Veterans Asbestos Claims

A Health Care Article Contributed by Diana Montane

How the VA Can Help Veterans for Asbestos Related Diseases:

According to the Legion News article that appeared in July, 2002, the VA now has the capability of compensating veterans for illnesses, complications, and permanent disabilities contracted from asbestos while working in the military.

Asbestos is a mineral used in the construction of buildings, airplanes, insulating materials, and ships.

The Department of Defense did not become aware of the prevalent use of asbestos, a carrier of the cancer called mesothelioma, and other lung-related complications, until 1970.

Also, the delays in applying the compensations were further aggravated by the late appearance of symptoms of asbestos related illnesses.

Mesothelioma is a severe form of cancer which affects the lungs or the stomach or gastrointestinal organs.

Asbestosis, although not as serious, severely scars the tissue of the lungs.

The Va Has Determined That Some of the Veterans and Their Spouses and Children Who Were Exposed to Asbestos are Entitled to Claim for Compensation.

How do You Qualify for Compensation If You're a Veteran Engaged in Active Military Duty When You Contracted an Asbestos Related Disease or Condition?

You must first secure the proper diagnosis of your illness or disability by a physician.

You must also prove that you were active in the military when you were exposed to asbestos.

And finally, you need medical proof that your existing condition is directly related to the diagnosis of your illness or condition from asbestos exposure.

There are Several Resources Available to You If You Think You Have Symptoms of a Disease or Condition Stemming from Exposure to Asbestos Related Materials While in the Military.

You may go to one of the offices of the American Legion, and avail yourself of their free service. The Department Service Offices will give you the appropriate orientation and guidance, again, free of charge, about which benefits you may be entitled to in case you were exposed to asbestos while in active service. They can also serve as your representative in legal claims so you and your family can obtain the proper settlement to cover any disability or illness.

Should your claim wind up in the Federal Court System, and you don't have the economic resources to hire an attorney, the VA can provide one for you pro bono, or free of charge, who specializes in asbestos related claims.

The US Navy also conducted a study of asbestos exposure and the diseases and conditions resulting from it in 1979.

Veterans in other branches of the military, such as the Air Force, may have been exposed to asbestos particles present in materials used in the construction of aircraft vehicles.

Aside from whatever settlement by way of compensation you might receive from the VA for yourself, your family and eventually, your survivors, you can file a legal claim against the company that manufactured asbestos related product.

Again, you can look up your state and city's branch of The American Bar Association for pro bono attorneys specializing in asbestos related diseases, disabilities and complications.

In addition to seeking VA compensation, veterans with an asbestos-related disease, or their survivors, can file legal suits against the asbestos companies. Such action requires the services of an attorney. Anyone wishing to pursue this type of claim should contact his or her local Bar Association for a list of attorneys specializing in asbestos litigation.

You can write to:

The American Legion,

5745 Lee Road,

Indianapolis, IN 46216