Asbestos Exposure in the Army
During the 1900s, the U.S. Army used asbestos as a building material for barracks and other structures. Exposure to this dangerous substance resulted in veterans developing illnesses following their tours of service. Fortunately, these veterans are often entitled to financial benefits through the VA. Contact the experienced team at The Lanier Law Firm t review your case.
Those who have experienced asbestos exposure in the Army may develop certain illnesses and medical conditions. One of the most common asbestos-related conditions is mesothelioma. When you have developed an illness as the direct result of your Army service, you can recover benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). If the sickness is not related to service, victims still have the option to pursue low-cost health care through the VA.
While many service members have become ill because of the presence of asbestos in Army barracks, recovering financial benefits from the VA can be difficult. Many times, applicants are denied the benefits to which they are rightfully entitled.
If you need legal representation following Army asbestos exposure, reach out to the accomplished professionals at The Lanier Law Firm. Our legal team is experienced in asbestos-related legal claims and will fight diligently to recover the compensation that you are owed.
- Medically Reviewed By: Patricia Shelton.
- Legally Reviewed By: Sam Taylor
- Last Modified April 24, 2023
Army Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a group of minerals that occur naturally and are heat resistant. Before the dangers of asbestos were fully understood, the U.S. Army regularly used it as a building material in barracks, vehicles and weapons.
One of the most frequent uses for asbestos was insulation. It was also added to paper, plastic, cement and other substances to increase their strength.
The use of this material is closely regulated in the United States, but it is still legal. However, exposure to asbestos is very dangerous. When it is fractured or scratched, tiny fibers are released into the surrounding air.
When someone breathes in asbestos fibers, they can become lodged in their lungs. The fibers of asbestos are highly carcinogenic and, over many years, can cause inflammation and certain types of cancers, including mesothelioma. Other health conditions may also arise as a result of asbestos exposure.
Army asbestos exposure often results from proximity to the following materials and structures:
- Boiler rooms
- Asphalt shingles or cement
- Construction materials
- Electrical cables and wiring
- Drywall
- Gaskets
- Piping
- Insulation
- Tile
For years, U.S. Army officials were unaware of the dangers of asbestos. Many manufacturers knew the risks but hid this information.
As a result, many current mesothelioma cases are related to military service. If you have developed mesothelioma or another asbestos-related medical condition, speak with a skilled attorney to pursue the financial recovery that you are due.
You should not be stuck with the financial and personal costs of an illness for which the U.S. Army is responsible.
Available VA Benefits for Asbestos-Related Illnesses
If you served in the Army and are suffering from an illness as a result, you may be entitled to benefits through the VA. These benefits are also recoverable by the surviving spouse of a veteran who died from their asbestos-related condition. Some of the most common types of recoverable VA benefits include:
Disability Payments
This type of compensation is paid to veterans each month. The amount of each monthly payment is determined by the level of the veteran’s disability.
For example, veterans who are determined to be 100 percent disabled are eligible for:
- $3,332 per month if they are single
- $3,517 per month if they are married
Those veterans with dependents may qualify for additional benefits. To explore your options for disability benefits following Army asbestos exposure, speak with a qualified attorney as soon as possible.
Special Monthly Compensation
This type of benefit payment is available to veterans who require assistance from a caregiver because of their condition. The amount that an applicant can recover will depend on the extent to which they require in-home aid.
In general, special monthly compensation benefits through the VA range from $3,800 to $5,000 per month. The number of dependents the applicant has will also affect these benefits.
Indemnity Compensation Benefits
Indemnity compensation is a type of compensation paid to the spouse of a deceased veteran. If your spouse passed away as the result of a service-related medical condition, you may be entitled to $1,437 per month.
For help applying for indemnity compensation through the VA, consult with a knowledgeable legal representative at The Lanier Law Firm. Our dedicated legal team will not rest until we help you recover the financial benefits you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the VA disability rating for exposure to asbestos?
The VA relies on a number, called a disability rating, to determine the amount of compensation that benefit applicants should receive. This number ranges between zero and 100 percent.
The more severe an illness or injury, the higher the disability rating. Mesothelioma is one of the most severe illnesses that can result from military service.
For this reason, veterans suffering from asbestos-related cancer are often rated at 100 percent. If you have questions about your disability rating, reach out to a legal professional.
How do I file for VA benefits for asbestos exposure?
If you have developed an illness following exposure to asbestos during your Army service, you are entitled to benefit payments. Filing for VA benefits involves providing the following information:
- Discharge status
- Related medical records and documentation
- Evidence tying your illness to your military service
- Summary of your exposure to asbestos
Having a legal representative assist you with the VA claims process gives you the highest likelihood of securing the payments you deserve.
How soon after asbestos exposure do you get sick?
Oftentimes, victims of asbestos exposure are not aware that they have come into contact with this dangerous material until many years have passed. Asbestos-related illnesses can result in symptoms such as:
- Difficulty breathing
- Persistent coughing
- Chest pain
In many cases, these signs and symptoms do not appear until decades after the initial exposure. If you have served in the Army and begin experiencing these symptoms, speak with a medical provider immediately.
Contact the Team at The Lanier Law Firm
When you need assistance applying for VA benefits or appealing a denied claim, look no further than The Lanier Law Firm. Our team has a long track record of successfully representing mesothelioma victims.
We have the resources, knowledge and skills to recover the compensation that you need following a mesothelioma diagnosis. To request a free case evaluation, contact The Lanier Law Firm today.
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