Asbestos Exposure in the Military
The United States military used asbestos extensively from the 1930s through the late 1970s. Asbestos was valued for its heat resistance, durability, and low cost, making it a standard material in ships, vehicles, aircraft, and buildings across every branch of service. Veterans who served during this period were routinely exposed to asbestos fibers without adequate warnings or protective equipment.
Today, veterans account for approximately 30% of all mesothelioma diagnoses in the United States. The long latency period of mesothelioma — often 20 to 50 years — means that many veterans are only now being diagnosed with diseases caused by exposure that occurred decades ago during their service.
Asbestos Exposure by Military Branch
U.S. Navy and Coast Guard
Navy and Coast Guard veterans face the highest risk of mesothelioma among all military branches. Asbestos was used extensively in ship construction for insulation around pipes, boilers, and steam systems; in engine rooms and machinery spaces; in gaskets, valves, and packing materials; and in sleeping quarters, mess halls, and common areas. Sailors, engineers, boiler technicians, pipefitters, and damage controlmen had particularly high exposure.
U.S. Army
Army veterans were exposed to asbestos through brake and clutch components in military vehicles, insulation in barracks and other buildings, construction and demolition projects on military bases, and heating systems in buildings and temporary structures.
U.S. Air Force
Air Force personnel encountered asbestos in aircraft brake systems and engine components, insulation in hangars and maintenance facilities, heat shields and fireproofing materials, and building construction and renovation on bases.
U.S. Marine Corps
Marines serving aboard Navy ships faced the same shipboard asbestos exposure as Navy sailors. Marines stationed on bases were exposed through building materials, vehicle components, and demolition activities.
California and Texas Military Installations
California and Texas are home to dozens of current and former military installations where asbestos exposure was documented:
- Mare Island Naval Shipyard (Vallejo, CA) — Major ship construction and repair facility where thousands of workers were exposed to asbestos.
- Hunters Point Naval Shipyard (San Francisco, CA) — Ship repair facility with extensive asbestos use in insulation and shipfitting.
- Travis Air Force Base (Fairfield, CA) — Large Air Force installation with documented asbestos in buildings and aircraft maintenance facilities.
- Naval Air Station Alameda (Alameda, CA) — Aviation maintenance facility with known asbestos contamination.
- Fort Hood (Killeen, TX) — One of the largest Army installations in the world, with asbestos in older buildings and vehicle maintenance areas.
- Naval Station San Diego (San Diego, CA) — Home port for Pacific Fleet vessels built with asbestos-containing materials.
VA Benefits and Civil Litigation: You Can Pursue Both
An important point that many veterans do not realize is that VA disability benefits and civil lawsuits are completely separate legal processes. Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma can — and should — pursue both:
VA Disability Benefits
- Monthly disability compensation (mesothelioma is typically rated at 100% disability)
- Access to VA medical care and treatment
- Special Monthly Compensation for severely disabled veterans
- Aid and Attendance benefits
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for surviving spouses
Civil Litigation
- Lawsuits against the private companies that manufactured asbestos products used by the military
- Asbestos trust fund claims against bankrupt manufacturers
- Compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life
- Wrongful death claims for surviving family members
Compensation from civil lawsuits and trust funds does not reduce or affect your VA benefits. Our firm helps veterans coordinate both processes to maximize their total recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Veterans Asbestos Claims
Can veterans file a lawsuit against the military for asbestos exposure?
Veterans generally cannot sue the U.S. military directly due to the Feres Doctrine, which bars active-duty service members from suing the federal government for injuries sustained during military service. However, veterans can file lawsuits against the private companies that manufactured, supplied, or installed the asbestos-containing products used by the military. These companies knew asbestos was dangerous and failed to provide adequate warnings. Our firm identifies and pursues claims against these manufacturers on behalf of veterans.
Can I receive both VA benefits and compensation from a mesothelioma lawsuit?
Yes. VA disability benefits and civil lawsuits are separate legal processes, and veterans are entitled to pursue both simultaneously. VA benefits provide monthly disability payments and access to healthcare, while a civil lawsuit or trust fund claim can provide additional compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Receiving compensation from a lawsuit does not reduce or eliminate your VA benefits.
Which military branches had the most asbestos exposure?
The U.S. Navy and Coast Guard had the highest rates of asbestos exposure due to the extensive use of asbestos in ship construction, insulation, engine rooms, and boiler systems. However, veterans from all branches were at risk. Army and Air Force personnel were exposed through vehicle brake and clutch components, building insulation in barracks, and equipment on military bases. Marines serving aboard Navy vessels faced the same shipboard exposure risks.
How do I apply for VA disability benefits for mesothelioma?
Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma can apply for VA disability benefits by filing a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs. You will need to provide your military service records, medical diagnosis documentation, and evidence linking your asbestos exposure to your military service. Mesothelioma is generally considered a service-connected disability if the veteran can demonstrate asbestos exposure during service. Our firm can help coordinate your VA claim alongside your civil litigation.
What is the VA disability rating for mesothelioma?
The VA typically rates mesothelioma at 100% disability, which provides the maximum monthly disability compensation. This rating reflects the serious and terminal nature of the disease. Veterans rated at 100% disability may also qualify for additional benefits including Special Monthly Compensation, Aid and Attendance benefits, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for surviving family members.
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