The Scope of Veteran Exposure
Veterans comprise over 30% of all mesothelioma diagnoses in the United States, a disproportionate burden reflecting decades of military asbestos use. Of the approximately 3,000 Americans diagnosed annually, roughly 1,000 are veterans, primarily those who served between 1940 and 1980.
Why Military Service Created Elevated Risk
The U.S. military used asbestos extensively across all branches due to its fire resistance, durability, and insulating properties. Service members encountered asbestos in:
- Shipboard environments (boiler rooms, engine rooms, piping insulation)
- Aircraft components (brake pads, gaskets, insulation)
- Military vehicles (tanks, trucks, transport vehicles)
- Barracks and base buildings (flooring, roofing, pipe insulation)
- Personal protective equipment (fire-resistant gear)
Navy Veterans at Highest Risk
The Navy has the highest mesothelioma rates among military branches. Ships built before 1980 contained asbestos throughout:
- Boiler rooms
- Engine rooms
- Mess halls
- Sleeping quarters
- Navigation rooms
The enclosed nature of shipboard environments meant asbestos fibers, once disturbed, had nowhere to dissipate. Service members inhaled concentrated doses during routine maintenance, repairs, and even daily activities.
At-risk Navy occupations include:
- Boiler technicians
- Machinist’s mates
- Hull maintenance technicians
- Pipefitters
- Electrician’s mates
- Damage controlmen
Other Branches
While the Navy accounts for the largest share of veteran mesothelioma cases, other branches also saw significant exposure:
Army: Barracks construction, vehicle maintenance, and base infrastructure Air Force: Aircraft maintenance, hangars, and brake system repairs Marines: Exposure parallel to Navy service, particularly for those stationed aboard ships Coast Guard: Similar shipboard exposure patterns to Navy
The Long Latency Challenge
Mesothelioma’s average latency period of 38 years means veterans exposed during the Vietnam era are now entering peak diagnosis years. A sailor who served in 1970 may only now be developing symptoms.
This latency period presents challenges:
- Connecting current illness to decades-old service
- Documenting exposure from archived military records
- Recognizing symptoms that mimic other conditions
Mesothelioma typically qualifies for 100% VA disability rating. Veterans must demonstrate current diagnosis, military service during asbestos use period, and evidence of in-service exposure. Surviving spouses may qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation. Call VA Benefits Hotline: 1-800-827-1000.
VA Benefits for Mesothelioma
Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma may qualify for VA disability compensation and healthcare benefits. The VA recognizes mesothelioma as potentially connected to military service.
Disability Compensation
Mesothelioma typically qualifies for 100% disability rating due to its severity. Veterans must demonstrate:
- Current mesothelioma diagnosis
- Military service during a period of asbestos use
- Evidence of in-service asbestos exposure
VA Healthcare
Eligible veterans can receive treatment at VA medical centers and community care providers. Some VA facilities have oncology departments experienced in mesothelioma treatment.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Surviving spouses and dependents of veterans who died from service-connected mesothelioma may qualify for monthly DIC payments.
Documenting Military Asbestos Exposure
Establishing service connection requires documentation. Veterans should gather:
- Military service records (DD-214)
- Medical records during and after service
- Personnel records showing duty stations and assignments
- Buddy statements from fellow service members
- Ship/base records documenting asbestos presence
The National Personnel Records Center maintains military records, though some may have been lost in a 1973 fire that destroyed millions of Army and Air Force records.
Current Status
Despite the ban on new asbestos installation in military applications, mesothelioma cases among veterans will continue for decades due to the disease’s long latency. Veterans who served through the 1980s remain at risk, and those with symptoms should inform healthcare providers of their military service history.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has established processes for mesothelioma claims, recognizing the connection between military service and this aggressive cancer. Veterans and their families should explore both VA benefits and other compensation options available to them.
Resources
- VA Benefits Hotline: 1-800-827-1000
- National Personnel Records Center: www.archives.gov/veterans
- VA Healthcare Enrollment: www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply
Why are veterans at such high risk?▼
The military used asbestos extensively in ships, aircraft, vehicles, barracks, and protective equipment due to its fire resistance and durability. The enclosed nature of shipboard environments concentrated fibers. Navy veterans have the highest rates among all branches.
Which military branches had highest exposure?▼
Navy has highest rates—ships built before 1980 contained asbestos throughout. Marines stationed aboard ships had similar exposure. Army faced exposure in barracks and vehicles. Air Force in aircraft maintenance. Coast Guard similar to Navy patterns.
What VA benefits are available?▼
Mesothelioma typically qualifies for 100% disability rating. Veterans can receive treatment at VA medical centers. Surviving spouses may qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) monthly payments. Call VA Benefits Hotline: 1-800-827-1000.
How do I document military asbestos exposure?▼
Gather DD-214, medical records during/after service, personnel records showing duty stations, buddy statements from fellow service members, and ship/base records documenting asbestos presence. National Personnel Records Center maintains military records.