Veterans & Mesothelioma Cancer Guide

Veterans Deserve Justice and Care

Nearly one in three mesothelioma diagnoses involves a U.S. military veteran.
For decades, asbestos was used across ships, bases, and vehicles in every branch of service — exposing those who served our country to lifelong risk.

El VA now recognizes mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases as service-connected, providing eligible veterans with medical care and monthly compensation.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesotelioma, cáncer de pulmón relacionado con el asbesto o asbestosis, you may qualify for significant financial compensation.
Request your Free Financial Compensation Packet today to learn about trusted mesothelioma lawyers near you, how to get paid in as little as 90 days, and how to file an asbestos trust claim — at no cost to you.

We offer free virtual consultations and can arrange for a representative to meet you within one mile of your home.

Scientific Reference: Mesothelioma Risk in U.S. Veterans

Research has shown that Navy veterans face some of the highest mesothelioma risks due to asbestos exposure aboard ships (PubMed study 30513236).

Building on that evidence, Danziger & De Llano’s Mesothelioma Veterans Report analyzes over 1,000 recent cases, revealing how AI-enhanced legal tools are helping veterans and families secure faster compensation.

Mesotelioma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the mesothelium and is caused by exposición al amianto. The most common type of mesothelioma, mesotelioma pleural, develops in the part of the mesothelium that surrounds the lungs.

Militar veteranos have some of the highest rates of mesothelioma in the U.S. Approximately 30% of all people diagnosed with mesothelioma are veterans.

Why Do Veterans Get Mesothelioma at High Rates?

Veterans are overrepresented in mesothelioma diagnoses because all branches of the military used amianto extensively. The peak years of asbestos use were between approximately 1930 and the 1970s.

Asbestos was used as an insulating and fireproofing material in equipment, machinery, buildings, ships, vehicles, and aircraft.

¿Qué veteranos corren mayor riesgo de padecer mesotelioma?

Veterans from any branch of the military who served during times of peak asbestos use are at risk for mesothelioma and other asbestos illnesses. The U.S. Navy used the most asbestos because it was a crucial component in ships.

Veterans in the following roles in any military branch have a particularly high risk of being diagnosed with mesothelioma:

• trabajadores de calderas
• Instaladores de aislamiento
• Shipyard workers
• Trabajadores de la sala de máquinas
• Vehicle and aircraft repairers
• Instaladores de tuberías
• trabajadores de la construcción
• trabajadores de demolición

Family members of military men and women were also at risk for asbestos exposure and later illness. They may have brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, exposing members of the household.

Are Veterans at Risk for Other Asbestos Illnesses?

Yes, exposure to asbestos in the past can lead to mesothelioma but also many other illnesses:

• Asbestosis
• placas pleurales
• cáncer de pulmón
• Other types of cancer

How Does the VA Support Veterans With Mesothelioma?

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the federal government agency that provides qualifying veterans with benefits and healthcare. The VA supports veterans with mesothelioma by offering disability compensación, specialist medical care, and compensation and funeral benefits for families of veterans.

History of Asbestos Use in the Military

Connections between exposición al amianto and health problems have been known for decades, but companies suppressed that information for many years. The widespread use of asbestos-laden materials in the military peaked in the 1940s during World War II.

As early as the 1960s, many ex-sailors, Marines, and shipyard workers began to show symptoms of asbestos diseases, including asbestosis and mesothelioma. Also, many World War II-era vessels were in active service in Korea and Vietnam. This exposed even more people to asbestos long after World War II ended.

At the height of asbestos’ widespread use, military and civilian personnel in the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard were exposed to asbestos fibers in tiles, construction materials, automotive parts (such as brakes and clutches), and the insulation used in steam pipes.

Engineers and construction workers involved in erecting or renovating barracks, repair facilities, offices, and schools on military bases are thus more likely to be exposed to asbestos fibers. However, due to the widespread use of asbestos before its initial restriction by the U.S. government in the late 1970s, anyone is at risk of being exposed.

World War II and Asbestos Use

All branches of the military used asbestos before the late 1970s. The U.S. Navy was an especially large user of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), particularly during World War II. Large amounts of asbestos were added to the building materials used to build Navy vessels of all types to help protect them from fires.

Asbestos was also widely used in naval ships and shore facilities built between World War II and the early stages of the Vietnam War. Asbestos materials are mainly found in fire-prone areas such as ships’ engineering spaces and boiler rooms.

Not only was combat and support ships’ hulls made with asbestos-laden steel, but their electrical systems, including the insulation and wiring, were also manufactured with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

Korean War and Asbestos Use

Like World War II, military personnel were exposed to asbestos during the Korean War. A good majority of equipment used during the Korean War was manufactured during the World War II era.

Along with the Merchant Marine and Navy ships that were created with loads of asbestos, barracks, chow halls, shops, and buildings that housed all branches of the military were laden with asbestos during the Korean War.

Many who served in the Korean War began experiencing mesothelioma and asbestosis symptoms during the 1980s, and by the 1990s, thousands were diagnosed with these dangerous diseases.

The average age of those who served in the Korean War who developed an asbestos-related disease is around 65 because of the long dormancy period associated with the illnesses.

As veterans reach their 70s, more cases of mesothelioma come to light as symptoms of mesothelioma begin to surface. As diseases go, mesothelioma is not a common affliction. Averages of 3,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.

Vietnam War and Asbestos Use

Vietnam veterans were also exposed to asbestos in numerous ways. Regardless of what branch the veterans served in during Vietnam, the risk of asbestos exposure was extremely high, resulting in thousands of severe illnesses.

The Navy particularly placed veterans at the highest risk for exposure. Every naval ship contained asbestos in various parts, from tiles, cables, pipes, and gaskets. Of course, this is not to say that veterans in other service branches weren’t at risk for exposure.

Much like the wars that preceded Vietnam, asbestos was used in motorized vehicles, barracks, insulation, ceiling tiles, flooring tiles, brakes, gaskets, and more.

Asbestos in the U.S. Navy

The U.S. Navy has always considered fire at sea one of the most significant hazards to its ships and their crews. In turn, measures are taken to reduce fire-related damage. Therefore, many Navy personnel assigned to refit or repair naval vessels were exposed before the health risks of asbestos were officially acknowledged in the 70s.

After the U.S. entered the war in late 1941, the Navy expanded in size to meet the needs of a global conflict. The U.S. Navy started World War II with several hundred warships and auxiliary vessels, but by the time the war ended in August of 1945, it operated over 1200 warships.

All of these vessels, whether they were combatants or support craft such as tankers and transports, were full of asbestos.

Warships were especially packed with asbestos. Almost every compartment or component of a fighting ship had asbestos insulation or parts built with the mineral to prevent fires from spreading. In addition, sailors assigned as firefighters wore protective gear such as fire proximity suits made from asbestos fibers.

Although the Navy’s intentions may have been geared toward safety, the long-term effects of extensive use of asbestos in its ships proved to be negative.

VA Benefits for Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

That veterans are at such a high risk of mesothelioma is a tragedy. Victims of this terrible disease and their families can access resources and benefits through the VA.

¿El mesotelioma es una discapacidad del VA?

Yes, the VA considers mesothelioma to be a disabling illness. Many people with mesothelioma are very sick and unable to work or do other activities. They are facing a terminal illness that affects every aspect of their lives. Veterans who qualify can receive monthly compensation for mesothelioma as a disability.

What Is the VA Rating for Mesothelioma?

The VA rates disabilities to determine how much compensation a veteran is entitled to receive. Mesothelioma is rated 100% disabling, allowing veterans with this diagnosis to get full benefits.

Lung cancer caused by asbestos also has a rating of 100%. Other asbestos illnesses can be rated anywhere from 10% to 100%, depending on individual factors.

Other Types of VA Compensation for Mesothelioma

Monthly disability compensation is just one benefit veterans with mesothelioma might qualify for. Other types include:

• Compensación Mensual Especial. This type of compensation is available to veterans in special circumstances, often those who need assistance in the home.
• Compensación por Dependencia e Indemnización. Surviving spouses and dependent children of veterans who died from mesothelioma may qualify for this type of monthly compensation.
• Burial Benefits. Survivors can also qualify for a one-time benefit to help pay funeral and burial costs.

Am I Eligible for VA Mesothelioma Benefits?

The VA determines who qualifies for benefits. To find out if you are eligible, you must file a claim with the VA. In general, you must be able to show two things to get benefits:

• That you have a medical condition caused by asbestos exposure
• That you encountered asbestos during your military service

The best way to make a successful VA benefits claim is to rely on the guidance of a Veterans Service Organization representative or abogado de amianto. They can ensure you have all the paperwork and evidence necessary to get your benefits.

Where Can Veterans Get Specialty Treatment for Mesothelioma?

Another important benefit the VA offers veterans is healthcare. Qualifying veterans can get free medical care at VA hospitals and medical centers nationwide.

Some of the VA facilities that treat mesothelioma, have mesothelioma specialists on staff, or have access to world-class cancer treatment centers include:

• Centro Médico de Asuntos de Veteranos Michael E. DeBakey, Houston, TX
• Sistema de Salud VA Boston, Boston, MA
• Sistema de Salud del Gran Los Ángeles (VA), Los Ángeles, CA
• Sistema de Salud de Asuntos de Veteranos de Miami, Miami, FL

Obtener ayuda

When a hardworking father and Navy veteran—let’s call him Mr. R.—was diagnosed with mesothelioma at just 62, his family’s world was turned upside down. Mr. R. had spent his life providing for his wife and three children, working tirelessly in industrial jobs and serving his country. What he didn’t know was that years of exposure to asbestos would one day come back as a devastating illness.

The diagnosis was a heavy blow. His wife, Mrs. R., was heartbroken and overwhelmed. How would they cover the rising medical costs while supporting their youngest child in college? Treatments, pain, and uncertainty consumed their once-stable lives, leaving them feeling helpless.

But Mrs. R. wasn’t ready to give up. In her search for help, she reached out to a trusted mesothelioma abogado through the Centro de abogados especializados en mesotelioma. That decision was the turning point for their family.

The attorney carefully listened to their story and immediately began investigating Mr. R.’s work history and asbestos exposure. With compassion and expertise, they uncovered crucial details about his exposure during his Navy service and industrial work, and filed a claim against the companies responsible.

After months of determined effort, the attorney secured a substantial asentamiento for the family. The funds provided immediate relief—covering cutting-edge treatments that gave Mr. R. more precious time with his loved ones. The financial burden of medical bills was lifted, allowing Mrs. R. to focus on caring for her husband. And their youngest child was able to graduate college without the crushing weight of financial worry.

For Mr. R., the settlement wasn’t just about money—it was about justice. It brought him peace of mind knowing his family’s future was secure, and that the companies responsible for his suffering were held accountable. The settlement gave his family the resources to navigate their journey with dignity and hope.

This family’s story is a powerful reminder of resilience, love, and the difference that taking action can make. Their lives were forever changed, all because Mrs. R. made one phone call.

If you or someone you love has been affected by mesothelioma, take the first step toward justice today. Call us now, and let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Your family’s future is too important to wait.

If you’ve been injured by asbestos, keep in mind that there is a good chance that you’ll qualify for considerable compensation. Don’t forget to fill out our form to get our free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information on our top rated experienced asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys in your area. Si tiene preguntas o necesita ayuda adicional, contáctenos en 800-793-4540. 

Veteranos: obtengan la justicia y la compensación que merecen por las enfermedades relacionadas con el asbesto

Como veterano, usted ha servido a nuestro país con honor, pero muchos militares estuvieron expuestos al asbesto sin saberlo durante su servicio militar. Si usted o un ser querido ha sido diagnosticado con mesotelioma, cáncer de pulmón relacionado con el asbesto o asbestosis, podría tener derecho a una compensación significativa para ayudar a cubrir los gastos médicos y asegurar el futuro de su familia.

📄 ¡Obtenga su paquete de compensación financiera gratis!
Complete nuestro formulario hoy para recibir un guía completa tailored for veterans, including information on trusted asbestos and abogados especializados en mesotelioma who specialize in representing those who served in the armed forces.

💡 ¿Por qué los veteranos nos eligen?

• Experiencia en el manejo de reclamos relacionados con el asbesto para veteranos.
• Conocimiento de los beneficios de VA y opciones de compensación adicionales.
• Asistencia jurídica compasiva, experimentada y adaptada a sus necesidades específicas.

📞 ¡Contáctenos para asistencia personalizada!
Llámanos al 800-793-4540 to speak with our dedicated team. We understand the challenges veterans face and are here to fight for the justice you deserve.

Has luchado por tu país; ahora déjanos luchar por ti. No esperes más. Contáctanos hoy mismo para saber cómo podemos ayudarte a obtener el apoyo financiero que te corresponde.