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 from asbestos trust funds and lawsuits.

Veterans of the Army were exposed asbestos in barracks, vehicles, and aircraft. They may also have been exposed to asbestos when working in Navy shipyards.

Symptoms

There are a myriad of symptoms mesothelioma patients may suffer from. These vary by the type and stage of mesothelioma, and patients must be aware of their symptoms and report any changes to their doctor.

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

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. It is extremely durable, resistant to heat and used in many construction materials and military vehicles. Inhalation of asbestos fibers is the primary method used to treat mesothelioma. Inhaling asbestos particles or ingestion of them can lead to mesothelioma. Asbestos is linked to lung cancer and other medical ailments.

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

Many veterans who were in the Army were exposed to asbestos in a variety of ways. They could have worked at bases for military or in factories that made asbestos-containing equipment and on Navy vessels where asbestos was extensively used. Veterans who worked on Navy vessels in the areas of piping, milling and shipyard work, as well insulation, demolition, old buildings, carpentry and insulation are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Most pleural Mesothelioma sufferers are afflicted with breathing problems and chest pain in the beginning. They may also have a pleural effusion, which is the accumulation of fluid in the pleura that lines the chest and lungs. Pleural effusions limit the ability of the lungs to expand when breathing. Inflammation and pleural thickening are also common in mesothelioma patients.

As mesothelioma progresses and the symptoms become more severe. Patients may experience fatigue, fever or decrease in appetite. Some mesothelioma patients develop blood clots which can be dangerous for their health. Patients may also have difficulty swallowing, a condition that is called dysphagia.

Diagnosis

Since asbestos is a major mesothelioma-related cause and mesothelioma, a diagnosis will likely include a biopsy and certain tests. Asbestos victims should seek out a mesothelioma specialist to carry out the test to avoid the possibility of a false diagnosis. False diagnoses can prevent patients from receiving the correct treatment and could give the disease a longer time to spread.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order an imaging test to find any lumps or tumors that are present in the chest or abdomen. This could include an CT scan, an MRI or an X-ray. The next step is to collect fluid or tissue samples to be examined under microscopy. A biopsy is the only way to confirm mesothelioma is the diagnosis.

The doctor will determine if the sample is peritoneal mesothelioma or pleural which will allow them to decide the best treatment for the patient. The biopsy also helps doctors determine the mesothelioma cells type, which can impact the prognosis.

The most prevalent type of mesothelioma is epithelioid. It develops more slowly than other cancerous cells, making it more easy for doctors to treat. It can also occur in the lungs, but is usually less severe than pleural mesothelioma.

When the results of the biopsy come in the specialist will decide the best treatment options for the patient. The doctor will also determine the prognosis, which is dependent on the type of mesothelioma and the speed at which it is growing.

Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma who have an history of asbestos exposure in the military, could be eligible for compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs. 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

Treatment options are determined by the stage and type of malignant mesothelioma. Patients with pleural msothelioma may undergo surgery to alleviate breathlessness due to the accumulation of fluid within the chest cavity. The surgeon might employ VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments) or open surgery to eliminate part of the lining of the chest wall and Mesothelioma Army Compensation lung. A tube can be put into the chest cavity to drain the fluid around the lung several times per week.

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

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

Mesothelioma can recur after treatment. The cancer may recur in the same location that it first began or spread to a different part of the body. In the event of a recurrence in mesothelioma compensation commercial, treatment may be more difficult.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is renowned for its strength and heat resistance. It was utilized in a variety of construction projects involving the Army, such as insulation and on vehicles. When asbestos fibers are disturbed, they can be airborne and inhaling them could lead to a number of serious health issues.

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

Financial Assistance

The treatment for mesothelioma can be financially demanding. However those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma are able to receive financial assistance. Compensation programs available to veterans include disability benefits, as well as mesothelioma lawsuit settlements. 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 deserve for asbestos exposure and mesothelioma. A skilled lawyer can help a veteran to file a mesothelioma army compensation suit with the Department of Veterans Affairs, or file a personal injury orwrongful death lawsuit against the companies that are accountable for their asbestos exposure.

The majority of mesothelioma patients as well as their surviving family members 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 in the event of a mesothelioma diagnosis. The amount of the benefit is contingent on the severity of the disability resulting from mesothelioma. The VA also compensates for funeral and burial costs for those who have died from mesothelioma.

Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma, or other asbestos-related diseases are also able to seek compensation through asbestos trust funds as well as the companies responsible for asbestos exposure. A mesothelioma suit could result in a substantial settlement for victims and their families.

Many nonprofit organizations offer grants to patients with mesothelioma for accommodation, travel and other expenses associated with their cancer treatment. These grants are available to mesothelioma patients and Mesothelioma Army Compensation their families. They can assist in paying for medical costs and reduce financial stress.

The cost of mesothelioma treatment can be a financial burden for both the patient and their family. Compensation from various sources can help them pay for these costs. This could include compensation from the VA and mesothelioma trust funds and personal injury or settlements for wrongful death lawsuits against the companies that are who are accountable for their asbestos exposure. Lawyers can assist mesothelioma patients and their loved ones pursue compensation to cover their medical expenses.