Mesothelioma and the Army Compensation Program

Mesothelioma can be a painful illness that affects many veterans of the United States Army. These service members may qualify for compensation from asbestos trust funds or lawsuits.

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

Symptoms

There are many symptoms that mesothelioma patients may be afflicted with. These vary by the type and stage of mesothelioma, and patients should keep track of their symptoms and notify any changes to their doctors.

Most patients suffering from mesothelioma experience pain and fluid accumulation in the chest or abdomen. Some patients also have a cough, fatigue and an inability to eat. Some of these symptoms may be misinterpreted as signs of other diseases. So some veterans may not recognize them at first. Some symptoms may develop later depending on the level of asbestos exposure. The high levels of asbestos exposure usually result in symptoms appearing quicker than exposure to low levels. Mesothelioma symptoms may also change as the disease progresses and spreads to other parts of the body, a process known as metastasis.

Asbestos is a natural mineral. It is a tough and heat-resistant material utilized in a variety of military vehicles and construction materials. Asbestos fibers can be airborne, and inhalation is the principal method for mesothelioma exposure. Mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma and pleural mesothelioma are caused by inhaling or ingesting these microscopic asbestos particles. Asbestos exposure has been linked to a variety of medical diseases including lung cancer.

Symptoms of mesothelioma can range from mild to extremely severe and affect the abdomen, lungs and the heart as well as joints. Most asbestos-related diseases require between 10 and 50 years to develop.

Many veterans who served in the Army were exposed to asbestos in different ways. They may have worked on bases for military and in factories that manufactured asbestos-containing equipment and on Navy vessels where asbestos was widely used. Veterans who worked on Navy vessels in the fields of piping, milling and shipyard work, as well as insulation, demolition, old buildings, carpentry and insulation are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Most patients with pleural mesothelioma are afflicted with chest pain and breathing difficulties in the beginning. They might also suffer from an pleural effusion. This is the accumulation of fluid within the pleura which connects the lungs and chest. Pleural effusions can limit the lungs' capacity to expand when breathing. Inflammation and pleural thickening are also common in mesothelioma patients.

As the mesothelioma grows and the symptoms get more severe. Patients may suffer from fatigue, fever and a loss in appetite. Certain mesothelioma patients develop blood clots that can be dangerous to their health. Dysphagia, a condition, can cause patients to experience difficulty swallowing.

Diagnosis

As asbestos is a mesothelioma-related cause and mesothelioma, a diagnosis will likely involve a biopsy and certain tests. To avoid misdiagnosis, asbestos patients should have mesothelioma specialists perform the tests. A misdiagnosis could prevent patients from receiving the proper treatment, and can cause the disease to spread quickly.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order a imaging test to look for tumors in the abdomen or chest. This may include the use of a CT scan, an MRI or an X-ray. The next step is to collect tissue or fluid samples for analysis under a microscopy. A biopsy is the only way to confirm that a mesothelioma diagnosis.

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

The most common type of mesothelioma is epithelioid. It is a slower-growing type than other cancerous cells, making it less difficult to treat. This type may also be found in the lungs, but is generally less severe than pleural mesothelioma.

A specialist will decide what the best treatment options are for the patient following the biopsy results have been obtained. The doctor will also determine the prognosis determined by the mesothelioma type and how fast it is growing.

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

Treatment

The type of malignant mesothelioma a person has and its stage will determine the treatment options. Patients with pleural mesothelioma typically undergo surgery to help improve breathlessness that is caused by the accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity. The surgeon may use VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments) or open surgery to eliminate part of the lining of the chest wall and lung. A tube can be placed in the chest to drain fluid around the lungs several times per week.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma is treated in a similar manner to pleural Mesothelioma, but with a less extensive procedure. The diaphragm, peritoneum, and other abdominal parts can be removed during surgery. After surgery, patients who have mesothelioma can receive radiation and chemotherapy to eliminate any cancerous cells left.

Some patients with mesothelioma may not eligible for surgery, even though their doctors believe they can be treated surgically. In these situations, doctors may recommend palliative treatment to alleviate symptoms like fatigue and insomnia.

Mesothelioma may recur after treatment. The cancer may recur in the same spot in which it first appeared or spread to a different part of the body. In the event of a recurrence in mesothelioma treatment can be more difficult.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral is renowned for its durability and resistance to heat. It was utilized in a variety of 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 complications.

Veterans are eligible for financial aid to cover treatment in the event that the VA recognizes that mesothelioma is a condition that is related to service. A mesothelioma attorney can help veterans receive the disability benefits that they are entitled to.

Financial Assistance

The cost of mesothelioma treatment can be costly. However veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma are able to receive financial aid. Compensation programs for veterans include disability benefits, as well as mesothelioma settlements for lawsuits. Compensation from these programs can assist veterans in paying their medical expenses and also expenses for living expenses.

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

Most mesothelioma patients and their families members who survive are eligible for compensation through the VA since mesothelioma has been classified as a condition that is a result of a service. The type of exposure to asbestos determines the eligibility. Asbestos exposure is more likely to occur in Navy veterans who have worked in shipyards as opposed to Army veterans.

The VA will pay a veteran an annual disability payment if a mesothelioma is confirmed. The amount of the benefit will depend on the severity of the impairment resulting from mesothelioma. In addition the VA offers compensation for funeral and burial costs for those who die from mesothelioma.

Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases, may also seek compensation through asbestos trust funds as well as the manufacturers accountable for asbestos exposure. A mesothelioma army compensation (gylling-Lauritsen.thoughtlanes.net) suit could result in a settlement that is substantial for the victim and their families.

Many non-profit organizations provide grants for mesothelioma patients to pay for travel, housing and other costs associated with their cancer treatment. Mesothelioma patients as well as their surviving family members are eligible for these grants to help pay for medical expenses and ease the financial burden.

Mesothelioma patients and their families face numerous financial obstacles due to costly mesothelioma treatment. Compensation from various sources can aid in the payment of these costs. These can include average compensation for mesothelioma claim from the VA and mesothelioma trust funds, as well as personal injury or settlements in wrongful death lawsuits against the companies that are responsible for their asbestos exposure. A lawyer can help a mesothelioma patient and their family members in pursuing compensation to cover their medical costs.