Mesothelioma and the Army Compensation Program
Mesothelioma is a painful condition that can affect veterans who served in the United States Army. These service members may qualify for compensation from asbestos trust funds and lawsuits.
Veterans of the Army were exposed asbestos in barracks, vehicles, and aircraft. They also could have been exposed to asbestos while working in Navy shipyards.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma victims have many different symptoms. They differ based on the stage and type of mesothelioma, and patients should keep track of their symptoms and notify any changes to their physicians.
Most mesothelioma patients suffer from pain and swelling in the abdomen or chest. Some patients also have a cough, fatigue and a loss of appetite. Certain of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as symptoms of other ailments. So, some veterans may not be aware of them initially. Certain symptoms may show up later depending on the level of asbestos exposure. Symptoms may appear earlier when asbestos exposure is high. As the disease progresses, the symptoms of mesothelioma may change. This is known as metastasis.
Asbestos is naturally occurring. It is a durable and heat-resistant material employed in a variety of military vehicles and construction materials. Inhalation of asbestos fibers is the primary method for mesothelioma. Mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma can be caused by inhaling or ingestion of these microscopic asbestos particles. Asbestos is linked to lung cancer as well as other medical conditions.
The symptoms of mesothelioma are mild to severe, and can affect the lungs and abdomen, as well as joints and the heart. Most asbestos-related diseases require between 10 and 50 years to develop.
Many veterans who served in the Army were exposed to asbestos in different ways. They could have worked on bases for military or in factories that made asbestos-containing equipment as well as on Navy ships where asbestos was extensively used. Veterans who worked on Navy vessels in the fields of piping, milling and shipyard work, as well insulation, demolition of old buildings, carpentry, and insulation are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
In the beginning, the majority of patients with pleural mesothelioma experience chest pain and difficulty breathing. They may also have an pleural effusion. This is the accumulation of fluid in the pleura that connects the lungs and chest. Pleural effusions can restrict the capacity of the lungs to expand when breathing. Patients with mesothelioma are more likely to have pleural swelling and inflammation.
As the mesothelioma advances and the symptoms get more severe. Patients may experience fatigue, fever and a loss in appetite. Some mesothelioma patients develop blood clots which can be dangerous for their health. Dysphagia is a condition that can cause patients to have difficulty swallowing.
Diagnosis
As asbestos is a cause of mesothelioma and mesothelioma, a diagnosis will likely require a biopsy as well as certain tests. Asbestos sufferers should have a mesothelioma specialist perform the testing to prevent an incorrect diagnosis. Misdiagnoses can keep patients from receiving the correct treatment and could cause the disease more time to grow.
If a doctor suspects 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 tissue or fluid samples for analysis under a microscopy. A biopsy is the only way to confirm that mesothelioma has been diagnosed.
If the doctor has a specimen to examine, they will determine whether it is peritoneal or pleural mesothelioma. This will help them determine the most appropriate treatment for the patient. The biopsy also assists doctors determine the mesothelioma cells type, which could affect the prognosis.
The most commonly used type of mesothelioma is epithelioid. It develops more slowly than other cancer cells, which makes it easier for doctors to treat. It can also occur in the lungs, however it is usually less severe than pleural mesothelioma.
After the results of the biopsy are revealed, a specialist will determine the best treatment options for the patient. The doctor will also determine the prognosis, determined by the mesothelioma type and the rate at which it is growing.
Veterans with mesothelioma who have a history of asbestos exposure could be entitled to compensation. Contact a VA-accredited claims representative to find out if they can be eligible for benefits if were exposed to asbestos while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Treatment
The type of malignant mesothelioma the patient has and its stage will determine the treatment options. Patients with pleural mesothelioma typically undergo surgery to relieve breathlessness caused by fluid build-up in the chest cavity. The surgeon can use VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) or open surgery to remove part of that lining the chest wall and lungs. A tube may be placed in the chest to drain fluid from around the lungs a few times each week.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma can be treated similarly to pleural Mesothelioma but with less invasive surgery. The diaphragm, peritoneum, and other abdominal parts can be removed during surgery. Mesothelioma patients are able to receive chemotherapy and radiation after surgery to kill cancerous cells that remain.
Some patients with mesothelioma may not qualified for surgery even though their doctors believe that they can be treated with surgery. In these cases doctors may recommend palliative treatment to relieve symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and sleeplessness.
Mesothelioma can recur after treatment. 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, it can be more difficult.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally is renowned 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 when disturbed and can cause serious health issues when inhaled.
Veterans can receive financial aid to cover treatment when the VA recognizes mesothelioma as a disease related to service. A mesothelioma lawyer can help veterans receive the disability benefits that they deserve.
Financial claiming compensation for mesothelioma Assistance
The mesothelioma treatment process may be expensive. However veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma may receive financial aid. Compensation programs available to veterans include disability benefits as well as mesothelioma settlements in lawsuits. These compensation programs can help veterans pay their medical costs as well as daily living expenses.
Asbestos lawyers can aid veterans receive the compensation they are due for asbestos exposure and mesothelioma. An experienced lawyer can help the veteran to file a mesothelioma 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.
In most cases, mesothelioma patients and their families qualify for compensation from the VA because mesothelioma has been identified as a service-connected illness. The type of asbestos exposure determines eligibility. Asbestos exposure is more likely to be experienced by Navy veterans who have worked in shipyards as opposed to Army veterans.
If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, the veteran can apply for a monthly disability compensation payout through the VA. The amount of compensation is contingent on the severity of disability resulting from mesothelioma. In addition the VA provides compensation for funeral and burial costs for those who die due to mesothelioma.
Patients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses, are also able to seek compensation through asbestos trust funds and the manufacturers accountable for asbestos exposure. A mesothelioma case could result in a settlement that is substantial for the victims and their family members.
Many different nonprofit organizations provide grants to patients with mesothelioma for housing, travel and other costs related to their cancer treatments. These grants are available to mesothelioma victims and their survivors. They can be used to pay for medical costs and reduce the burden of financial stress.
Mesothelioma patients and their families face numerous financial challenges due to the cost of mesothelioma treatment. Compensation from various sources could assist them in paying for these expenses. These can include compensation 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. Lawyers can assist mesothelioma patients and their loved ones seek compensation to cover their medical expenses.