Why Veterans Are At Higher Risk
The U.S. military used asbestos extensively from the 1930s through the 1980s. Asbestos was valued for its heat resistance and durability, making it ideal for ships, aircraft, vehicles, and buildings.
Veterans who served during this period—especially those in the Navy—faced daily exposure to asbestos fibers. Unlike civilian workers, service members had no choice about their working conditions and were often unaware of the dangers.
Key Facts About Veterans & Mesothelioma
- Navy veterans have the highest mesothelioma rates of any occupational group
- Asbestos was used in over 300 Navy ship components
- Latency period: 20-50 years between exposure and diagnosis
- Veterans diagnosed today often served in the 1960s-1980s
Asbestos Exposure by Military Branch
While all military branches used asbestos, exposure levels varied by branch and occupation:
Navy
Highest RiskShips built before 1980 contained extensive asbestos in insulation, boiler rooms, engine rooms, and sleeping quarters.
- Shipyard workers
- Boiler technicians
- Electricians
- Hull technicians
- Machinists
Marines
Very High RiskMarines served aboard Navy ships and were stationed at bases with asbestos-containing buildings.
- Vehicle mechanics
- Aircraft maintenance
- Construction battalions
- Base maintenance
Army
High RiskArmy bases, barracks, and vehicles contained asbestos. Combat engineers faced additional exposure.
- Vehicle mechanics
- Construction engineers
- HVAC technicians
- Building maintenance
Air Force
High RiskAircraft components, hangars, and base buildings contained asbestos materials.
- Aircraft mechanics
- Sheet metal workers
- HVAC specialists
- Firefighters
Coast Guard
High RiskSimilar to Navy exposure on ships, plus base facilities with asbestos construction.
- Ship maintenance
- Electricians
- Machinery technicians
- Damage controlmen
VA Benefits for Mesothelioma
Veterans with service-connected mesothelioma are entitled to significant VA benefits. Most receive a 100% disability rating, which provides the maximum monthly compensation.
2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates
| Disability Rating | Monthly Payment (No Dependents) |
|---|---|
| 100% (Most mesothelioma cases) | $3,737.85 |
| 70% | $1,716.28 |
| 50% | $1,075.16 |
| 30% | $524.31 |
Veterans with dependents receive additional compensation. Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) may add up to $4,993/month for aid and attendance needs.
All Compensation Options for Veterans
Veterans with mesothelioma can pursue multiple compensation sources. These are independent and do not reduce each other:
VA Disability Compensation
$3,737+/month
Monthly tax-free payments for service-connected mesothelioma. Most veterans receive 100% disability rating.
Learn More →VA Health Care
Free treatment
Free medical treatment at VA facilities. Priority access for service-connected conditions.
Special Monthly Compensation
Up to $4,993/month
Additional benefits for veterans who need aid and attendance or are housebound.
Dependency & Indemnity (DIC)
$1,612+/month
Benefits for surviving spouses and dependents if the veteran passes away.
Legal Claims
$1M - $2.4M average
Lawsuits and trust fund claims against asbestos companies. Separate from VA benefits.
Learn More →Example: Total Veteran Compensation
A Navy veteran diagnosed with mesothelioma might receive:
- VA Disability: $3,737/month ($44,844/year)
- Lawsuit Settlement: $1.5 million (one-time)
- Trust Fund Claims: $200,000 from multiple trusts
- VA Health Care: Free ongoing treatment
Potential total: $1.7M+ plus monthly VA benefits for life
Filing VA Disability Claims
To receive VA disability benefits for mesothelioma, you must establish that your cancer is "service-connected"—meaning it resulted from asbestos exposure during military service.
What You'll Need
- Medical diagnosis — Pathology report confirming mesothelioma
- Service records — DD-214, personnel records showing assignments
- Nexus statement — Doctor's opinion linking diagnosis to service
- Exposure evidence — Documentation of asbestos exposure during service
Proving Service Connection
The VA recognizes that many military occupations involved asbestos exposure. For Navy veterans who worked below deck on ships, exposure is often presumed. Other veterans may need to document specific exposure through:
- Duty station records showing assignments to areas with known asbestos
- Buddy statements from fellow service members
- Historical records about asbestos use in specific ships, bases, or equipment
Get Help With Your Claim
VA claims can be complex. Consider working with a VA-accredited attorney or claims agent who specializes in asbestos cases. Many offer free consultations and don't charge unless you win benefits.
Additional Legal Options
VA benefits are just one source of compensation. Veterans can also pursue legal claims against the asbestos manufacturers who supplied the military—these companies knew asbestos was dangerous but continued selling products.
Legal Claims Do NOT Affect VA Benefits
A common misconception is that filing a lawsuit will reduce VA benefits. This is false. VA disability compensation and legal claims are completely independent. You can receive both without any reduction.
Types of Legal Claims
- Personal injury lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers
- Trust fund claims against bankrupt asbestos companies
- Wrongful death claims filed by family members
An experienced mesothelioma attorney can identify which companies supplied asbestos products to your military assignments and pursue maximum compensation.
Find Mesothelioma Lawyers Who Help Veterans
Connect with attorneys experienced in both VA claims and asbestos litigation.
Find Lawyers by StateThis information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Every case is different. Consult with a qualified attorney to understand your specific legal options.