Veterans & Mesothelioma
Veterans account for approximately 30% of all mesothelioma diagnoses in the United States. Every branch of the military used asbestos extensively from the 1930s through the 1980s. Veterans have unique benefits and legal options available to them.
30%
Of mesothelioma patients are veterans
$3,800+
Monthly VA disability compensation (100% rating)
All Branches
Every military branch used asbestos
Asbestos in the Military
The U.S. military was one of the largest consumers of asbestos products in the 20th century. Asbestos was valued for its heat resistance, durability, and insulating properties — making it ubiquitous in ships, aircraft, vehicles, barracks, and military infrastructure.
Navy
The Navy has the highest rate of asbestos exposure among all branches. Ships built before 1980 contained asbestos in virtually every component: engine rooms, boiler rooms, sleeping quarters, mess halls, pipe insulation, fireproofing, gaskets, and valves. Shipyard workers, boiler technicians, enginemen, and hull technicians were at the greatest risk.
Army
Army personnel were exposed to asbestos in barracks, vehicle brake linings, clutch facings, and infrastructure on military bases. Combat engineers, vehicle mechanics, and construction specialists faced particularly high exposure levels.
Air Force
Aircraft built before 1980 used asbestos in brake linings, heat shields, gaskets, and insulation. Aircraft mechanics, sheet metal workers, and personnel who maintained older aircraft were at highest risk.
Marines
Marines faced exposure aboard Navy ships, at Marine Corps bases, and through demolition and construction activities. Marine mechanics and those stationed aboard ships had significant exposure.
Coast Guard
Coast Guard personnel were exposed to asbestos on cutters and at shore facilities. Engine room personnel and those involved in ship maintenance had the highest exposure levels.
VA Benefits for Mesothelioma
Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma related to military service are eligible for several VA benefits. These can be pursued simultaneously with lawsuits and trust fund claims — they do not reduce or affect other compensation.
Disability Compensation
Mesothelioma typically qualifies for a 100% disability rating, providing monthly tax-free payments of over $3,800 (2024 rates). Additional compensation is available for dependents and for veterans requiring assistance with daily activities (Aid & Attendance or Special Monthly Compensation).
VA Healthcare
Veterans with service-connected mesothelioma receive free healthcare through the VA system, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and palliative care. The VA has specialized oncology programs and can refer patients to mesothelioma specialists.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Surviving spouses and dependents of veterans who die from service-connected mesothelioma may receive DIC payments, providing ongoing monthly compensation and access to VA benefits.
Burial Benefits
The VA provides burial benefits for veterans who die from service-connected conditions, including burial in a national cemetery, a headstone or marker, and a burial allowance.
Filing a VA Claim for Mesothelioma
To establish a service-connected mesothelioma claim, you need three things: a current mesothelioma diagnosis, evidence of asbestos exposure during military service, and a medical opinion linking the two. The VA recognizes that asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma, so establishing the service connection is typically straightforward if you can document your exposure.
Your service records, duty stations, military occupational specialty (MOS), and ship assignments can all help establish exposure. The VA maintains databases of asbestos-contaminated military sites and equipment. An attorney or accredited VA claims agent experienced in asbestos cases can significantly improve the chances of a successful claim.
Veterans with mesothelioma are eligible for priority processing of their claims. The VA's Compassionate Allowances program can also expedite Social Security disability benefits for veterans.
Additional Legal Options for Veterans
VA benefits are just one source of compensation. Veterans can also pursue lawsuits against the asbestos companies that supplied materials to the military. While the military itself generally cannot be sued, the private companies that manufactured and sold asbestos products to the military can be held liable.
Veterans can file asbestos trust fund claims against bankrupt asbestos companies, personal injury lawsuits against solvent asbestos manufacturers, and VA disability claims — all simultaneously. Each source of compensation is independent, and receiving one does not reduce the others.
An experienced mesothelioma attorney can coordinate all of these claims to maximize your total compensation while you focus on treatment and recovery.
Treatment Options for Veterans
Veterans with service-connected mesothelioma receive free medical treatment through the VA healthcare system, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and palliative care. The VA has specialized oncology programs and can refer veterans to mesothelioma treatment centers with the most experience treating this rare cancer.
Many veterans choose to combine VA care with treatment at nationally recognized mesothelioma centers such as MD Anderson Cancer Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering, or Brigham and Women's Hospital. The VA can coordinate care with outside specialists and may cover travel expenses for treatment at approved facilities.
Current treatment approaches include multimodal therapy (surgery combined with chemotherapy and radiation), immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors like nivolumab and ipilimumab, and clinical trials for emerging therapies. Veterans should discuss all available options with both their VA care team and any consulting specialists to develop the best treatment plan for their specific diagnosis.
Veterans & Mesothelioma FAQ
Which military branch has the highest rate of mesothelioma?+
The U.S. Navy has the highest rate of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma among all military branches. Ships built before 1980 contained asbestos in virtually every component — engine rooms, boiler rooms, sleeping quarters, pipe insulation, fireproofing, gaskets, and valves. Shipyard workers, boiler technicians, enginemen, and hull technicians were at the greatest risk. However, all branches used asbestos extensively, and veterans from any branch may be eligible for benefits.
Can I sue the military for mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure?+
Generally, you cannot sue the U.S. military directly due to the Feres Doctrine, which bars service members from suing the government for injuries sustained during military service. However, you can sue the private companies that manufactured and sold asbestos products to the military. These companies knew asbestos was dangerous but continued to sell contaminated products. Veterans can also file VA disability claims and asbestos trust fund claims alongside lawsuits against private companies.
How do I prove my mesothelioma is connected to military service?+
To establish a service-connected VA claim, you need a current mesothelioma diagnosis, evidence of asbestos exposure during military service, and a medical opinion linking the two. Your service records, duty stations, military occupational specialty (MOS), ship assignments, and deployment history can establish exposure. The VA maintains databases of asbestos-contaminated military sites. Because the VA recognizes that asbestos causes mesothelioma, establishing the connection is generally straightforward with proper documentation.
Can a veteran's surviving spouse receive benefits after a mesothelioma death?+
Yes. Surviving spouses and dependents of veterans who die from service-connected mesothelioma may receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), which provides ongoing monthly tax-free payments. Survivors may also be eligible for education benefits, healthcare through CHAMPVA, and burial benefits including interment in a national cemetery. Additionally, surviving family members can file wrongful death lawsuits against asbestos companies.
Do VA mesothelioma benefits reduce my lawsuit or trust fund compensation?+
No. VA disability compensation, healthcare benefits, and other VA programs are completely independent from lawsuit settlements and asbestos trust fund payments. Receiving VA benefits does not reduce your other compensation, and other compensation does not reduce your VA benefits. An experienced mesothelioma attorney will help you pursue all available sources — VA benefits, lawsuits, and trust fund claims — simultaneously to maximize your total recovery.