Mesothelioma and the Army Compensation Program

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

Asbestos was found in vehicles and barracks and also in aircraft. They may also have been exposed to the asbestos when working in Navy shipyards.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma victims have many different symptoms. These vary by the type and stage of mesothelioma. Patients must keep track of their symptoms and notify any changes to their physicians.

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. Certain of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as symptoms of other ailments. So some veterans might not be able to recognize them initially. Based on the level of asbestos exposure, some symptoms are more apparent than others. Symptoms may appear earlier when exposure to asbestos is high. Mesothelioma symptoms can change as the disease progresses and spreads to other parts of the body, a process referred as metastasis.

Asbestos is naturally occurring. It is a tough, heat-resistant material that is utilized in a variety of military vehicles and construction materials. Asbestos fibers can become airborne and inhalation is a principal method for mesothelioma exposure. Inhaling asbestos particles or ingestion of them can lead to mesothelioma. Asbestos has been linked with lung cancer and other medical diseases.

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

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

In the early stages, the majority of patients with pleural mesothelioma have chest pain and trouble breathing. Pleural effusions can occur, which is an accumulation of fluid inside the pleura lining the chest and lungs. Pleural effusions restrict the lungs' ability to expand during breathing. Patients with mesothelioma are more likely to suffer from pleural thickening and inflammation.

As the mesothelioma grows, these symptoms will get more severe. They may experience a loss in appetite, fatigue, or a fever. Certain mesothelioma patients develop blood clots, which could be harmful to their health. Patients can also experience a hard time swallowing, a condition that is known as dysphagia.

Diagnosis

Since asbestos is a major mesothelioma-related cause, a diagnosis will most likely require a biopsy as well as certain tests. To avoid misdiagnosis, asbestos patients should have mesothelioma specialists perform the tests. Misdiagnosis can prevent patients from receiving the proper treatment, and can cause the disease to spread quickly.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request an imaging test to detect any lumps in the abdomen or chest. This can be an CT scan or MRI. The next step is to collect fluid or tissue samples for analysis under a microscopy. A biopsy is the most reliable method of confirming mesothelioma diagnoses.

Once the doctor has a sample to look at and determine if it is peritoneal or pleural mesothelioma, which can then help them determine the best course of treatment for the patient. The biopsy will also help doctors determine the type of mesothelioma cells which could affect the patient's outlook.

The most common mesothelioma form epithelioid is most commonly encountered. It grows slower than other cancerous cells, which makes it easier for doctors to treat. This type may also be found in the lungs, but is typically less serious than pleural mesothelioma.

When the results of the biopsy are available, a specialist will determine the most appropriate treatment options for the patient. The doctor will also establish the prognosis, determined by the mesothelioma type and the speed at which it is growing.

Veterans with mesothelioma that have a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation. Contact a VA-accredited claims rep to determine if you are eligible for benefits if you were exposed to asbestos while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Treatment

Treatment options are determined by the type and stage of mesothelioma financial compensation meme malignancy. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma can undergo surgery to relieve breathlessness because of the accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity. The surgeon can use VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) or open surgery to eliminate a part of the that lining the chest wall and lungs. A tube is inserted into the chest to drain the fluid around the lungs several times a week.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is treated similarly to pleural mesothelioma but with less extensive surgery. Surgery can involve removing certain parts of the abdomen, such as the diaphragm as well as the peritoneum. Mesothelioma patients may undergo chemotherapy and radiation following surgery to kill cancer cells that remain.

Some patients with mesothelioma may not suitable for surgery, even though doctors believe they can be treated by surgery. In these instances doctors may suggest palliative treatment to relieve symptoms like fatigue and insomnia.

Mesothelioma can recur following treatment. The cancer may recur in the same location that it first began or spread to other parts of the body. After a recurrence of mesothelioma treatment can be more difficult.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, is known for its durability and resistance to heat. It was utilized in a variety of Army-related construction projects, including insulation as well as on vehicles. Asbestos fibers can be airborne when disturbed and could cause serious health problems if inhaled.

The VA recognizes mesothelioma to be a service-connected disease, and veterans are eligible for financial aid to pay for their treatment. An attorney for mesothelioma can help veterans receive the disability benefits they deserve.

Financial Assistance

The treatment for mesothelioma can be costly. Veterans who have been diagnosed as having mesothelioma might be eligible for financial assistance. Compensation programs for veterans include disability benefits as well as mesothelioma lawsuit settlements. Compensation from these sources can help veterans pay their medical expenses and also daily living costs.

Asbestos lawyers can help veterans obtain the compensation they are due for their asbestos exposure and mesothelioma. An experienced lawyer can help a veteran to file a mesothelioma suit with the Department of Veterans Affairs, or file a personal injury orwrongful death suit against companies that are accountable 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 disease that is connected to service. The type of asbestos exposure determines 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 a monthly disability payment if a mesothelioma is confirmed. The amount of compensation depends on the degree of mesothelioma-related disability. Additionally the VA will pay for funeral and burial expenses for those who pass away from mesothelioma.

Patients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses, may also seek compensation through asbestos trust funds as well as the manufacturers responsible for asbestos exposure. A mesothelioma case could result in an enormous settlement for the victims and their families.

Many nonprofit organizations offer grants to patients with mesothelioma for travel, housing and other expenses related to their cancer treatments. Mesothelioma patients as well as their surviving family members are eligible to apply for these grants to cover medical expenses and lessen financial stress.

The cost of mesothelioma army Compensation treatment can be a financial burden for both the patient and their family. Compensation from various sources can assist them in paying for these expenses. These can include payments from the VA and mesothelioma trust funds, and personal injury or settlements in wrongful death lawsuits against the companies that are responsible for their asbestos exposure. A lawyer can help mesothelioma patients and their family members pursue compensation to cover their medical expenses.