Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure, and among the most at-risk groups are U.S. Navy veterans. For decades, Navy ships and shipyards heavily used asbestos-containing materials, unknowingly endangering the health of servicemen. When these veterans are diagnosed with mesothelioma, they are often entitled to compensation and health care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This article explores the range of VA benefits available to Navy veterans, how to apply, eligibility requirements, and the legal implications tied to asbestos exposure during military service.
Why Navy Veterans Are at High Risk of Mesothelioma
Asbestos Use in Naval Vessels
Between the 1930s and late 1970s, asbestos was widely used in the construction of Navy ships due to its fireproofing and insulating properties. It was present in:
- Engine and boiler rooms
- Pipe insulation
- Gaskets and valves
- Deck coverings
- Sleeping quarters
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the confined environments of naval vessels made it more likely for airborne asbestos fibers to be inhaled over time (VA.gov, 2023).
Latency Period
Mesothelioma has a latency period of 20–50 years, meaning symptoms typically do not appear until decades after exposure. Consequently, many Navy veterans are being diagnosed years after their service, often unaware of the dangers they faced during active duty.
Types of VA Benefits Available for Navy Veterans
1. VA Disability Compensation
VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment made to veterans who became ill or injured while serving. For Navy veterans with mesothelioma, this compensation can be substantial due to the severity and service-connected nature of the disease.
- Eligibility Requirements:
- Honorable or general discharge
- Proof of asbestos exposure during active duty
- Medical diagnosis of mesothelioma
As of 2025, mesothelioma cases are rated at 100% disability, ensuring maximum compensation. The monthly payment may exceed $3,700 and increases with dependents.
2. VA Health Care
Veterans with mesothelioma qualify for VA health care services, including:
- Diagnostic imaging
- Surgery and chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy and clinical trials
- Palliative and hospice care
Care can be accessed at VA medical centers, and veterans may also be referred to VA-partnered civilian hospitals with mesothelioma expertise.
3. VA Pension (Aid & Attendance)
This benefit provides additional financial support to veterans who need help with daily activities. It is income-based and often applies to:
- Low-income veterans with mesothelioma
- Surviving spouses who require caregiving assistance
4. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
DIC is available to surviving spouses and dependents of veterans who died from service-connected mesothelioma. It includes:
- Monthly financial support (starting around $1,600/month)
- Additional compensation for children or dependent parents
- Education and training benefits for surviving dependents
5. Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
SMC is an extra benefit for veterans suffering from serious illnesses like mesothelioma that lead to loss of mobility, ability to work, or need for assistance. It’s added to the standard disability payment.
How to File for VA Benefits: Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Gather Service and Medical Records
You’ll need:
- DD-214 (discharge papers)
- Medical diagnosis and pathology report confirming mesothelioma
- Service records that detail assignments, ship postings, or locations with known asbestos exposure
Step 2: Submit a VA Claim
Claims can be submitted:
- Online via VA.gov
- In person at a VA regional office
- Through a VA-accredited claims agent or attorney
Veterans should be as detailed as possible in describing the nature of asbestos exposure during service.
Step 3: VA Review Process
The VA may:
- Request a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam
- Evaluate your asbestos exposure evidence
- Issue a rating decision (typically 100% for mesothelioma)
Step 4: Appeals (If Denied)
If denied, veterans have several options:
- Supplemental Claim
- Higher-Level Review
- Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals
Legal assistance from a VA-accredited attorney can greatly increase the success rate of appeals.
Legal Options Beyond VA Benefits
Filing Asbestos Trust Fund Claims
Many manufacturers of asbestos products used in Navy ships have established trust funds following bankruptcy. Veterans can file non-VA compensation claims through these trusts without affecting their VA benefits.
Filing Lawsuits Against Manufacturers
While you cannot sue the government or military, veterans can sue third-party companies that manufactured or supplied asbestos products used during their service. These lawsuits often result in significant settlements or jury awards.
Notable VA Cases and Settlements
- In 2020, a Navy machinist diagnosed with mesothelioma secured $2.4 million from trust funds and manufacturers.
- Multiple veterans treated at VA Boston Healthcare System, home to the VA’s premier mesothelioma program, have received both comprehensive care and full VA benefits (VA.gov, 2023).
Top VA Facilities for Mesothelioma Treatment
1. VA Boston Healthcare System
- Partners with Harvard and Brigham and Women’s Hospital
- Specializes in mesothelioma surgery and research
2. VA Los Angeles (Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System)
- Offers advanced clinical trials and palliative care
3. Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (Houston, TX)
- Equipped with a thoracic oncology program
These centers are part of the VA’s nationwide network, offering specialized care for asbestos-related conditions.
Common Challenges Faced by Navy Veterans
Difficulty Proving Exposure
Due to the passage of time, veterans often struggle to remember exact dates or products. However, VA adjudicators use a “benefit of the doubt” standard when evidence is in equipoise, favoring the veteran when exposure is plausible.
Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is often mistaken for pneumonia or lung cancer. Veterans should seek a second opinion from a mesothelioma specialist to ensure proper diagnosis.
Navigating VA Bureaucracy
Filing a claim can be complex. Utilizing a VA-accredited lawyer or Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can simplify the process and increase the chances of success.
Tips to Maximize Your VA Mesothelioma Claim
- File Immediately After Diagnosis – Time is critical; early filing ensures faster compensation.
- Provide Detailed Exposure History – List ship names, duties, and any known asbestos use.
- Include All Dependents – This can increase your monthly compensation.
- Work with Experienced Legal Help – VA-accredited attorneys often work on contingency fees and help gather crucial documentation.
- Don’t Overlook Additional Benefits – Look into Aid & Attendance, SMC, and DIC if applicable.
Conclusion
Mesothelioma is a devastating diagnosis, but Navy veterans are not alone. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides a robust support system, from financial compensation and health care access to legal options for additional justice. If you or a loved one served in the Navy and has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, applying for VA benefits can offer peace of mind and tangible help during a difficult time.
References
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2023). Asbestos Exposure and VA Disability Compensation
- Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. (2023). Veterans and Mesothelioma
- National Cancer Institute. (2023). Malignant Mesothelioma Treatment
- The Mesothelioma Center. (2024). VA Claims & Benefits for Veterans
- Legal Information Institute. (2023). VA Disability Compensation Law
- U.S. Department of Defense. (2024). Naval History and Heritage Command
