Veterans make up 30 percent of patients who suffer from mesothelioma. Certain benefits are available to veterans through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Dealing with veterans’ benefits can be difficult for mesothelioma patients. However, we have assembled a list of frequently asked questions to help you on your way.
If you are a veteran, then the complexities of the VA Healthcare system are no mystery to you. If only it were as easy as having a comprehensive veteran benefits FAQ resource guide, but even that only goes so far. It can often be stressful and confusing to obtain veteran benefits simply due to a lack of information about the system. That’s why we have put together some FAQs about veteran benefits so that you have all the important resources you need in one place. Firstly, this form of financial compensation is for citizens who served in the United States military and received an honorable or general discharge. Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma were most likely exposed to asbestos through military property during their service making them eligible. As you may already know, Asbestos is a carcinogen that was heavily used by the military between the 1930s and the late 1970s. When asbestos is ingested or inhaled, the microscopic fibers can become stuck in the mesothelium – the protective lining of the lungs, heart, and abdomen. Trapped asbestos fibers can cause cells to mutate into malignant mesothelioma cells. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides financial, medical, and other assistance to veterans through several programs, including:
Veterans who developed mesothelioma due to military exposure are eligible for veterans benefits. However, the process may be tricky without an asbestos lawyer’s help and, as a result, veterans may have a veteran benefits FAQ. So read on to find some frequently asked questions from veterans, vetted by veterans, about healthcare and other related benefits.
Receiving veteran benefits from the VA typically depends on the type of discharge from active military service. To receive benefits, veterans must have actively served full-time as a member of the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, or Navy, and received an other-than-dishonorable-discharge. Our veteran contributors reviewed a comprehensive Veteran benefits FAQ list below which we think you will find useful when navigating the system.
A doctor must state in writing that asbestos caused one of the above illnesses. Asbestosis and mesothelioma don’t need this form of statement, because the VA accepts them automatically.
| VA-recognized cancers | VA-recognized conditions |
|---|---|
| Bronchus | Asbestosis |
| Gastrointestinal tract | Fibrosis |
| Larynx | Pleural effusions and fibrosis |
| Lungs | Pleural plaques |
| Pleura or peritoneum | Tumors |
| Urogenital (except prostate) |
The VA will want to collect records of asbestos exposure in the military. These records should determine how much asbestos exposure the veteran had at work before and after military service.
A lawsuit against a company that produced asbestos will not affect VA benefits. The VA does not consider compensation from a lawsuit or an asbestos trust fund. However, you cannot receive compensation from the VA or government more than once for the same illness.
A DBQ is a type of questionnaire that VA physicians use when examining the veteran for disabilities. The purpose of a DBQ is to ensure that exam records contain all the information needed for a physician to rate a disabled veteran’s condition.
No. There are many benefits for veterans and service members who have a disability or health issue linked to their time in the military, but NOT ALL veteran benefits are tied to being disabled.
The VA offers different kinds of benefits to mesothelioma victims. These benefits can range from health care to compensation. Read on below to find out the answers to 10 most veteran benefits FAQs.
The VA bases compensation for claims on the percentage of the awarded disability level, which goes from 0 percent to 100 percent in 10 percent increments. The number of dependents and if the veteran or their dependents require the assistance of another person are other factors that determine compensation.
One hundred percent of mesothelioma or lung cancer victims are typically approved, which equates to nearly $3,000/mo. for a single veteran and slightly more ($3,139/mo.) for married veterans.
Pensions are generally available to low-income, disabled wartime veterans. However, there are different qualifications based on when you served. Disabled veterans are eligible for a pension if they have served for more than 90 days of active duty, with at least one of those days falling during a wartime period.
Eligible wartime periods, according to the VA:
Aid & Attendance is a benefit that covers veterans who need daily care from another person, like a nurse. Veterans receiving VA Disability or VA Pension may be eligible to receive compensation through A&A. This benefit covers the cost of the veteran’s caregiver.
Veterans who cannot leave their homes due to their disability may be eligible for housebound benefits, such as increased pension or in-home care. In order to receive housebound benefits, veterans must qualify for a VA disability or pension.
Veterans who have VA Health Care can receive treatment at any VA Health Care hospital. Free healthcare is only available at VA hospitals, but veterans may also use their private health insurance at whichever hospital they prefer.
VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC) offers benefits to spouses and children of veterans who die from a service-related disability like mesothelioma. These benefits may include health care, monthly stipends, or educational training.
If a veteran passes away from a service-related illness after September 11th, 2001, the VA will pay up to $2,000 to cover funeral and burial fees. Since 2014, the payment has been automatic and can be applied directly to funeral costs.
Veterans with disabilities from non-service may qualify for VA Pension. Veterans must meet several qualifications to receive this form of compensation:
The VA healthcare system does indeed offer specialized care for veterans with mesothelioma. Through one of their many Comprehensive Cancer Centers, veterans and their families can access cutting-edge treatments. This includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
The process for applying for VA benefits involves completing and submitting VA Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits. Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma can seek assistance from the VA’s regional office or contact our patient advocates for more guidance.
Those who want to file a claim for benefits will have to prove that at least 50% of their exposure to asbestos came from military service. After they show proof of exposure, veterans with mesothelioma generally only have to show confirmation of the diagnosis to be eligible. Below you will find more information about some veteran benefits faqs that we receive about filing a claim, from how to do it to how long it takes.
To start the claims process, a veteran must have three things:
There are four ways to file a VA Claim:
The average number of days to complete disability-related claims is 109 days. The amount of time it takes to review your VA disability claim depends on:
The VA will let you know once they have received the claim by messaging you or sending you a letter. A Veterans Service Representative (VSR) will review the claim, gather evidence, and make a decision.
When the VA makes its decision, a claim decision packet will be sent through the mail and will include details of the decision on the claim.
Veterans benefits do not affect personal injury claims against companies that produced asbestos. You may be able to receive even more compensation by taking the next step.
This veteran benefits FAQ resource is really only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to navigating the system effectively. We could go on and on about the subtleties of the VA, but what we hope we accomplished was giving you more support and knowledge with your decisions. These questions also aimed to simplify the complexities of the VA Healthcare system for veterans like you, especially those diagnosed with mesothelioma due to military exposure. From recognizing asbestos-related diseases to understanding how to file a claim, we’ve addressed veteran benefits FAQ’s covering disability compensation, pensions, Aid & Attendance, housebound benefits, healthcare options, benefits for spouses and dependent children, funeral reimbursement, and benefits for veterans with civilian exposure to asbestos. For more personalized assistance and guidance, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to support you on your journey to accessing the vital veteran benefits you deserve.
Rachel Ernst is a content writer at Mesothelioma Hub. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she majored in communication and minored in sociology. She hopes to create public awareness about cancer through her writing. In her free time, Rachel likes to be outdoors, watch movies, and spend time with her animals.
Military.com. (2019). Asbestos Illness Related to Military Service. Retrieved on August 29, 2019, from https://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits/asbestos-and-the-military-history-exposure-assistance.html
National Veterans Foundation. (n.d.). Veterans Benefits Resource Center Overview. Retrieved on August 27, 2019, from https://nvf.org/veterans-benefits-resource-center/
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). Compensation. Retrieved on August 27, 2019, from https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/dbq_FAQs.asp
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). VA Disability Compensation. Retrieved on August 27, 2019, from https://www.va.gov/disability/
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). Veterans Asbestos Exposure. Retrieved on August 27, 2019, from https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/asbestos/