Mesothelioma and the Army Compensation Program

Mesothelioma is a painful condition that often impacts 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 as well as aircraft. They may also have been exposed to asbestos while working in Navy shipyards.

Symptoms

There are a variety of symptoms mesothelioma patients may be afflicted with. These vary by the stage and type of mesothelioma. Patients should keep track of their symptoms and inform any changes to their physicians.

The majority of patients with mesothelioma experience pain and fluid accumulation in the chest or abdomen. Some patients also suffer from fatigue, cough and loss of appetite. Some of these symptoms may be mistaken for those of other ailments. Thus, some veterans may not recognize them at first. Depending on the asbestos exposure, some symptoms appear later than others. Symptoms may appear earlier when asbestos exposure is high. Mesothelioma symptoms can change as the disease grows and spreads to other areas of the body, a process referred to as metastasis.

Asbestos occurs naturally. It is strong, heat-resistant and is used in a variety of construction materials and military vehicles. Asbestos fibers are able to become airborne and inhalation is the principal method for mesothelioma exposure. Inhaling or ingestion of asbestos particles can cause mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure has been linked to a range of medical diseases including lung cancer.

Symptoms of mesothelioma can range from mild to severe and affect the abdomen, lungs 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 bases for military personnel, in factories that produced asbestos-containing equipment as well as on Navy vessels where asbestos was widely used. Veterans who worked in piping, milling, shipyard work insulation demolition of older structures and carpentry on Navy vessels are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma.

Most pleural Mesothelioma sufferers have breathing difficulties and chest pain in the beginning. A pleural effusion may occur and is an accumulation of fluid in the pleura lining the lungs and chest. Pleural effusions can limit the lungs' ability to expand when breathing. Inflammation and thickening of the pleura are also common in mesothelioma patients.

As mesothelioma advances patients who are affected will notice their symptoms becoming more severe. They might experience a loss of appetite, fatigue and a fever. Some mesothelioma patients have blood clots, which could be dangerous to their health. Patients may also have difficulty swallowing, a condition that is known as dysphagia.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related cancer and a mesothelioma diagnosis will likely require undergoing certain tests, and then an examination. To avoid a misdiagnosis asbestos sufferers should have mesothelioma specialists conduct the tests. A misdiagnosis could hinder patients from receiving the proper treatment, and can allow the disease to spread more quickly.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request an imaging test to detect any tumors in the abdomen or chest. This can include an CT scan, MRI or an X-ray. The next step is to collect tissue or fluid samples for analysis using microscopy. A biopsy is the most reliable method of confirming mesothelioma diagnosis.

If the doctor has a sample to examine, they will determine whether it is peritoneal or pleural mesothelioma, which can then help them determine the best course of treatment for the patient. The biopsy can also help doctors determine the mesothelioma cell type, which could affect the prognosis.

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

A specialist will determine what the best treatment options are for the patient once the results of a biopsy have been gathered. The doctor will also determine a prognosis on the basis of the mesothelioma type as well as the rate that it is growing.

Veterans suffering from mesothelioma with an asbestos-related history in the military exposure may be eligible for compensation. Those who have been exposed to asbestos during their service in the United States Armed Forces should seek out a VA-accredited claims representative to find out what benefits they qualify for.

Treatment

Treatment options are determined by the stage and type of malignant mesothelioma. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma frequently undergo surgery to help improve breathlessness that is caused by the accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity. The surgeon can use VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) or open surgery in order to remove part of lining the chest wall and lungs. A tube can be put into the chest cavity to drain the fluid around lung several times a week.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is treated similar to pleural mesothelioma but with less extensive surgery. The diaphragm and peritoneum as well as other abdominal organs can be removed during surgery. Mesothelioma patients may receive chemotherapy and radiation after surgery to kill cancerous cells that remain.

Certain patients with mesothelioma are not eligible for surgery, even though doctors believe that they can be treated surgically. In these cases doctors may suggest palliative treatment to relieve symptoms like fatigue and sleeplessness.

After treatment, mesothelioma could recur. The cancer can come back in the exact spot where it first began or spread to other areas of the body. In the event of recurrence, it can be more difficult to treat the mesothelioma.

Asbestos is a natural mineral known for its strength and resistance to heat. It was used for many Army construction projects, such as insulation and for vehicles. When asbestos fibers are disturbed they can become airborne and inhaling them can lead to a number of serious health problems.

The VA recognizes mesothelioma as being a service-connected disease. Veterans can receive financial assistance to help pay for their treatment. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can assist veterans in obtaining the disability benefits they deserve.

Financial Assistance

The mesothelioma compensation scheme treatment process may be costly. Veterans who are diagnosed with mesothelioma might be eligible for financial assistance. Veterans can receive compensation in form of disability benefits or settlements arising from mesothelioma suit. These compensation programs can help veterans pay their medical costs as well as daily living expenses.

Asbestos lawyers can help veterans get the compensation they deserve for their asbestos exposure as well as mesothelioma. A knowledgeable lawyer can assist veterans make a mesothelioma claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs, or file a personal injury orwrongful death suit against companies that are accountable for their asbestos exposure.

In the majority of cases, mesothelioma patients and their loved ones who survived are eligible for compensation act mesothelioma from the VA because mesothelioma has been identified as an illness that is connected to service. The type of asbestos exposure determines the eligibility. For example, Navy veterans who worked in shipyards could be at an increased risk of exposure to asbestos than Army veterans.

If a mesothelioma Army compensation diagnosis has been confirmed, the patient can apply for monthly disability compensation payments through the VA. The amount of compensation depends on the level of disability caused by mesothelioma. The VA also pays for funeral and burial costs for those who have passed away from mesothelioma.

Veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related illnesses can also seek compensation from asbestos trust funds as well as the manufacturers accountable for their exposure to asbestos. A mesothelioma case can result in an award that is substantial for the victims and their family members.

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

Mesothelioma sufferers and their families are faced with a myriad of financial difficulties due to the expense of mesothelioma treatments. Compensation from different sources can help pay for these costs. Compensation from the VA and mesothelioma fund as well as personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit settlements with asbestos-related companies could be included. A lawyer can assist a mesothelioma patient and their family members in seeking compensation to cover their medical costs.