Veterans and Mesothelioma
Veterans comprise approximately one-third of all mesothelioma cases in the United States. The military used asbestos extensively in ships, aircraft, vehicles, and buildings through the 1980s, exposing millions of service members.
Unlike civil lawsuits, there is no statute of limitations for VA disability claims—veterans can file at any time after diagnosis, even decades after military service ended.
VA Disability Compensation
The VA assigns mesothelioma a 100% disability rating in virtually all cases, recognizing it as a severe, service-connected condition.
2025 Compensation Rates
| Status | Monthly Rate | Annual Total |
|---|---|---|
| Single veteran | $3,831–$3,938 | $45,972–$47,256 |
| Veteran with spouse | $4,044–$4,158 | $48,528–$49,896 |
| Veteran with spouse + child | $4,192–$4,311 | $50,304–$51,732 |
Key benefits:
- Compensation is tax-free
- Paid monthly via direct deposit
- Retroactive to date of claim filing
- Does not affect eligibility for other compensation (lawsuits, trust funds)
Special Monthly Compensation
Veterans with mesothelioma may qualify for additional Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) based on:
- Need for aid and attendance
- Being housebound
- Loss of use of specific body parts
SMC can significantly increase monthly payments beyond the base 100% rate.
VA Healthcare Benefits
Priority Group 1
Veterans with service-connected mesothelioma receive Priority Group 1 status, the highest priority for VA healthcare. This provides:
- No-cost medical treatment for mesothelioma and related conditions
- Priority scheduling for appointments
- Access to VA cancer specialists
- Coverage for surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy
- Prescription drug coverage
- Hospice and palliative care
VA Cancer Treatment Centers
The VA operates specialized cancer treatment programs at:
- VA Boston Healthcare System
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System
- Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (Houston)
- James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital (Tampa)
Veterans can also receive care at non-VA facilities through the Community Care program if VA facilities cannot provide timely or geographically accessible treatment.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
If a veteran dies from mesothelioma, surviving family members may receive DIC benefits.
2025 DIC Rates
| Recipient | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| Surviving spouse | $1,653 |
| Each dependent child | Additional amount |
| Spouse needing aid/attendance | Additional $387 |
Eligibility requirements:
- Veteran died from service-connected condition (mesothelioma)
- OR veteran was receiving 100% disability for 10+ years before death
- OR veteran was rated totally disabled for 5+ years from discharge to death
Surviving spouses remain eligible for DIC as long as they do not remarry before age 57.
VA Pension Benefits
Veterans who did not serve during wartime or cannot establish service connection may still qualify for VA pension benefits based on financial need.
2025 Pension Rates
| Category | Annual Maximum |
|---|---|
| Veteran alone | $16,965 |
| Veteran with spouse | $22,218 |
| Veteran needing aid/attendance | $28,443 |
| Veteran housebound | $20,731 |
Pension benefits are needs-based and consider income and assets.
Establishing Service Connection
To receive VA disability benefits, veterans must establish that their mesothelioma is connected to military service. This requires:
Evidence Needed
- Current diagnosis of mesothelioma
- In-service exposure to asbestos (documented or presumed)
- Medical nexus linking exposure to diagnosis
Presumed Exposure
The VA recognizes that certain military roles involved asbestos exposure. Service in these roles supports a claim:
Navy/Coast Guard:
- Shipyard work
- Boiler/engine room duty
- Damage control
- Pipe fitting
- Insulation work
All branches:
- Construction/demolition
- Vehicle/aircraft maintenance
- Building maintenance
- Brake repair
Documentation Tips
- Obtain military service records (DD-214, personnel records)
- Request deck logs, ship histories, or unit records
- Gather buddy statements from fellow service members
- Obtain medical opinion linking exposure to mesothelioma
Filing a VA Claim
Step-by-Step Process
-
Gather documentation
- Medical records showing mesothelioma diagnosis
- Military service records
- Evidence of asbestos exposure
-
File your claim
- Online at va.gov
- By mail using VA Form 21-526EZ
- In person at a VA regional office
- Through a Veterans Service Organization (VSO)
-
Attend C&P exam
- VA will schedule a Compensation & Pension examination
- Brings medical records and exposure documentation
-
Receive decision
- Average processing time: 81–146 days
- Mesothelioma claims often expedited due to severity
Expedited Processing
The VA may expedite claims for:
- Terminally ill veterans
- Veterans over age 85
- Veterans experiencing financial hardship
- Medal of Honor recipients
Request expedited processing by contacting your regional VA office or submitting a hardship letter.
Appeals Process
If your claim is denied or you disagree with the rating:
Options After Denial
- Supplemental Claim: Submit new evidence
- Higher-Level Review: Request senior reviewer examine the claim
- Board Appeal: Appeal to Board of Veterans’ Appeals
Effective Date
If you win an appeal, benefits may be retroactive to your original claim date, potentially providing significant back pay.
Aid & Attendance Benefits
Veterans or surviving spouses needing help with daily activities may qualify for Aid & Attendance, which provides additional monthly compensation.
Qualifying Conditions
- Need help with daily activities (bathing, dressing, eating)
- Bedridden
- Nursing home resident
- Limited eyesight
How to Apply
File VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance) along with medical evidence documenting care needs.
Combining VA Benefits with Other Compensation
VA benefits do not prevent veterans from pursuing other compensation:
| Compensation Source | Effect on VA Benefits |
|---|---|
| Mesothelioma lawsuit | No effect |
| Asbestos trust funds | No effect |
| Social Security Disability | No effect |
| Workers’ compensation | May offset VA pension (not disability) |
Many veterans receive VA disability compensation while also pursuing lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers and filing trust fund claims. These compensation sources are independent of each other.
Getting Help with Your Claim
Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs)
Free claim assistance is available from accredited VSOs:
- American Legion
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
- Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
- Vietnam Veterans of America
- Paralyzed Veterans of America
VSOs can help gather evidence, complete forms, and represent you in appeals.
VA Accredited Attorneys
For complex claims or appeals, VA-accredited attorneys can provide representation. Attorneys cannot charge fees until after an initial claim decision.
Key Contacts
- VA Benefits Hotline: 1-800-827-1000
- Health Care Enrollment: 1-877-222-8387
- eBenefits: ebenefits.va.gov
- VA.gov: va.gov
What to Do After Diagnosis
- File your VA claim immediately: Benefits are retroactive to filing date
- Request expedited processing: Cite terminal illness
- Enroll in VA healthcare: Access Priority Group 1 benefits
- Contact a VSO: Get free help with your claim
- Document your exposure history: Ships, bases, duties, time periods
- Explore other compensation: Lawsuits and trust funds don’t affect VA benefits
How do I establish service connection for mesothelioma?▼
You need three things: current mesothelioma diagnosis, evidence of in-service asbestos exposure (documented or presumed based on MOS), and medical nexus linking exposure to diagnosis. The VA recognizes certain roles involved asbestos exposure.
What if my VA claim is denied?▼
You have three options: file a Supplemental Claim with new evidence, request Higher-Level Review by a senior reviewer, or appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. If you win an appeal, benefits may be retroactive to your original claim date.
Can I get expedited processing?▼
Yes. The VA may expedite claims for terminally ill veterans, veterans over 85, veterans experiencing financial hardship, and Medal of Honor recipients. Request expedited processing by contacting your regional VA office.
What is Aid & Attendance?▼
Additional monthly compensation for veterans needing help with daily activities, who are bedridden, or are nursing home residents. File VA Form 21-2680 along with medical evidence documenting care needs.
References
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2025). VA Disability Compensation Rates 2025.
https://www.va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2024). Priority Groups for VA Healthcare.
https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/priority-groups/
VA Benefits Administration. (2020). Asbestos-Related Claims Guidance.
https://www.benefits.va.gov/WARMS/docs/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_307.doc