Veterans & Mesothelioma

Military service members were among the most heavily exposed to asbestos. If you served and have been diagnosed, you may qualify for both legal compensation and VA disability benefits.

Asbestos in the Military

From the 1930s through the 1980s, every branch of the U.S. military used asbestos extensively. Navy ships, Army barracks, Air Force hangars, and Marine Corps equipment all contained asbestos-laden materials. Veterans who served during this period face significantly elevated mesothelioma risk — often diagnosed decades after their service ended.

Most Affected Military Populations

  • Navy veterans — Ships were built with asbestos insulation throughout boiler rooms, engine rooms, mess halls, and sleeping quarters. Shipyard workers and sailors faced constant exposure.
  • Army veterans — Barracks, vehicle maintenance, and construction projects exposed soldiers to asbestos-containing materials.
  • Air Force veterans — Aircraft brake systems, hangars, and maintenance facilities contained asbestos.
  • Marine Corps veterans — Marines served aboard Navy ships and in facilities with extensive asbestos use.

California shipyards in San Francisco, Long Beach, and San Diego were among the most asbestos-heavy facilities in the country. Texas Gulf Coast military installations and shipyards also exposed thousands of service members.

Dual Compensation: Legal Claims + VA Benefits

Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma may qualify for both legal compensation and VA disability benefits — they are not mutually exclusive. Our attorneys help veterans navigate both systems simultaneously:

  • Legal compensation — Trust fund claims and lawsuits against the manufacturers who supplied asbestos products to the military
  • VA disability benefits — Mesothelioma is presumptively service-connected for veterans who were exposed to asbestos during service
  • VA healthcare — Access to specialized treatment at VA medical centers

Free Case Evaluation

Find out if you qualify for compensation — no obligation, no fee unless we win.

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Frequently Asked Questions

You cannot sue the U.S. government directly, but you can sue the private companies that manufactured and supplied asbestos-containing products to the military. These companies knew asbestos was dangerous and failed to warn service members.

No. Legal compensation from lawsuits and trust fund claims does not reduce or affect your VA disability benefits. You are entitled to pursue both.

Veterans with mesothelioma may qualify for disability compensation (tax-free monthly payments), specialized medical care, Aid and Attendance benefits, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for surviving spouses.

The VA recognizes that asbestos exposure was widespread in military service. With documentation of your service records and occupational history, our attorneys help establish the connection between your service and your diagnosis.

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