VA Compensation For Asbestos Illnesses
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers disability compensation for illnesses that occur as a result of exposure to asbestos from the military. Veterans can apply online, by mail or in person.
To be eligible to receive compensation, a vet must prove that there is a connection between their disease or illness and their service in the military. The VA has asbestos-related diseases such as pleural disease, Mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Eligibility
Asbestos fibers are associated with a variety of health issues for veterans. This includes mesothelioma and asbestosis. These illnesses can result in costly medical bills, a reduced quality of life and even death. The good news is that compensation is available to help pay these bills. The VA has a process to determine who is eligible for these benefits. To be eligible to receive these benefits, a veteran has to have an honorable discharge and have been exposed to asbestos in the military. The VA utilizes medical records and a doctor's recommendation to assess the eligibility of a person. In addition to assessing symptoms and illnesses, the VA may also require a veteran to undergo several tests, like chest x-rays and scans using CAT.
A mesothelioma lawyer can assist veterans gather all the required details to file an application. They know what documents to request from the military and doctors, how to gather evidence, including asbestos industry records and cutting-edge medical research and can help with appeals if the claim is rejected.
A mesothelioma lawyer can help you receive disability compensation, which is the main VA benefit. Veterans with mesothelioma and similar illnesses resulting from their military service are eligible for an annual, tax-free benefit. The benefits are determined by the severity of the illness and the length of time that the veteran was exposed to asbestos during the military.
Veterans who have been diagnosed as having other asbestos-related diseases, such as asbestosis and lung cancer are also qualified for benefits. The VA provides Dependency and Indemnity compensation for family members who have lost a loved one to mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease.
Pre-existing conditions
Although the VA has established procedures for compensation for asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis, it's not simple to get these methods accepted. First, you have to prove the diagnosis. This usually requires medical paperwork that confirms the cause of the illness was asbestos exposure during service. The VA also requires a written exposure history describing how and when you were exposed to asbestos during your time in the military and details regarding specific bases and ships, as well as other places where you worked.
Many veterans have already been awarded compensation for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases through lawsuits against liable companies. These companies, now insolvent because of asbestos lawsuits brought by victims, created trust funds to pay the veterans and their families. Albany asbestos lawsuit were among the largest employers of people who were at a high risk of exposure to asbestos.
Once a diagnosis is confirmed once a diagnosis is confirmed, the VA will determine a disability rating based on the severity of the condition and how much it has affected your daily life. Mesothelioma patients or lung cancer patients or asbestosis sufferers may receive compensation of up to 100% based on their condition. Patients with non-cancerous symptoms, such as fibrosis or pleural effusions, are typically given lower ratings.
It is crucial to apply for benefits as soon as possible if you've been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease. You can apply online, through post or in person. It is a good plan to consult with an accredited representative in your region who can help you fill out the VA EZ benefits forms and submit a "intent to apply" form that specifies the date on which you will begin receiving your benefits. A mesothelioma lawyer may also help you pursue other avenues of compensation, like a personal injury lawsuit against the liable asbestos manufacturers and their insurance companies.
Signs and symptoms
Patients suffering from asbestos-related ailments can receive medical treatment and other services in VA hospitals. These services include prescriptions, medications, treatment procedures, and tests. Veterans who have been identified as having mesothelioma, or any other asbestos-related illness may also be eligible for disability benefits.
Asbestos victims often suffer from a variety of symptoms that are difficult to determine. Most commonly, they experience chest pain, fatigue and shortness of breath. It could take years to recognize and a long time for the first signs of exposure to show. This can lead to more expensive healthcare costs as well as a lack of work, and a lower quality of life.
The VA may give veterans a percentage of their total disability based on the severity of their condition. This is based on the VA's disability rate chart and is based on the severity of the illness. A veteran with 100 percent disability and mesothelioma could receive up to $2,400 per month.
In many instances, VA does not require veterans to provide proof that their mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases were caused by military service. The VA has a list of presumptive illnesses that are presumed related to military service. This includes lung cancer and asbestosis.
Navy veterans are at the highest risk of developing an asbestos-related illness because the material was commonly used in their ships, shipyards and on-base housing. However, veterans from the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard and Marine Corps who worked in similar jobs have also been exposed asbestos. Asbestos-related illnesses have a long time of occurrence, so it is essential that veterans consult their doctors to discuss their work history.
Treatment
Veterans who are diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses can receive a range of benefits from the VA. The VA offers a variety of benefits, including disability compensation, free healthcare and geriatric services. A lawyer specializing in mesothelioma lawsuits can help them gather the evidence they need and submit the claim. The lawyer can also assist them appeal a denied claim.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was used in aircraft bases and shipyards as well as in vehicle repair facilities. Military personnel were exposed to the material on a daily basis, and particularly Navy personnel working in shipyards and naval ships. The Navy was the largest asbestos user however, all branches of the military were also at risk.
Veterans suffering from asbestos-related diseases could be entitled to a monthly payment to assist them in paying for their treatment. To qualify for the compensation, a veteran needs to prove that the illness is linked to their military service. This requires proof of the veteran's work history, asbestos exposure, and symptoms that been triggered by exposure.
The most common diseases related to asbestos are mesothelioma (lung cancer) asbestosis, asbestosis and asbestosis. Asbestosis, which is a non-cancerous illness, is rated up to 100% by the VA. This means that veterans can receive the highest monthly amount. Mesothelioma and other forms of cancer are rated at much higher levels, depending on their severity.
A lawyer with expertise in asbestos claims will ensure that all relevant evidence is presented to the VA, asbestos trust funds, or liable companies. They can also bring a lawsuit against these companies. This has proven successful in several cases. The lawyers can also obtain information from hospitals and other medical professionals.
Appeal
Patients suffering from mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related illnesses may get compensation. They may also be eligible for medical treatment, a higher level of disability and other types of support. Veterans should file a claim as quickly as they can so that they get the most amount of compensation.
In order to be successful in a VA asbestos compensation claim, veterans must provide military service records along with an asbestos exposure summary in writing. The summary of exposure should contain specifics about the location, time, and how the person was exposed to asbestos. It should also detail the specific roles and jobs they performed on military bases and ships. Veterans must prove that they had 50% or more of their asbestos exposure during the military in order to be considered as being service-connected for mesothelioma or other asbestos-related disease.
In addition to providing military and medical records, veterans must show that their asbestos exposure caused their disease or condition. The VA only awards compensation for the diagnosis of a condition linked to asbestos. This includes lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. It does not award compensation for urogenital diseases, including bladder and prostate cancer.
An experienced asbestos lawyer can assist veterans with their claims. They can assist with medical records and military records and collect additional evidence by logging into databases. They can also make sure that the proper paperwork is filed and the deadlines are completed. They will ensure the highest amount of compensation for their clients. They can also appeal if VA denies a claim of a veteran. In some instances appeals to the board can be made to a Veterans Law judge.