Mesothelioma and the Army Compensation Program
Mesothelioma is a painful condition that often impacts veterans who served in the United States Army. These service members may qualify for compensation from asbestos trust funds or lawsuits.
Asbestos was found in barracks and vehicles, and also in aircraft. They could be exposed to asbestos while working in Navy shipyards.
Signs and symptoms
There are many symptoms that mesothelioma patients may suffer from. Patients should be aware of their symptoms and notify their doctor if they experience changes.
Most patients suffering from mesothelioma suffer from pain and swelling in the abdomen or chest. Certain patients may also experience fatigue, coughing and loss of appetite. Certain of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as symptoms of other diseases. So some veterans may not recognize them at first. According to the amount of asbestos exposure, some symptoms are more apparent than others. The high levels of asbestos exposure typically cause symptoms to come on more quickly than low-level exposure. As the disease progresses the symptoms of mesothelioma may change. This is known as metastasis.
Asbestos occurs naturally. It is a durable and heat-resistant material utilized in a variety of military vehicles and construction materials. Inhalation of asbestos fibers is the most common treatment for mesothelioma. Inhaling or ingestion of asbestos particles can cause mesothelioma. Asbestos has been linked to lung cancer and other medical conditions.
The symptoms of mesothelioma vary from mild to severe, and it can affect the abdomen and lungs as well as joints and the heart. The majority of asbestos-related illnesses require 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 manufactured asbestos-containing equipment, or on Navy ships which were extensively used. Veterans who worked in milling, piping and shipyard work insulation, demolition of older buildings and carpentry on Navy vessels are at a higher risk for developing mesothelioma.
The majority of patients with pleural Mesothelioma have chest pain and breathing difficulties in the beginning. They might also suffer from a pleural effusion, which is the accumulation of fluid within the pleura, which covers the chest and lungs. Pleural effusions restrict the ability of the lungs to expand when breathing. Inflammation and pleural thickening are also common in mesothelioma patients.
As the mesothelioma grows and the symptoms become more severe. They may experience a loss in appetite, fatigue and a fever. Some mesothelioma patients have blood clots, which can be dangerous to their health. Dysphagia, a condition, can cause patients to experience difficulty swallowing.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related cancer diagnosed with mesothelioma will likely involve undergoing certain tests and receiving a biopsy. To avoid misdiagnosis, asbestos victims should have mesothelioma specialists perform the tests. Incorrect diagnosis can prevent patients from receiving the correct treatment and could give the disease more time to grow.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma they'll request an imaging test to detect any tumors in the abdomen or chest. This may include a CT scan, an MRI or an X-ray. The next step is to take samples of fluid or tissue for analysis under microscope. A biopsy is the only way to confirm mesothelioma is the diagnosis.
Once the doctor has a sample to look at, they will determine whether it is peritoneal or pleural mesothelioma. This can help them decide on the most appropriate treatment for the patient. The biopsy can also assist doctors to determine the type of mesothelioma cells, which could affect the patient's prognosis.
The most common mesothelioma type epithelioid is most common. It develops more slowly than other cancer cells, which makes it easier for doctors to treat. This type can also affect the lungs, but is less serious than pleural msothelioma.
A specialist will determine the best treatment options are for the patient following the results of the biopsy have been obtained. The doctor will also determine a prognosis based on the mesothelioma type and the rate of growth.
Veterans with mesothelioma who have a military history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation. Contact a VA-accredited claim representative to determine if you qualify for benefits if you were exposed to asbestos during your time in the United States Armed Forces.
Treatment
The type of mesothelioma malignancy the patient has and the stage it is determined by treatment options. Patients with pleural mesothelioma could undergo surgery to relieve breathlessness due to fluid accumulation in the chest cavity. The surgeon can perform VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or open surgery to remove part of tissue that lines the chest wall and the lungs. A tube is inserted into the chest to drain fluid around the lung several times a week.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is treated similarly to pleural mesothelioma, however with less extensive surgery. The diaphragm and peritoneum as well as other abdominal parts can be removed during surgery. Mesothelioma patients may receive chemotherapy and radiation after surgery to kill cancerous cells that remain.
average compensation for mesothelioma claim with mesothelioma may not qualify for surgery even if doctors believe they can be treated surgically. In these instances doctors may recommend palliative treatment to alleviate symptoms such as fatigue and sleeplessness.
After treatment, mesothelioma can recur. Cancer can return in the same place in which it first appeared or spread to other parts of the body. If mesothelioma is recurred treatment can be more difficult.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral is renowned for its durability and resistance to heat. It was used in many construction projects for the Army, including insulation, as well as in vehicles. Asbestos fibers may become airborne when disturbed and could cause serious health issues when inhaled.
The VA recognizes mesothelioma to be a service-connected disease. Veterans are eligible for financial aid to pay for their treatment. A knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyer will help veterans receive the disability benefits they deserve.
Financial Assistance
The mesothelioma treatment process may be financially demanding. Veterans who have been diagnosed as having mesothelioma might be eligible for financial assistance. Compensation programs available to veterans include disability benefits as well as mesothelioma settlements in lawsuits. These compensation programs can help veterans cover their medical expenses and daily living expenses.
Asbestos lawyers can assist veterans obtain the compensation they deserve for asbestos exposure and mesothelioma. A knowledgeable lawyer can assist a veteran with filing a mesothelioma claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs or filing an injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit against the companies that are responsible for their asbestos exposure.
The majority of mesothelioma patients as well as their surviving family members are eligible for compensation through 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 be experienced by Navy veterans who have worked in shipyards rather than Army veterans.
The VA will provide a veteran with a monthly disability payment in the event of a mesothelioma diagnosis. The amount of compensation is contingent on the severity of mesothelioma-related disability. Additionally, the VA will pay for funeral and burial expenses for those who die due to mesothelioma.
Veterans who are diagnosed with mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related illnesses may also seek compensation from the asbestos trust funds as well as the manufacturers accountable for their exposure to asbestos. A mesothelioma suit could result in an enormous settlement for the victims and their families.
Numerous non-profit organizations offer grants to patients with mesothelioma for travel, housing and other expenses associated with their cancer treatment. These grants are available to mesothelioma sufferers and their survivors. They can assist in paying for medical costs and reduce the financial burden.
Mesothelioma victims and their families face a variety of financial difficulties due to the expense of mesothelioma treatments. Compensation from various sources can aid in the payment of these expenses. Compensation from the VA, mesothelioma funds and personal injury or wrongful-death lawsuit settlements against asbestos-related companies can be included. An attorney can assist mesothelioma patients and their family members pursue compensation to cover the medical expenses.