VA Claims

Veterans who served aboard Navy ships may have encountered more than one toxic hazard during their service, including asbestos, Agent Orange, and AFFF.

Asbestos Ships helps you understand the VA claims process for these exposures and connects you with resources to move your case forward.

Our team guides you toward VA offices, accredited representatives, and documentation support so you can pursue the benefits you may be eligible for, no matter which exposure your claim is based on.

VA claims tied to shipboard toxic exposure cover a range of veterans depending on when and where they served.

• Served on a Navy vessel where asbestos was used in construction or insulation
• Served on Blue Water Navy ships off the coast of Vietnam during the Agent Orange era
• Handled or worked near AFFF during shipboard fire training or response
• Received a diagnosis linked to one of these exposures, such as mesothelioma, certain cancers, or other qualifying conditions

A large number of veterans exit the military without ever filing a claim. Should a related health condition surface long after discharge, it can still be worth checking whether that diagnosis ties back to your time in service.

How the VA Claims Process Works

VA claims generally go through a few standard stages, but exactly how long it takes varies by case.

• Round up your service records, medical evidence, and supporting statements
• Submit your claim yourself or get help from an accredited representative
• Your claim goes through VA review, where an examiner checks your evidence
• A compensation and pension exam might be scheduled if more details are needed
• You'll receive a decision, granting service connection and a rating, or denying or lowering it

If the outcome of your claim isn't what you hoped, whether denied or under-rated, you may still have paths forward like a supplemental claim, higher-level review, or board appeal.

A veteran whose claim was previously denied has a few ways to seek further review, and the right path depends on the decision and what evidence is available.

A partial grant happens when the VA approves part of a claim but not everything a veteran sought, such as granting service connection at a lower rating than expected, or approving some conditions while denying others. This is different from a full denial, since part of the claim was already found valid.

VA claims for veterans with a zero percent rating

A zero percent rating means the VA has confirmed a condition is connected to service, but that its current severity does not meet the threshold for monthly compensation, sometimes called a non-compensable rating. This is different from a denial, since service connection has already been established for that condition.

Veterans with a zero percent rating may still qualify for VA health care and other benefits. They can also file for an increased rating if the condition worsens or the current rating seems too low. A separate 10 percent combined rating may apply if a veteran has two or more permanent conditions each rated at zero percent, no other compensable rating, and disabilities that clearly interfere with employability.

VA Appeals for Veterans Who Cannot Work Due to a Disability

Some veterans have a combined disability rating below 100 percent but still cannot maintain substantially gainful employment because of their service-connected conditions. A benefit called Individual Unemployability, also known as TDIU, allows the VA to pay compensation at the 100 percent rate without changing the veteran's underlying schedular rating.

If a claim is denied, the same appeal paths apply as with any other VA decision, including a supplemental claim, higher-level review, or board appeal. These claims typically rely on your work history and medical evidence showing your condition prevents substantially gainful employment.

What VA Benefits May Cover

The type of support you get from VA benefits depends on your exposure history and diagnosis.

• Monthly disability compensation based on your condition and disability rating
• Access to VA health care for treatment and monitoring
• Special monthly compensation for veterans with severe impairment 

Surviving spouses, dependent children, and in some cases dependent parents may qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation. This applies when a veteran's death was connected to a toxic exposure such as asbestos, Agent Orange, or AFFF.

Why Documentation Matters

Because these conditions often surface well after service, connecting your diagnosis to your history means having clear documentation on hand. Your location and exposure are determined from ship logs, muster rolls, and personnel records.

Medical evidence linking your diagnosis directly to your exposure makes a good claim, particularly in cases that don’t have a presumptive connection. The lack of that documentation can cause delays or outright denial, even in legitimate cases.

How Asbestos Ships Can Help

Filing a claim on your own can be confusing, especially while managing a serious diagnosis. Asbestos Ships connects you with resources built to make the process more manageable.

• Referrals to VA-accredited representatives who handle claims at no cost to you
• Guidance on locating your VA regional office or nearest VA medical center
• Help identifying the type of records needed to support your claim
• Connections to legal resources if you are also considering compensation outside the VA system

Get Started on Your VA Claim with Asbestos Ships

Going through the VA claims process alone isn't necessary. We connect veterans with VA-accredited attorneys and other qualified professionals who can talk through their situation and potential options. Whether it's a new filing or an appeal, early contact can help your case move along. Contact Asbestos Ships today to get connected with the support you need.