Mesothelioma and the Army Compensation Program

Mesothelioma is a painful condition that can affect veterans who served in the United States Army. The service members could be eligible for compensation for mesothelioma death from asbestos trust funds and lawsuits.

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

Symptoms

Mesothelioma victims have many different symptoms. Patients should keep track of their symptoms and inform their doctors if they change.

Most patients suffering from mesothelioma suffer from pain and fluid accumulation in the abdomen or chest. Certain patients may also feel fatigued, coughing or loss of appetite. Certain of these symptoms are similar to those associated with other illnesses, so some veterans may not be able to associate them with mesothelioma at first. Some symptoms may appear later, depending on the amount of exposure to asbestos. The high levels of asbestos exposure often cause symptoms to manifest more quickly than low-level exposure. Mesothelioma symptoms can also change as the disease develops and spreads to other areas of the body, a process referred to as metastasis.

Asbestos is a natural component. It is durable, heat-resistant and is utilized in a variety of construction materials and military vehicles. Inhalation of asbestos fibers is the primary method for mesothelioma. mesothelioma Army Compensation as well as peritoneal mesothelio pleural mesothelioma are caused by the inhalation or ingesting of asbestos particles in microscopic sizes. Asbestos exposure has been linked to a wide range of medical ailments which include lung cancer.

The symptoms of mesothelioma vary from mild to severe, and may affect the lungs and abdomen, as well as joints and the heart. In most cases, asbestos-related illnesses can take between 10 and 50 years to develop.

Many veterans who served in the Army were exposed to asbestos in various ways. They may have worked in factories that manufactured asbestos-containing equipment, or on Navy ships which were extensively employed. Veterans who worked on Navy vessels in the areas of piping, milling and shipyard work as well as demolition, insulation, old buildings, carpentry and insulation are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Most pleural Mesothelioma sufferers experience breathing problems and chest pain in the early stages. They might also suffer from an pleural effusion. This is the accumulation of fluid within the pleura, which connects the chest and Mesothelioma Army Compensation lungs. Pleural effusions can restrict the capacity of the lungs to expand when breathing. Inflammation and thickening of the pleura are common among mesothelioma patients.

As mesothelioma progresses, affected patients will notice that their symptoms get more severe. They may experience a loss in appetite, fatigue and fever. Some mesothelioma sufferers develop blood clots which can be dangerous for their health. Dysphagia is a condition that can cause patients to have difficulty swallowing.

Diagnosis

Since asbestos is a major mesothelioma-related cause the diagnosis will most likely require a biopsy as well as certain tests. To avoid a misdiagnosis, asbestos victims should have mesothelioma specialists perform the tests. Misdiagnoses can keep patients from receiving the appropriate treatment and could give the disease a longer time to spread.

If a doctor suspects mesothelioma they'll request an imaging test to detect any tumors in the abdomen or chest. This could be a CT scan or MRI. The next step is to take the sample of tissue or fluid to be examined under microscope. A biopsy is the most conclusive way to confirm a mesothelioma diagnoses.

When a doctor has a specimen to examine and determine if it is pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma. This will aid in determining the best course of treatment for the patient. The biopsy can also assist doctors to determine the kind of mesothelioma cell, which could affect the patient's outlook.

The most commonly used mesothelioma type is epithelioid. It develops more slowly than other cancer cells, making it easier for doctors to treat. It can also affect the lungs, but is less severe than pleural mesothelioma.

After the results of the biopsy are available the specialist will decide the most appropriate treatment options for the patient. The doctor will also decide a prognosis on the basis of the mesothelioma type and the rate at which it is growing.

Veterans suffering from mesothelioma with a history of asbestos exposure could be entitled to compensation. People who were exposed to asbestos while serving in the United States Armed Forces should contact a VA-accredited claims rep to see what benefits they are eligible for.

Treatment

Treatment options are based on the type and stage of malignant mesothelioma. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma frequently undergo surgery to alleviate breathlessness due to the build-up of fluid in the chest cavity. The surgeon can perform VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or open surgery to eliminate a part of the that lining the chest wall and lungs. A tube can be placed into the chest to drain the fluid around lung several times a week.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is treated similar to pleural mesothelioma but with less extensive surgery. Surgery may involve the removal of parts of the abdomen including the diaphragm as well as the peritoneum. Mesothelioma patients are able to receive chemotherapy and radiation after surgery to kill cancer cells that remain.

Some people with mesothelioma are not eligible for surgery, even though their doctors believe that they could be treated with surgery. In these situations medical professionals may suggest palliative care to alleviate symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, and pain.

Mesothelioma may recur after treatment. Cancer may return to the same spot that it first began or spread to a different part of the body. After a recurrence of mesothelioma treatment can be more difficult.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally is well-known for its strength and resistance to heat. It was used for many Army construction projects, including insulation and for vehicles. Asbestos fibers may become airborne if disturbed and can cause serious health problems when inhaled.

The VA recognizes mesothelioma as being a service-connected illness, and veterans are eligible for financial aid to cover their treatment. A mesothelioma attorney can assist veterans to receive the disability benefits they deserve.

Financial Assistance

The cost of mesothelioma treatment can be costly. Veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma could be eligible for financial assistance. Compensation programs available to veterans include disability benefits, as well as mesothelioma lawsuit settlements. Compensation from these sources can help veterans pay for their medical expenses, in addition to daily living costs.

Asbestos lawyers can aid veterans get the compensation they are due for asbestos exposure and mesothelioma. A knowledgeable lawyer can assist veterans to file a mesothelioma suit with the Department of Veterans Affairs, or file a personal injury orwrongful death lawsuit against the companies that are responsible for their exposure to asbestos.

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 kind of asbestos exposure determines the eligibility. For example, Navy veterans who worked in shipyards could be at a higher risk of exposure to asbestos than Army veterans.

If mesothelioma is confirmed, the patient can apply for monthly disability compensation payments through the VA. The amount of compensation is contingent on the level of disability resulting from mesothelioma. The VA also covers funeral and burial expenses for those who die from mesothelioma.

Veterans who are diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses can also seek compensation from asbestos trust funds and manufacturers accountable for their exposure to asbestos. A mesothelioma case can result in a settlement that is substantial for the victims and their family members.

Many nonprofit organizations offer grants for mesothelioma patients to cover accommodation, travel, and other expenses related to their treatment. These grants are available to mesothelioma victims and their survivors. They can help cover medical costs and reduce the burden of financial stress.

The cost of mesothelioma treatments can be an economic burden for the patient and their family. Compensation from different sources can assist in paying for these expenses. These include payments from the VA and mesothelioma trust funds, as well as personal injury or settlements for wrongful death lawsuits against companies that are responsible for asbestos exposure. An attorney can assist mesothelioma patients and their loved ones seek claiming compensation for mesothelioma to cover the medical expenses.