VA Recognizes Increased Risk for Mesothelioma among Veterans
Our firm has been helping asbestos victims and Vietnam veterans for over 30 years. For details about asbestos disease and information for veterans, navy shipyard workers and their families (especially those who served or worked for the military between 1940 and 1980) please see our Practice Focus: Vietnam Veterans page.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced that during World War II, several million people–civilians and those in Navy service–“were exposed to chrysotile products as well as amosite and crocidolite [all are types of asbestos] since these varieties were used extensively in military ship construction.”
The VA web announcement goes on to explain that veterans may be at an increased risk for mesothelioma, a fatal, asbestos-related cancer, as well as other asbestos-related illnesses.
The announcement also explains that veterans who served in some of the following major occupations may have been exposed to asbestos:
- Mining
- Milling
- Shipyard work
- Insulation work
- Demolition of old buildings
- Carpentry and construction
- Manufacture and servicing of friction products, such as clutch facings and brake linings
- Manufacture and installation of products, such as roofing and flooring materials, asbestos cement sheet and pipe products, and military equipment
Asbestos is a toxic material. Exposure can lead to a number of different illnesses including fatal lung cancer and mesothelioma. Please see our FAQ page for more information about asbestos, occupations/industries at-risk for exposures to asbestos, and asbestos diseases including mesothelioma.
The VA has indicated that exposed veterans may be eligible for governmental benefits including: Health Care Benefits, Disability Compensation Benefits, and other benefits including home loans, voational rehabilitations and education.