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Decades after their service, thousands of American veterans may now battle the effects of one of their many exposures: asbestos. In 1922, the U.S. Navy identified the naturally occurring asbestos mineral as the most efficient and cost-effective material for shipbuilding, and during World War II, its use became critical. Consequently, exposure to the mineral's airborne fibers posed a high health risk in the Navy: asbestos lined the walls of barracks, the pipes above the bunks on ships, and was part of the equipment former service members maintained.
One of the many consequences of veterans' asbestos exposure is mesothelioma, a devastating cancer affecting approximately 3,000 Americans each year, out of which nearly one-third of these cases are veterans. What makes this situation particularly tragic is that many diagnoses are often made too late due to misdiagnosis. Statistics show that 80.8% of stage 1 mesothelioma cases are incorrectly diagnosed and are only later declared to be more advanced stages. This statistic represents thousands of veterans who served our country faithfully, only to face a deadly enemy decades later, one that could have been better fought with earlier detection.
For veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma, disability compensation in 2025 involves VA benefits and potential legal claims. Some calculations estimate that the average payouts may exceed $1 million. Additionally, legal claims against asbestos manufacturers can lead to substantial settlements payable from asbestos trust funds. Mesothelioma veterans may qualify for:
- VA pension
- disability compensation
- VA health care
- cancer treatments at VA hospitals
- aid & attendance (A&A) benefits
- housebound benefits
- burial and memorial benefits
- dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC)
- VA survivors pension
However, it's essential to understand that not all VA benefits apply to every veteran diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, including mesothelioma. Each veteran's situation is unique, and eligibility depends on several factors, such as:
- the type of illness
- service history
- level of disability
- family circumstances
Mesothelioma is almost exclusively tied to asbestos exposure, a hazard that many Navy veterans experienced while serving on ships or in shipyards. Like all asbestos diseases, this rare cancer also takes decades to develop, and is usually severe and incurable. Given the severity of this malignancy, the VA typically grants veterans with mesothelioma a permanent 100% disability rating, recognizing the need for ongoing care and support. The final monthly payment can change based on the veteran's situation, such as:
- whether he is married
- if he has kids or parents to support
- if the spouse needs extra care
- if the disability rating changes
Based on the factors above, for a veteran with mesothelioma who qualifies for a 100% disability rating, a 2025 VA monthly compensation payment may look like the following:
- single veteran, no dependents: $3,831.30
- married, no children: $4,044.91
- spouse, no child: +$213.61
- spouse, with child: +$227.20
- first child: +$142.85
- each additional child under 18: +$106.14
- each additional child over 18, in school: +$342.85
- veteran's parents, each: +$171.44
- aid & Attendance for spouse: +$195.92
2025 VA monthly compensation payment example for a veteran with a 70% disability rating:
- single veteran, no dependents: $1,759.19
- married, no children or parents: $1,908.19
- married + 1 parent: $2,028.19
- married + 2 parents: $2,148.19
- veteran with one parent, no spouse or children: $1,879.19
- veteran with two parents, no spouse or children: $1,999.19
These calculations are general and serve only informative purposes. Given that every veteran's situation is unique, we strongly encourage all former service members to refer directly to the official VA website for the most current and verified information:
Veterans Should Know About Existing VA Support
Most veterans are not aware that the VA has a top-tier medical center dedicated to treating mesothelioma, located at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center. The Comprehensive Mesothelioma Center is a leader in early diagnosis, cutting-edge treatment, and long-term support for veterans with mesothelioma. It was created specifically to care for veterans affected by asbestos-related cancer.
Besides the expert care, the VA's mesothelioma center also provides state-of-the-art treatments, including:
- cryoablation -freezing cancer cells
- immunotherapy -boosting the immune system
- radiation and targeted surgery
- coordinated care with your local VA hospital
- telehealth appointments for veterans who live far away
It also offers travel assistance and free housing during treatment in Los Angeles, so that veterans who qualify will have full VA coverage for:
- flight
- lodging
- transportation, even local
Other Types of Asbestos-Related Cancer
The VA handles other cancers stemming from military asbestos exposure a little differently, while it does provide disability benefits and healthcare coverage. Veterans typically need to provide additional evidence linking their illness to exposure during their service years. Compensation is usually granted when veterans:
- battle an active cancer or undergo chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or other treatments - they're awarded a temporary 100% disability rating.
- treatment ended, and the cancer is in remission - a re-evaluated rating, reduced based on the lasting effects known as "residuals", such as breathing problems, chronic pain, or organ damage.
Other cancers may also qualify for 100% disability compensation, but each case depends on:
- the type of cancer
- whether it's active or in remission
- whether it's on a VA presumptive list
- evidence of military exposure to toxins like asbestos, Agent Orange, or burn pits, PFAS
Not all cancers are presumed to be service-related; that's why veterans must prove the link between their cancer and their time in the military, unless the malignancy is on the VA's presumptive list. Nevertheless, qualifying asbestos-related cancers are:
- pharyngeal cancer
- colorectal cancer
- mesothelioma
- laryngeal cancer
- esophageal cancer
- urogenital cancer
- bronchial cancer
- lung cancer
- gastrointestinal cancer
Former service members diagnosed with one of these malignant diseases automatically qualify for claims and may receive compensation if their medical documents confirm any of the cancers mentioned above and they have proof of asbestos exposure.
It's vital information that veterans can apply for and receive both VA disability benefits and compensation from asbestos trust funds. There is no conflict between receiving these two types of pay, as they are handled by different entities and for other purposes. The VA's priority is to provide disability compensation for service-connected diseases. In contrast, asbestos trust funds provide compensation for illnesses caused by asbestos exposure, regardless of whether the individual served in the military.
Assisting Veterans in Securing the Compensation They Deserve
If you're a Navy veteran who worked with or around asbestos, especially aboard Navy ships built before the 1980s or in military construction, and you're now experiencing symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or constant fatigue, it's important to speak up and ask for a doctor's opinion.
Former service members who suspect something is wrong or just want peace of mind should schedule regular check-ups and request chest X-rays, CT scans, and pulmonary function tests. In the unfortunate event that you're diagnosed with mesothelioma, we can connect you with experienced lawyers who will put their expertise to your case, so you can focus on handling this terrible disease.