Mesothelioma VA Claims: How to Apply & Get Help

Eligibility Criteria for Mesothelioma VA Benefits

To receive benefits based on asbestos exposure, veterans must meet specific criteria.

Unlike VA pensions, which are income-dependent, VA disability benefits and disability compensation are not influenced by age or household income.

If the VA determines your mesothelioma diagnosis is service-connected, you are eligible for 100% disability compensation regardless of your income level.

Veterans with Mesothelioma: Eligibility for VA Benefits

Veterans seeking mesothelioma veterans benefits typically need to meet the following conditions:

• Exposure History: You must provide a written asbestos exposure summary and other evidence showing that at least 50% of your lifetime asbestos exposure occurred during your military service.
• Medical Diagnosis: A confirmed diagnosis of an asbestos-related illness, supported by medical records from a hospital or qualified doctor.
• Veteran Status: Proof of honorable discharge from any branch of the U.S. military or as a commissioned officer of the Public Health Service or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (formerly the Environmental Science Services Administration).

If you file a traditional VA claim, the VA is responsible for collecting the necessary paperwork.

However, this process can take around eight months.

To expedite the decision, veterans can submit all required documentation upfront as part of a fully developed claim, which typically takes about four months to process.

Recognized Asbestos-Related Conditions

The VA provides benefits for any disease linked to military asbestos exposure.

While mesothelioma is rated as 100% disabling, other asbestos-related conditions, such as asbestosis, may be rated between 10% and 100% based on severity.

For diseases such as lung cancer or gastrointestinal cancers, veterans must present medical documentation that establishes asbestos exposure as a likely primary cause over other factors like smoking or hereditary conditions.

The following list includes asbestos-related diseases recognized by the VA:

• Asbestosis
• Bronchus cancer
• Gastrointestinal tract cancer
• Interstitial pulmonary fibrosis
• Larynx cancer
• Lung cancer
• Mesothelioma (pleural and peritoneal)
• Pharynx cancer
• Pleural effusion
• Pleural plaques
• Urogenital cancers (excluding prostate)

The VA acknowledges that these conditions can affect veterans from all branches of service and across different periods of military service.

However, the disability claims process may vary depending on the specific condition and supporting evidence required.

Filing Process for Mesothelioma VA Claims

Filing a VA mesothelioma claim involves gathering evidence, completing forms, and submitting documentation to establish eligibility for benefits.

Veterans can streamline the process by understanding the steps involved and seeking assistance from accredited claims agents or attorneys.

A well-prepared claim increases the likelihood of approval and minimizes delays.

Step-by-Step Guide for Veterans

Filing a mesothelioma VA claim can be time-consuming, but a well-prepared submission increases the chances of approval.

Here are the six (6) steps to file a mesothelioma VA claim:

1. Gather Evidence:

• Compile military service records to document asbestos exposure history.
• Obtain a detailed medical diagnosis confirming mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness.
• Write a summary of your exposure, specifying how and when it occurred during your service.

2. Complete Required Forms:

• File VA Form 21-526EZ for disability compensation benefits.
• Include supporting evidence, such as service records and medical reports, to strengthen your claim.

3. Choose the Claim Type:

• Opt for a traditional claim if you prefer the VA to gather documents on your behalf.
• File a fully developed claim (FDC) by submitting all required evidence upfront to expedite processing.

4. Submit Your Claim:

• File your claim online through the VA’s online portal, by mail, or in person at a VA Regional Office.
• Ensure all documentation is included to avoid delays.

5. Work with an Accredited Representative:

• Seek assistance from a VA-accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO).
• An experienced representative can guide you through the process and address any challenges.

6. Follow Up on Your Claim:

• Monitor the progress of your claim using the VA’s online tools or by contacting your regional office.
• Respond promptly to any VA requests for additional information.

Veterans and their families should act quickly to access the benefits they deserve.

If you or someone you love is a veteran diagnosed with mesothelioma, TruLaw can assist you in understanding the filing process and ensuring your claim is complete.

Contact us using the chat on this page to determine your eligibility to file for mesothelioma VA benefits today.

Types of Mesothelioma VA Compensation Available

Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma may qualify for a range of VA compensation options to help cover medical expenses, lost income, and other costs associated with their illness.

These benefits extend to veterans and their families, providing critical support for those affected by asbestos-related diseases.

Each type of compensation has specific eligibility requirements and benefits, making it important for veterans to understand their options.

VA Disability Compensation for Mesothelioma

VA disability compensation is a tax-free monetary benefit for veterans whose mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure during military service.

The following highlights key aspects of this benefit:

• Veterans diagnosed with service-connected mesothelioma are typically rated at 100% disability.
• Monthly payments vary based on the veteran’s dependents and specific needs.
• Veterans must provide evidence of asbestos exposure during service and a confirmed mesothelioma diagnosis.

Disability compensation ensures financial support for veterans, helping them manage treatment and other costs related to their illness.

VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is available to surviving spouses, children, and parents of veterans who passed away from service-connected mesothelioma.

Key features of DIC include:

• Provides monthly tax-free payments to eligible dependents.
• Requires proof that the veteran’s death was directly caused or contributed to by mesothelioma.
• Parents of veterans may qualify for an income-based variant of DIC.

DIC ensures families receive financial support even after the loss of their loved one, honoring the veteran’s service and sacrifice.

VA Aid and Attendance Benefits for Veterans

Aid and Attendance benefits provide additional financial assistance to veterans requiring help with daily activities due to mesothelioma or other health conditions.

This benefit includes:

• Offered as an enhancement to VA disability compensation or pensions.
• Designed for veterans who need assistance with bathing, dressing, eating, or mobility.
• Requires documentation of the veteran’s need for ongoing personal care.

These benefits can offset costs for in-home care or assisted living services, ensuring veterans receive the care they need.

Access to VA Health Care Services

Veterans with service-connected mesothelioma are eligible for specialized treatment through VA medical centers and other VA health care facilities.

Available services include:

• Access to top-tier medical centers, including those with mesothelioma experts.
• Coverage includes surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and palliative care.
• Veterans may also receive travel reimbursement for accessing care at VA facilities.

VA health care ensures that veterans receive advanced treatment options at no or minimal cost.

Additional VA Programs and Benefits

In addition to direct compensation, the VA offers several programs to support veterans with mesothelioma.

These additional VA programs and benefits often include:

• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Services: Assistance for veterans transitioning to new roles if they can still work despite their condition.
• Housing Adaptation Grants: Financial aid to modify homes for improved accessibility and comfort.
• Caregiver Support Programs: Resources and stipends for family members providing care to veterans.
• Burial and Memorial Benefits: Funding for funeral expenses and recognition of the veteran’s service.
• VA Pension: Financial assistance provided to veterans, including eligibility criteria, income limits, and additional benefits like Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits. These pensions are calculated based on factors such as disability ratings, net worth, and wartime service requirements.

These programs enhance the support available to veterans and their families, addressing various needs beyond medical care and compensation.

Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma or their family members may be eligible for multiple types of compensation and benefits.

Contact TruLaw today using the chat on this page for an instant evaluation to determine which benefits you qualify for and how to apply.

TruLaw: Your Mesothelioma VA Claims Law Firm

Veterans Affairs mesothelioma claims are being filed by veterans across the country who were exposed to asbestos during their military service and later diagnosed with mesothelioma.

These claims can provide access to various benefits through the VA, including financial compensation, healthcare, and exclusive programs like CHAMPVA for family members.

TruLaw is currently accepting clients who are having trouble getting their mesothelioma VA claims approved.

A few reasons to choose TruLaw for your mesothelioma VA claim include:

• If We Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay: The asbestos lawyers at TruLaw and our partner firms operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win.
• Expertise: We have years of experience handling toxic tort cases similar to mesothelioma VA claims, which helps us anticipate what we can expect to see in your case and the regulations we will be required to meet.
• Successful Track Record: TruLaw and our partner law firms have helped our clients recover billions of dollars in compensation through verdicts and negotiated settlements.

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos during military service, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can determine if you qualify for a mesothelioma VA claim today.