Mesothelioma and the Army Compensation Program

Mesothelioma is a painful illness that can affect veterans who served in the United States Army. They may be eligible for compensation from asbestos trust funds as well as lawsuits.

Asbestos was discovered in vehicles and barracks and also in aircraft. They also could have been exposed to asbestos while working in Navy shipyards.

Signs and symptoms

Mesothelioma patients suffer from a variety of symptoms. Patients should keep track of their symptoms and inform their physicians if they notice any changes.

The majority of mesothelioma-related symptoms involve pain and fluid buildup, either in the chest or abdomen. Some patients may also feel fatigued, coughing or loss of appetite. Some of these symptoms are similar to those that are associated with other diseases, so some veterans might not associate them with mesothelioma at first. Some symptoms may appear later, depending on the degree of asbestos exposure. The high levels of asbestos exposure often result in symptoms appearing quicker than exposure to low levels. As the disease progresses the symptoms of mesothelioma may change. This is known as metastasis.

Asbestos occurs naturally. It is extremely durable, resistant to heat and is utilized in a variety of construction materials and military vehicles. Inhalation of asbestos fibers is the primary method used to treat mesothelioma. Mesothelioma as well as peritoneal mesothelio the pleural mesothelioma result from inhaling or ingestion of asbestos particles that are microscopic. Asbestos exposure has been linked to a wide range of medical ailments, including lung cancer.

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

Asbest was used in many ways by veterans of the Army. They may have worked in factories that made asbestos-containing equipment or on Navy ships, where asbestos was extensively used. Veterans who worked in the piping, milling and shipyard work, insulation, demolition of older buildings and carpentry on Navy vessels are at a greater risk for [empty] developing mesothelioma.

The majority of patients with pleural mesothelioma compensation self-employed experience breathing problems and chest pain in the early stages. They may also have an pleural effusion. It is the accumulation of fluid in the pleura that connects the chest and lungs. Pleural effusions limit the lungs' ability to expand when breathing. Patients with mesothelioma typically experience inflammation and pleural thickness.

As the mesothelioma advances it will cause symptoms to become more severe. Patients may experience fatigue, fever or loss in appetite. Certain mesothelioma patients develop blood clots that could be harmful to their health. Patients can also experience a hard time swallowing, a problem that is known as dysphagia.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related tumor and a mesothelioma diagnosis is likely to require certain tests, and then an examination. Asbestos sufferers should seek out a mesothelioma specialist to conduct the tests to avoid an incorrect diagnosis. Misdiagnoses can keep patients from getting the right treatment and could cause the disease a longer time to progress.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they'll order an imaging test to detect any lumps in the chest or abdomen. It could be a CT scan or MRI. The next step is to collect a tissue or fluid sample for analysis under microscope. A biopsy is the only way to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis.

The doctor will then determine if the specimen is peritoneal mesothelioma or pleural and help them decide the best treatment for the patient. The biopsy also helps doctors determine the mesothelioma cell type, which can affect the prognosis.

The most prevalent type of mesothelioma is epithelioid. It grows more slowly than other cancerous cells, which makes it easier to treat. It can also occur in the lungs, however it is typically less serious than pleural mesothelioma.

A specialist will decide what the best treatment options are for the patient after the biopsy results have been obtained. The doctor will also determine a prognosis on the basis of the type of mesothelioma and the rate of growth.

Veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma who have had a background of asbestos exposure in the military, could be eligible for compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Contact a VA-accredited claim representative to determine if you are eligible for benefits if you were exposed to asbestos while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Treatment

The type of mesothelioma malignancy that a patient has and its stage determine treatment options. People with pleural mesothelioma often undergo surgery to relieve breathlessness caused by fluid build-up in the chest cavity. The surgeon can use VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) or open surgery in order to remove part of tissue that lines the chest wall and the lungs. A tube can be inserted into the chest to drain fluid from around the lungs several times each week.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma is treated similarly as pleural mesothelioma, however with less extensive procedure. The diaphragm and peritoneum as well as other abdominal organs can be removed during surgery. After surgery, patients who have mesothelioma can undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatments to eliminate any cancerous cells left.

Certain patients with mesothelioma are not suitable for surgery, even though doctors believe they can be treated surgically. In these instances doctors may suggest palliative treatment to alleviate symptoms like fatigue, pain, and sleeplessness.

Mesothelioma can recur following treatment. Cancer can return in the same location in which it first appeared or spread to another part of the body. In the event of a recurrence in mesothelioma, treatment may be more difficult.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally is renowned for its strength and resistance to heat. It was used in numerous Army-related construction projects, including insulation, as well as in vehicles. When asbestos fibers are disturbed, they can become airborne and inhaling them could lead to a number of serious health problems.

Veterans are eligible for financial aid to cover treatment when the VA recognizes that mesothelioma is an illness that is linked to service. A mesothelioma attorney can help veterans receive the disability benefits they are entitled to.

Financial Assistance

The cost of mesothelioma treatments can be costly. However veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma can receive financial assistance. Compensation programs for veterans include disability benefits as well as mesothelioma settlements for lawsuits. These compensation programs can help veterans pay their medical costs as well as the cost of living.

Asbestos lawyers can assist veterans receive the compensation they are due for their asbestos exposure and mesothelioma. An experienced lawyer can assist a veteran with filing a mesothelioma claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs or filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit against the companies responsible for their asbestos exposure.

The majority of mesothelioma patients as well as their survivors are eligible for compensation from the VA, as mesothelioma has been classified as a service-connected disease. The kind of exposure to asbestos determines the eligibility. Asbestos exposure is more likely to occur in Navy veterans Who is eligible for mesothelioma compensation have worked in shipyards as opposed to Army veterans.

If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, the veteran can apply for an annual disability compensation payment through the VA. The amount of compensation depends on the severity of disability caused by mesothelioma. Additionally, the VA will pay for funeral and burial costs for those who pass away from mesothelioma.

Patients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases, are also able to be eligible for compensation through asbestos trust funds and the manufacturers accountable for asbestos exposure. A mesothelioma lawsuit could result in a settlement that is substantial for the victims and their families.

Many different nonprofit organizations provide grants to mesothelioma patients for travel, housing and other expenses related to their cancer treatments. These grants are available to mesothelioma victims and their families. They can assist in paying for medical costs and reduce financial stress.

The cost of mesothelioma treatments can be a financial burden for both the patient and their family. Compensation from various sources can help them pay for these expenses. Compensation from the VA, mesothelioma funds and personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit settlements against asbestos-related businesses can be included. Lawyers can aid mesothelioma compensation self employed patients and their family members in pursuing compensation to pay for medical expenses.