Mesothelioma and the Army Compensation Program

Mesothelioma is a painful disease that is often affecting veterans who served in the United States Army. They may be eligible for compensation through asbestos trust funds or lawsuits.

Veterans of the Army were exposed to asbestos in barracks, vehicles, and aircraft. They may be exposed to asbestos while working in Navy shipyards.

Signs and symptoms

There are a myriad of symptoms mesothelioma patients might be afflicted with. They vary based on the type and stage of mesothelioma. Patients must keep track of their symptoms and report any changes to their doctors.

The majority of mesothelioma symptoms are pain and fluid buildup, either in the chest or abdomen. Certain patients may also suffer from fatigue, coughing and loss of appetite. Some of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as symptoms of other illnesses. Therefore some veterans might not be able to recognize them initially. Some symptoms may develop later depending on the level of exposure to asbestos. Symptoms can appear more quickly when exposure to asbestos is high. Mesothelioma symptoms can change as the disease develops and spreads to other areas of the body, a process known as metastasis.

Asbestos is naturally occurring. It is extremely durable, resistant to heat and is used in a variety of construction materials and military vehicles. Inhalation of asbestos fibers is the most common treatment for mesothelioma. Inhaling or ingestion of asbestos particles can cause mesothelioma. Asbestos has been linked to lung cancer and other medical conditions.

Symptoms of mesothelioma can range from mild to extremely severe and affect the lungs, abdomen and heart, as well as joints. The majority of asbestos-related diseases can take between 10 and fifty years to develop.

Asbest was employed in many ways by veterans of the Army. They could have worked on military bases, in factories that produced asbestos-containing equipment as well as on Navy ships where asbestos was extensively used. Veterans who worked on Navy vessels in the areas of milling, piping, and shipyard work, as well as insulation, mesothelioma army compensation demolition and old buildings, carpentry and insulation are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

In the beginning, most pleural mesothelioma patients have chest pain and trouble breathing. Pleural effusions can occur, which is an accumulation of fluid within the pleura, which is the lining of the chest and lungs. Pleural effusions can limit the ability of the lungs to expand when breathing. Inflammation and pleural thickening are also common in mesothelioma patients.

As mesothelioma worsens, affected patients will notice that their symptoms get worse. Patients may suffer from fatigue, fever and a decrease in appetite. Some mesothelioma patients develop blood clots that can be dangerous for their health. Dysphagia is a disorder that can cause patients to experience difficulty swallowing.

Diagnosis

As asbestos is a cause of mesothelioma the diagnosis will most likely require a biopsy as well as certain tests. To avoid misdiagnosis, asbestos victims should have mesothelioma specialists perform the tests. Misdiagnoses can keep patients from receiving the appropriate treatment and could cause the disease more time to grow.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma they'll request an imaging test to look for any masses in the abdomen or chest. This may include a CT scan, an MRI or an X-ray. The next step is to collect a tissue or fluid sample to be examined under a microscope. A biopsy is the most conclusive method of confirming mesothelioma diagnosis.

When a doctor has a specimen to examine and determine if it is peritoneal or pleural mesothelioma, which can then help them decide on the best treatment for the patient. The biopsy can also assist doctors to determine the kind of mesothelioma cell, which can affect the patient's prognosis.

The most common mesothelioma type is epithelioid. It develops more slowly than other cancer cells, making it easier for doctors to treat. This type may also affect the lungs, but is less severe than pleural msothelioma.

A specialist will determine what the best treatment options are for the patient after the results of a biopsy have been received. The doctor will also decide the prognosis dependent on the type of mesothelioma and how fast it is growing.

Veterans with mesothelioma who have a military history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation. Contact a VA-accredited claims representative to determine if you qualify for benefits if you were exposed to asbestos during your time in the United States Armed Forces.

Treatment

The type of mesothelioma malign that a patient has and the stage it is determined by treatment options. Patients with pleural msothelioma may undergo surgery to alleviate breathlessness due to fluid accumulation in the chest cavity. The surgeon may use VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) or open surgery to remove part of lining the chest wall and the lungs. A tube can be placed into the chest to drain fluid around the lungs several times a week.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is treated similar to pleural mesothelioma but with less extensive surgery. The diaphragm, peritoneum, and other abdominal parts can be removed during surgery. mesothelioma army Compensation patients may undergo chemotherapy and radiation following surgery to kill cancer cells that remain.

Some people with mesothelioma do not meet the criteria for surgery, even if their doctors believe that they can be treated surgically. In these cases medical experts may recommend palliative treatment to ease symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia and pain.

After treatment, mesothelioma can be recurred. The cancer may recur in the same spot from which it began or spread to other parts of the body. If mesothelioma is recurred treatment, it can be more difficult.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral known for its strength and resistance to heat. It was used in a variety of Army construction projects, including insulation and vehicles. Asbestos fibers can be airborne if disturbed and can cause serious health complications when inhaled.

Veterans can qualify for financial aid to cover treatment if the VA recognizes mesothelioma as a condition that is related to service. A mesothelioma attorney can assist veterans to receive the disability benefits that they deserve.

Financial Assistance

The cost of mesothelioma compensation payouts treatment can be high. However those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma are able to receive financial aid. Veterans can receive compensation in the form of disability benefits or settlements from mesothelioma suit. Compensation from these sources can help veterans pay for their medical expenses as well as expenses for living expenses.

Asbestos lawyers assist veterans in getting the money they deserve for their exposure to asbestos or mesothelioma. A knowledgeable lawyer can assist veterans file a mesothelioma lawsuit with the Department of Veterans Affairs, or make a personal injury or wrongful death suit against companies that are accountable for their asbestos exposure.

In the majority of cases, mesothelioma sufferers and their families can receive compensation from the VA because mesothelioma has been identified as an illness that is connected to service. The type of asbestos exposure determines eligibility. For example, Navy veterans who worked in shipyards may have an increased risk of asbestos exposure than Army veterans.

If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, the veteran can apply for a monthly disability compensation payout through the VA. The amount of compensation will depend on the severity of disability caused by mesothelioma. Additionally, the VA provides compensation for funeral and burial costs for those who die due to mesothelioma.

Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases can also be eligible for compensation through asbestos trust funds as well as the manufacturers responsible for asbestos exposure. A mesothelioma suit can result in a substantial settlement for victims and their families.

Numerous non-profit organizations offer grants to patients with mesothelioma for travel, housing and other expenses related to their cancer treatments. Mesothelioma patients and survivors of their family members are eligible for these grants to help cover medical expenses and reduce financial stress.

The cost of mesothelioma treatment can be an economic burden for the patient and their family. Compensation from various sources could assist in paying for these expenses. Compensation from the VA mesothelioma fund, the VA and personal injury or wrongful-death lawsuit settlements with asbestos-related companies could be included. A lawyer can help mesothelioma patients and their family members pursue compensation to cover the medical expenses.