Navy veterans account for the largest percentage of mesothelioma diagnoses. This is due to a disproportionate amount of asbestos used in Navy ships, shipyards, and barracks. Asbestos, a mineral that causes cancer, was a necessity because of the risk of fires and corrosion for vessels at sea. Now, veterans who served in the Navy could be eligible for compensation through the VA, and to take legal action against the companies that provided asbestos to the military.
United States veterans account for nearly 30 percent of all mesothelioma diagnoses. Of all the branches, the Navy was the largest consumer of asbestos-containing products. For this reason, Navy veterans face the highest risk of developing the disease and requiring cancer treatment.
Asbestos, a mineral known for its durable, fire-resistant nature, was used in nearly every aspect of the Navy. It was relied upon as insulation and used to prevent fires on Navy ships and submarines.
When asbestos is disturbed, its tiny fibers become airborne and can enter the body with no way of being expelled. Over time, this can cause severe damage to the mesothelium, the tissue that lines the organs of the chest, heart, and abdomen.
In 1939, the Navy’s surgeon general released a report connecting asbestos with debilitating lung conditions such as asbestosis. However, though asbestos was already a known carcinogen, asbestos manufacturers continued distributing it to the military, and its use persisted.
Asbestos was used in military weapons, on bases, and in vehicles. It was primarily used in insulation and could be found in pipes, motors, flooring, and walls. It was especially prevalent in rooms that required extra insulation, such as boiler rooms, engine rooms, and weapons storage areas. It was even used in mess halls and sleeping areas. Coupled with poor ventilation, asbestos was an unknown but near-constant threat, putting thousands of servicemen and women at risk.
The Navy was also extremely reliant on asbestos for fire prevention onboard ships and subs. As a result, boilermakers and shipyard workers faced the highest amount of exposure. However, the abundant use of asbestos put all Navy personnel at risk, even those in administrative roles.
Mesothelioma is known for having an extremely long latency period, meaning the time between exposure and the onset of symptoms requiring treatment. The disease can take between 10 and 60 years to develop and show up in victims. If you are exhibiting any symptoms, speak with your doctor right away and inform them of your potential work history around asbestos.
There are several programs in place that seek to match veterans with affordable treatment. Renowned mesothelioma experts Dr. Robert Cameron and Dr. Abraham (Avi) Lebenthal are both participants in the VA Health Care Program providing treatment to veterans.
Dr. Cameron serves as the chief of thoracic surgery at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center. The facility has partnered with UCLA’s Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program to provide veterans with surgery and other treatment geared toward improving their quality of life.
Dr. Lebenthal, based out of the Brigham & Women’s Hospital, serves as the head of thoracic surgery at the VA Boston Healthcare System, another facility designed to serve veterans.
Find a VA hospital or health system near you.
It is highly recommended that you work with an experienced VA claims specialist when filing a claim for VA benefits related to mesothelioma. Documents you will likely need to produce in order to qualify for compensation include:
Many brave heroes already risked their lives once while serving in the military. Sadly, their lives are still at risk of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related conditions. If you are a victim, please let us help you. In addition to filing for navy veterans benefits, veterans may also seek compensation by taking legal action.
Veterans and victims of mesothelioma are entitled to compensation. An attorney will be able to guide you through the process of suing the asbestos companies and manufacturers responsible. Call the Mesothelioma Hotline number below to speak with a member of our team, or request a free case evaluation online. We understand what you’re going through and can connect you with an experienced asbestos attorney who will be able to help get you the compensation you deserve.
Our team of authors collaborates with the advocate team, focusing on writing about asbestos exposure and mesothelioma to spread awareness. They are dedicated to supporting families within the mesothelioma community.
Brigham and Women’s Hospital. (2019). Abraham Lebenthal, MD. Retrieved on May 29, 2019, from https://physiciandirectory.brighamandwomens.org/details/1827/abraham-lebenthal-thoracic_surgery-boston-west_roxbury
McCabe, Robert. (2017). the Navy’s 4 Public Shipyards Are In Bad Shape, and It Will Take 19 Years to Restore Their Facilities, Study Says. Retrieved on December 5, 2018, from https://pilotonline.com/business/defense-shipyards/article_3c5e4e79-73c1-56cf-a993-fe12b3398f7c.html
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2019). Asbestos. Retrieved on May 29, 2019, from https://www.va.gov/health-care/https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/asbestos/
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2019). VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. Retrieved on May 29, 2019, from https://www.va.gov/health-care/https://www.losangeles.va.gov/services/Mesothelioma.asp
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2019). Veterans Asbestos Exposure. Retrieved on May 29, 2019, from https://www.va.gov/health-care/https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/asbestos/