear of nuclear warfare. These people were exposed to this non-flammable metal because of the materials used in these buildings and the extensive time spent inside them.
The U.S. military still uses this chemical product on many bases, even though all other countries have since banned its use. In addition, because so many of our soldiers are currently deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, there have been many cases of people being exposed to asbestos metal in these countries through air intake systems in various housing units for soldiers.
There have also been instances where military members were taken to hospitals due to complications from childhood cancers caused by asbestos exposure. The U.S. Air Force has started a new program to help veterans who served before and after 1989 and have developed mesothelioma so they are not denied the benefits they deserve.
If you're one of the millions of veterans and mesothelioma has impacted your life, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact our office today to learn if you are and start immediately. You can also learn more about the mesothelioma claims process here.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (V.A.) has stated that veterans who are diagnosed with this disease can be eligible for additional compensation, in addition to their standard V.A. Disability Compensation, if they were exposed to this non-flammable medal while serving in the military between January 1, 1981, and December 31, 1990. The VA has a guide on filing a claim for these benefits. This compensation is only paid to veterans with a mesothelioma diagnosis and is only issued after the veteran has passed away.
Veterans who currently receive compensation and benefits from the V.A., who are in the stage of lung cancer that causes mesothelioma, can be eligible for additional compensation. This other compensation comes from a V.A. Mesothelioma Rehabilitation and Compensation Benefits (MRCB) benefit. The MRCB benefit is an income replacement benefit that helps veterans with their medical expenses, nursing care, and home-care costs related to their lung cancer.
Veterans eligible for compensation through the VA MRCB must file a claim to be considered so their benefits can be awarded. The VA has guided how to do this, made available in a booklet and on the internet. Veterans who meet all the qualifications outlined in the brochure and have passed away will receive additional compensation. The amount paid out for these benefits will depend on many factors, including specific illnesses and length of service. The VA also provides a balance for any survivors of veterans who have passed away in a lump-sum payment. Therefore, veterans and mesothelioma victims who do not yet have a diagnosis can also apply to be awarded these benefits.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has an online resource that contains state-by-state information on recommended trust funds available to assist with paying medical expenses and other bills related to this disease. These compensation funds were created through settlements between several large shipbuilding companies and lawyers. They helped shipyard workers exposed to this non-flammable metal between 1930 and 1980.
These funds were created through many court cases and large shipbuilding companies (Bethlehem Steel and others). The companies are responsible for building trust funds that pay medical expenses and providing support to their employees exposed to asbestos through their work in the Navy shipyards.
While the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs does not provide benefits for family members who were exposed to this metal because it is considered part of the veterans' disability benefits, there are some programs in place that could provide compensation to dependents of veterans who were exposed to asbestos metal during their military service. One of these programs is the USS "Iowa" Veterans Villages, which assists dependents of veterans exposed to this metal while on duty.
Many organizations assist dependents. These organizations include the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society and the VFW National Home for Children. The Air Force Sergeants Association also provides a program that provides compensation to dependents of military members who have developed lung cancer. These groups also assist with other military-related issues, such as housing and transportation.
At Class Action 101, we work on a contingency basis for premises liability and personal injury. A contingency fee basis means we do not charge you anything unless we win a settlement in or out of court. This fee structure ensures we work hard for your case and that you don't have even more out-of-pocket expenses during a stressful time. File a claim today.
If you're one of the millions of veterans and mesothelioma has impacted your life, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact our office today to learn if you are and start immediately. You can also learn more about the mesothelioma claims process here.
Many companies provide insurance claims services for mesothelioma sufferers. These companies include mesothelioma insurance claims firms like Integrated Meso Solutions and Mesothelioma. Many independent companies offer these services, which can be found online. These companies can assist with filing for compensation and providing support for medical bills and other issues related to mesothelioma. Therefore, veterans and mesothelioma sufferers can receive assistance with these claims.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (V.A.) provides compensation in the form of disability benefits to military veterans who have been diagnosed with cancer, including malignant mesothelioma, while serving in the military between January 1, 1981, and December 31, 1990 (veterans who were exposed to asbestos at any time during their military service). Those who are eligible can receive compensation through the V.A.'s MRCB program.
If you're one of the millions of veterans and mesothelioma has impacted your life, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact our office today to learn if you are and get started right away. You can also learn more about the mesothelioma claims process here.
Specific requirements must be met to file a claim for compensation through the MRCB program. A veteran must have already received a medical diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma and receive compensation benefits. The other requirements include being medically determined to have at least a 10% disability rating by the V.A. and having a statement of service (a DD-214), which can be obtained from the National Archives and Records Administration.
Individuals who served in the military, including foreign service members, can file a claim. The only exception to this rule is those who were not on active duty at their exposure to the asbestos metal but served later. This can include reservists and veterans who called up for active duty or served in the National Guard and other military reserve programs. Veterans whose cancer was caused by exposure to other harmful substances, such as radiation, are eligible to receive compensation from the MRCB program. Veterans and mesothelioma have been coined "The Invisible Wounds," and this program is intended to help veterans and their families.
Veterans and mesothelioma have a long history together. From the World Wars to the Cold War and into the 21st century, veterans have been exposed to dangerous chemical products, including asbestos. Many of these veterans were exposed in their service to their country. Still, many others were exposed because of negligent corporations who used this substance as a cheap fiber to weave into products that the military would use. Many of these products continue to be used even today, and as a result, veterans continue to become ill with mesothelioma. The veterans and the families suffering from the disease's effects have several options to explore. One of those options is an individual compensation claim administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (V.A.). The VA provides coverage for veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma while serving their country and, in many cases covering their families.
If you're one of the millions of veterans and mesothelioma has impacted your life, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact our office today to learn if you are and get started right away. You can also learn more about the mesothelioma claims process here.
