Mesothelioma and the Army Compensation Program
Mesothelioma is a painful condition that can affect 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 could also have been exposed to asbestos while working in Navy shipyards.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma patients have a variety of symptoms. These vary by the type and stage of mesothelioma, and patients must keep track of their symptoms and report any changes to their physicians.
Most patients suffering from mesothelioma suffer from pain and fluid accumulation in the abdomen or chest. Patients may also experience fatigue, a cough and an inability to eat. Some of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as signs of other illnesses. Therefore some veterans might not be able to recognize them initially. According to the amount of asbestos exposure, certain symptoms may manifest later than others. Symptoms can appear more quickly when asbestos exposure is high. Mesothelioma symptoms may also change as the disease progresses and spreads to other areas of the body, a process known as metastasis.
Asbestos occurs naturally. It is strong, heat-resistant and used in many construction materials and military vehicles. Inhalation of asbestos fibers is the most common method used to treat mesothelioma. Mesothelioma as well as peritoneal mesothelio Pleural mesothelioma can be caused by the inhalation or ingesting of asbestos particles in microscopic sizes. Asbestos exposure has been linked to a wide range of medical ailments including lung cancer.
The symptoms of mesothelioma vary from mild to severe, and can affect the abdomen, lungs and the 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 may have worked in factories that produced asbestos containing equipment or on Navy ships, where asbestos was extensively used. Veterans who worked in the milling, piping and shipyard work insulation demolition of older buildings and carpentry on Navy vessels are at a higher risk for developing mesothelioma.
Most pleural Mesothelioma sufferers have breathing problems and chest pain in the beginning. mesothelioma navy compensation might also suffer from an pleural effusion. This is the accumulation of fluid in the pleura which covers the lungs and chest. Pleural effusions can restrict the capacity of the lungs to expand when breathing. Patients with mesothelioma typically suffer from pleural thickening and inflammation.
As mesothelioma progresses and the symptoms get more severe. Patients may suffer from fatigue, fever or loss of appetite. Certain mesothelioma patients develop blood clots, which could be harmful to their health. Dysphagia is a disorder that can cause patients to have difficulty swallowing.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a cancer that is triggered by asbestos and a mesothelioma diagnosis is likely to require certain tests and an examination. To avoid a misdiagnosis, asbestos patients should have mesothelioma specialists conduct the tests. A misdiagnosis could stop patients from receiving right treatment, and may allow the disease to spread more quickly.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order an imaging test to detect any lumps or tumors that are present in the abdomen or chest. It could be an CT scan or MRI. The next step is to collect fluid or tissue samples for analysis using microscopy. A biopsy is the most reliable way to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis.
When a doctor has a sample to look at, they will determine whether it is pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma. This can help them determine the most appropriate treatment for the patient. The biopsy also assists doctors determine the mesothelioma cells type, which can affect the prognosis.
The most prevalent mesothelioma type is epithelioid. It grows slower than other cancer cells, making it more easy for doctors to treat. This type may also be found in the lungs, however it is typically less serious than pleural mesothelioma.
After the results of the biopsy are revealed A specialist will decide the best treatment options for the patient. The doctor will also establish the prognosis based on mesothelioma type and the rate of growth.
Veterans suffering from mesothelioma with an asbestos-related history in the military exposure may be entitled to compensation. Those who have been exposed to asbestos during their service in the United States Armed Forces should contact a VA-accredited claims agent to see what benefits they qualify for.
Treatment
Treatment options are determined by the stage and type of malignant mesothelioma. People with pleural mesothelioma often undergo surgery to alleviate breathlessness caused by fluid build-up in the chest cavity. The surgeon might use VATS (video-assisted surgical thoracoscopic procedure) or open surgery to remove part of the wall of the chest and lung. A tube may be inserted into the chest to drain fluid around the lung several times a week.
Peritoneal mesothelioma can be treated similarly to pleural mesothelioma, however with less extensive surgery. Surgery can involve removing certain parts of the abdomen including the diaphragm as well as the peritoneum. Mesothelioma patients may receive chemotherapy and radiation after surgery to kill cancerous cells that remain.
Some patients with mesothelioma might not meet the criteria for surgery, even if their doctors believe they can be treated surgically. In these instances, doctors may recommend palliative treatments to ease symptoms like fatigue and insomnia.
Mesothelioma can recur following treatment. Cancer can return in the same spot that it first began or spread to another 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 toughness and resistance to heat. It was utilized in many Army construction projects, including insulation and vehicles. Asbestos fibers can be airborne when disturbed and can cause serious health complications if inhaled.
Veterans can qualify for financial aid to cover treatment if the VA recognizes mesothelioma as an illness that is linked to service. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help veterans receive the disability benefits they need.
Financial Assistance
The cost of mesothelioma treatment can be expensive. However, veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma are able to receive financial aid. Veterans can receive compensation in the form of disability benefits or settlements arising from mesothelioma suits. Compensation from these programs can help veterans pay for their medical expenses, in addition to daily living costs.
Asbestos lawyers help veterans get the money they deserve for mesothelioma or asbestos exposure. An experienced lawyer can assist veterans in filing a mesothelioma lawsuit with the Department of Veterans Affairs or filing an injury-related or wrongful death suit against the companies accountable for their asbestos exposure.
Most mesothelioma patients and their surviving family members are eligible for compensation from the VA, as mesothelioma has been classified as a service-connected disease. The type of exposure to asbestos determines the 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 an annual disability payment if a mesothelioma is confirmed. The amount of the benefit will depend on the severity of the disability resulting from mesothelioma. In addition the VA offers compensation for funeral and burial expenses for those who pass away from mesothelioma.
Veterans who are diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses may also seek compensation from the asbestos trust funds and the manufacturers accountable for their exposure to asbestos. A mesothelioma case can result in an amount of money that is significant for the victims and their families.
Many non-profit organizations offer grants for mesothelioma patients to pay for the cost of housing, travel and other expenses that are associated with their cancer treatment. Mesothelioma patients and survivors of their family members can apply for these grants to cover medical expenses and ease financial stress.
The cost of mesothelioma treatments can be a financial burden for both the patient and their family. Compensation from various sources could help them pay for these expenses. These include compensation from the VA and mesothelioma trust funds, as well as personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit settlements against the companies who are accountable for their asbestos exposure. An attorney can assist a mesothelioma victim and their loved ones pursue compensation to pay for their medical expenses.