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From around 1930 to 1980, asbestos was widely used in the U.S. military, particularly in the Merchant Marine, Navy, Coast Guard, and shipyards. Service members who worked near boilers, insulation, turbines, pipes, engine rooms, and gaskets often came into close contact with asbestos fibers without knowing the risks. Years later, many veterans developed serious health conditions, including mesothelioma, pleural disease, asbestosis, lung cancer, and other respiratory illnesses.
If you worked in the military and you have been diagnosed with an illness that’s related to asbestos, you may qualify for VA benefits. Here are the types of VA benefits ailing veterans should know about.
Disability Compensation
The VA pays tax-free benefits every month to veterans who have been diagnosed with diseases related to asbestos. Here are the illnesses that are commonly approved for this benefit:
- Asbestosis
- Mesothelioma
- Pleural thickening/ pleural plaques
- Lung cancer
- Chronic respiratory impairment
If you have mesothelioma, you can be eligible for a 100% rating, which means you get the maximum disability compensation benefit every month. Click here to learn more about the connection between mesothelioma and Navy veterans.
Health Care
Any veteran with an asbestos-related illness can use the VA health care benefits to get treated at VA hospitals by highly qualified specialists. If you are a veteran diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you can receive:
- Oncology treatment and surgical procedures
- Prescription medication coverage
- Specialized medical care
- Palliative and supportive services
- Diagnostic imaging and medical tests
Aid and Attendance (A&A)
Veterans with a permanent disability who require assistance with day–to–day activities may be entitled to monthly A&A payments. These tax-free benefits can help cover in-home nursing care and other services that support everyday needs.
Veterans experiencing mesothelioma symptoms or recovering from cancer treatment may qualify if their condition makes it difficult to care for themselves. The assistance can help with tasks such as bathing, preparing meals, dressing, and managing household activities. Surviving spouses of veterans may also qualify for A&A benefits if they meet the VA’s eligibility requirements.
VA Pension
Wartime veterans who meet the VA’s income, age, and service requirements may qualify for a needs-based pension. This benefit provides financial support to eligible veterans with limited income.
To qualify, veterans generally must have been on active duty during a wartime period. The VA also considers their annual household net worth and income when determining eligibility.
Veterans who need regular assistance with daily activities or are largely confined to their homes may qualify for higher monthly pension payments through Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits. Eligibility depends on meeting the VA’s specific criteria.
Housebound Benefits
Veterans ailing from asbestos-related conditions may be eligible for these benefits if their illness significantly restricts their ability to leave the house. These benefits provide additional financial support on top of their VA pension. However, veterans cannot receive these benefits and A&A benefits at the same time. They must qualify for one of the two programs.
Endnote
Navy veterans gave years of service, and many were exposed to asbestos without ever knowing it. Today, a lung cancer diagnosis can bring heavy medical bills and daily struggles. The good news is that help exists. Disability compensation, VA health care, Aid and Attendance, the VA Pension, and housebound benefits can ease the financial strain and support everyday care.