Mesothelioma and the Army Compensation Program
Mesothelioma is a painful illness that can affect veterans who served in the United States Army. The servicemen could be qualified for compensation through asbestos trust funds or lawsuits.
Army veterans were exposed to asbestos in vehicles, barracks and aircraft. They could also have been exposed to the asbestos while working in Navy shipyards.
Signs and symptoms
There are a variety of symptoms mesothelioma patients may suffer from. Patients should keep track of their symptoms and inform their doctor if they experience changes.
Most mesothelioma patients suffer from pain and fluid accumulation in the abdomen or chest. Patients may also suffer from fatigue, cough and loss of appetite. Certain of these symptoms are similar to those associated with other diseases, so some veterans may not associate mesothelioma initially. Some symptoms may appear later depending on the level of asbestos exposure. High levels of asbestos exposure often cause symptoms to manifest more quickly than low-level exposure. As the disease progresses, mesothelioma symptoms can change. This is known as metastasis.
Asbestos is a natural mineral. It is strong, heat-resistant and is used in a variety of construction materials and military vehicles. Inhalation of asbestos fibers is the main method used to treat mesothelioma. Mesothelioma as well as peritoneal mesothelio Pleural mesothelioma can be caused by inhaling or ingesting these microscopic asbestos particles. Asbestos has been linked with lung cancer as well as other medical conditions.
The symptoms of mesothelioma vary from mild to severe, and it can affect the lungs and abdomen, as well as joints and the heart. The majority of asbestos-related illnesses can take between 10 and fifty years to develop.
Many veterans who served in the Army were exposed to asbestos in a variety of ways. They may have worked on bases for military personnel and in factories that manufactured asbestos-containing equipment, and on Navy vessels where asbestos was widely used. Veterans who worked on Navy vessels in the areas of piping, milling, and shipyard work, as well as insulation, demolition and old buildings, carpentry, and insulation are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
The majority of patients with pleural Mesothelioma are afflicted with chest pain and breathing difficulties in the beginning. Pleural effusions can occur and is an accumulation of fluid in the pleura, which is the lining of the lungs and chest. Pleural effusions may limit the lungs' capacity to expand when breathing. Patients with mesothelioma often experience inflammation and pleural thickness.
As the mesothelioma grows and the symptoms become more severe. Patients may suffer from fatigue, fever and loss of appetite. Some mesothelioma patients develop blood clots which can be harmful to their health. Patients can also experience difficulty swallowing, which is known as dysphagia.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a cancer that is triggered by asbestos, so a mesothelioma diagnosis will likely involve undergoing certain tests and an examination. To avoid a misdiagnosis, asbestos patients should see mesothelioma experts who perform the tests. False diagnoses can prevent patients from receiving the appropriate treatment and could give the disease more time to spread.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request an imaging test to look for lumps in the abdomen or chest. This can be a CT scan or MRI. The next step is to collect samples of fluid or tissue to be examined under microscope. A biopsy is the most reliable way to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis.
The doctor will then determine if the specimen is peritoneal mesothelioma or pleural which will allow them to determine the best treatment option for the patient. The biopsy will also help doctors determine the kind of mesothelioma cell, which could influence the prognosis of the patient.
The most common mesothelioma type epithelioid is most prevalent. It is a slower-growing type than other cancerous cells, which makes it less difficult to treat. It can also affect the lungs, but is less invasive than pleural msothelioma.
A specialist will determine the most effective treatment options are for the patient following the biopsy results have been received. The doctor will also determine the prognosis based on the mesothelioma type and the rate at which it is growing.
Veterans with mesothelioma who have a military history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation. Contact a VA-accredited claim representative to determine if you qualify for benefits if you were exposed to asbestos while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Treatment
The type of mesothelioma malignancy the patient has and its stage determine the treatment options. Patients with pleural mesothelioma typically undergo surgery to alleviate breathlessness that is caused by the accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity. The surgeon can use VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) or open surgery in order to remove part of tissue that lines the chest wall and the lungs. A tube may be inserted into the chest to drain fluid around the lungs several times a week.
Peritoneal mesothelioma can be treated similarly to pleural mesothelioma, but with less extensive surgery. The diaphragm, peritoneum, and other abdominal organs can be removed during surgery. After surgery, patients with mesothelioma are able to receive chemotherapy and radiation to kill any cancer cells left.
Some patients with mesothelioma might not qualify for surgery even if doctors believe that they can be treated surgically. In these instances, doctors may recommend palliative treatment to alleviate symptoms such as fatigue and sleeplessness.
After treatment, mesothelioma can return. The cancer may recur in the same spot from which it first began or spread to other parts of the body. If it recurs, it could be more difficult to treat the mesothelioma.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is known for its strength and resistance to heat. It was used in numerous Army-related construction projects, including insulation and on vehicles. When asbestos fibers are disturbed, they can be airborne and inhaling them can lead to a number of serious health issues.
Veterans can receive financial aid to pay for treatment in the event that the VA recognizes that mesothelioma is a condition that is related to service. A mesothelioma attorney can assist veterans in obtaining the disability benefits they are entitled to.
Financial Assistance
The cost of mesothelioma-related treatments can be high. However, veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma can receive financial aid. Compensation programs for veterans include disability benefits and mesothelioma lawsuit settlements. Compensation from these programs can help veterans pay their medical expenses in addition to the cost of living.
Asbestos lawyers can assist veterans get the compensation they are due for asbestos exposure and mesothelioma. An experienced lawyer can help a veteran with the filing of a mesothelioma case with the Department of Veterans Affairs or filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit against the companies that are responsible for their mesothelioma compensation how much asbestos exposure.
In the majority of cases, mesothelioma patients and their families qualify for compensation from the VA since mesothelioma is a condition that is linked to a service. The type of asbestos exposure determines eligibility. Asbestos exposure is more likely to occur in Navy veterans who have worked in shipyards than Army veterans.
The VA will provide a veteran with a monthly disability benefit in the event of a mesothelioma diagnosis. The amount of compensation is contingent on the severity of disability resulting from mesothelioma. The VA also pays for funeral and burial costs for those who have died from mesothelioma.
Veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses may also seek compensation from the asbestos trust funds and manufacturers responsible for their asbestos exposure. A mesothelioma suit can result in a substantial settlement for victims and their families.
Many different nonprofit organizations offer grants to mesothelioma patients to cover accommodation, travel and other expenses associated with their cancer treatments. These grants are available to mesothelioma patients and their survivors. They can be used to pay for medical costs and reduce the financial burden.
Mesothelioma sufferers and their families face numerous financial obstacles due to costly mesothelioma treatment. Compensation from different sources can assist in paying for these expenses. Compensation from the VA and mesothelioma fund as well as personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit settlements with asbestos-related companies could be included. A lawyer can help mesothelioma victims and their loved ones pursue compensation to cover their medical expenses.