Benefits and health care from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may be available to U.S. service veterans who have mesothelioma. These benefits and health care might also apply for those with other asbestos-related diseases. If qualified for 100% disability, married veterans with asbestos-related cancer can receive monthly compensation for healthcare.
If you have asbestos-related cancer as a veteran, and you’ve been wondering how to get compensation and care, this article is for you. In this piece, we’ll guide you on what you need to know about getting the money and care you deserve. You’ll learn about the role of mesothelioma lawyers and a lot more. Let’s get started.
Mesothelioma Veterans Benefits
Veterans of the United States diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness such as mesothelioma could be qualified to get benefits. These include medical and financial benefits that will be much appreciated by veterans following a diagnosis. Typical benefits for asbestos-related cancer veterans include:
- Healthcare insurance
- Disability compensation
- Mesothelioma treatments available at VA facilities
If veterans with this disease are eligible for these benefits provided:
- They were not dishonorably discharged
- They were exposed to asbestos during military service, and subsequently became ill
Mesothelioma Benefit Types
VA support enable veterans with asbestos-related cancer cover several kinds of treatment. You might be able, for instance, to get low-cost medical treatment or payback for missed income. The VA will carefully review your application to ascertain your eligibility for any of these assistances.
Disability
Veteran tax-free monthly compensation known as disability compensation offer guaranteed income supplements. Based on the severity of their illness and predicted course of development, the VA will decide the eligibility status. They’ll also determine how much should be paid as compensation.
Should they be eligible for 100% disability, married veterans with mesothelioma can get $4,044.91 per month (or more). As of November 2024, the military benefits agency decides on a disability claim on an average of 140 days. Therefore, immediate applications registration is vital.
Burial and Funeral
Burial support can cover funeral expenses and assist loved ones of veterans arrange a memorial service in a military cemetery. You can read this article for a detailed checklist on funeral expenses. Families while preparing for the burial of a soldier can honor loved ones by applying for specific memorial objects including:
- Headstones
- Medals
- Markers
- Burial flags
- Engraved presidential memorial certificates.
Aid and Attendance (A&A)
A&A pays veterans who need in-home care for a permanent handicap each month. Tax-free payments covering in-home nurse care or other services to assist veterans with daily domestic activities come under A&A financial relief. Military retirees who have problems taking care of their homes and themselves may be eligible for this benefit.
It includes whether they are recovering from cancer treatments or managing asbestos-related cancer symptoms. If spouses of veterans with mesothelioma are willing to provide in-home care, they may also be qualified for A&A benefits. Consulting a mesothelioma lawyer will help you figure out all of these nuances.
Pensions
Pensions are tax-free monthly payments disabled military retirees could be qualified for depending on their income less what Congress sets. To be eligible for pension as of 2025, a veteran’s net worth has to be less than $159,240.
Low-income military retirees with asbestos-related cancer may find great benefit from pensions. One can assist pay for health care with this monthly payment. Moreover, should a mesothelioma veteran die, their loved ones could be qualified to get a survivors’ pension.
Housebound
Tax-free housebound benefits may be available to military retirees who spend most of their time at home because of a sickness or handicap. Former service members with asbestos-related cancer or recovering from cancer treatments like surgery would not have the energy to leave their homes. As such, they might be eligible for this benefit. Bear in mind that one can’t be eligible for housebound and A&A support at the same time.
VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC)
Dependent offspring of military retirees who passed away from a sickness like asbestos-related cancer are given VA DIC. You can visit https://www.cancer.org/ to learn more about types of cancers caused by asbestos. Surviving spouses are also compensated. Should the veteran die on or after January 1, 1993, spouses are entitled to $1,653.07 monthly.
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
This is paid in addition to the normal disability compensation for those who have lost organs or the use of particular extremities. A VA-accredited claims representative can assist in determining if a mesothelioma veteran could be eligible for SMC. Don’t try to undertake the filing without a reliable representative.
Healthcare Eligibility Requirements
To be qualified for health care benefits, former service members have particular criteria to fulfil. For instance, the veteran had to have served for at least 24 months, the whole duration they were called upon. This is true of veterans who entered active duty following October 16, 1981, or September 7, 1980. A waive on these requirements occurs if:
- The veteran got an early out
- Was dismissed early because of a family hardship
- Had a disability caused or exacerbated by active duty
Applying for Veteran Benefits for Mesothelioma
Former service members may seek mesothelioma compensation through the following means:
- Online on the VA website
- In-person at a VA office
- By mail
- Assisted by an accredited VA claims agent or attorney.
Moreover, there is no legislation of limitations—that is, time limit—to submit a mesothelioma veteran compensation claim. This is significant as following asbestos exposure, asbestos-related cancer might take 10 to 50 years to develop. Most claims, then, are made long after service.
Establishing Your VA Claim for Mesothelioma
Veterans claiming VA support connected to asbestos have specific requirements to be eligible. Former service members seeking mesothelioma VA compensation require:
- Medical records demonstrating their diagnosis with mesothelioma or similar asbestos-related condition.
- Notes from their doctor connecting their illness to asbestos exposure.
- Occupational or military service records illustrating their exposure; when, where, and how
The claim might be denied or refuted without these.
Role of VA Agent in Filing for Mesothelioma Benefits
Claiming VA benefits connected to asbestos can be difficult. If done incorrectly, former service members could be deprived of benefits or compensation they are due. Mesothelioma lawyers can assist former service members in compiling the appropriate documentation required. They can also link them with seasoned service officers who can assist the claim process.
Conclusion
Veterans who contacted mesothelioma during active service don’t have to suffer alone or in silence. There are many benefits they can get from the VA. All that’s required is to file the claim correctly with the help of a reliable claims’ agent or attorney.
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