Mesothelioma and the Army Compensation Program
Mesothelioma can be a painful condition that affects a lot of veterans of the United States Army. These service members may qualify for compensation from asbestos trust funds as well as lawsuits.
Army veterans were exposed to asbestos in vehicles, barracks and aircraft. They may be exposed to the asbestos when working in Navy shipyards.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma victims have many different symptoms. These vary by the stage and type of mesothelioma. Patients should keep track of their symptoms and inform any changes to their physicians.
The majority of patients with mesothelioma suffer from pain and swelling in the abdomen or chest. Some patients also have a cough, fatigue and a loss of appetite. Some of these symptoms may be misinterpreted as signs of other illnesses. So some veterans may not recognize them at first. Based on the level of asbestos exposure, certain symptoms are more apparent than others. Symptoms can appear more quickly when exposure to asbestos is high. Mesothelioma symptoms may also change as the disease grows and spreads to other parts of the body, a process referred to as metastasis.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. It is a durable and heat-resistant material used in many military vehicles and construction materials. Asbestos fibers can be airborne and inhalation is the principal method for mesothelioma exposure. Mesothelioma as well as peritoneal mesothelio the pleural mesothelioma result from inhaling or ingestion of these microscopic asbestos particles. Asbestos has been linked to lung cancer and other medical ailments.
Symptoms of mesothelioma can range from mild to extremely severe and affect the abdomen, lungs and the heart as well as joints. Most asbestos-related diseases can take between 10 and fifty years to develop.
Many veterans who served in the Army were exposed to asbestos in various ways. compensation due to mesothelioma could have worked in factories that manufactured asbestos containing equipment or on Navy ships, where asbestos was extensively used. Veterans who worked on Navy vessels in the areas of piping, milling and shipyard work, as well as demolition, insulation of old buildings, carpentry, and insulation are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Most pleural Mesothelioma sufferers have chest pain and breathing difficulties in the beginning. They might also suffer from a pleural effusion, which is the accumulation of fluid in the pleura which connects the lungs and chest. Pleural effusions may limit the lungs' ability to expand when breathing. Inflammation and pleural thickening are also common in mesothelioma patients.
As mesothelioma advances, affected patients will notice that their symptoms get worse. They might experience a loss of appetite, fatigue, or a fever. Some mesothelioma sufferers develop blood clots which can be dangerous for their health. Patients can also experience a hard time swallowing, which is called dysphagia.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related cancer and a mesothelioma diagnosis will likely involve undergoing certain tests, and then an examination. Asbestos sufferers must have a mesothelioma expert perform the testing to prevent a misdiagnosis. Incorrect diagnosis can stop patients from receiving right treatment, and may cause the disease to spread more quickly.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma they'll order an imaging test to identify any lumps in the abdomen or chest. This could be an CT scan or MRI. The next step is to collect the sample of tissue or fluid to be examined under microscope. A biopsy is the most reliable method to confirm mesothelioma diagnosis.
The doctor will then determine if the sample is peritoneal mesothelioma or pleural which will allow them to determine the best treatment for the patient. The biopsy also helps doctors determine the mesothelioma cells type, which could affect the prognosis.
The most common mesothelioma type is epithelioid. It is a slower-growing type than other cancerous cells, which makes it less difficult to treat. This type may also be found in the lungs, however it is usually less severe than pleural mesothelioma.
A specialist will decide what the most effective treatment options are for the patient once the results of a biopsy have been received. The doctor will also decide the prognosis, which is determined by the mesothelioma type and how fast it is growing.
Veterans with mesothelioma that have an asbestos-related history in the military exposure could be eligible for compensation. Those who have been exposed to asbestos during their service in the United States Armed Forces should seek out a VA-accredited claims representative to determine if they are eligible for.
Treatment
The type of mesothelioma malign a person has and the stage it is determined by treatment options. Patients with pleural msothelioma may undergo surgery to alleviate breathing problems due to fluid accumulation in the chest cavity. The surgeon may employ VATS (video-assisted surgical thoracoscopic procedure) or open surgery to remove a portion of the wall of the chest and lung. A tube could be placed in the chest to drain fluid around the lungs several times a week.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is treated similar to pleural mesothelioma, however with less extensive surgery. Surgery can involve removing parts of the abdomen, including the diaphragm as well as the peritoneum. Mesothelioma patients are able to receive chemotherapy and radiation after surgery to kill cancer cells that remain.
Certain patients with mesothelioma may not qualify for surgery even if their doctors believe they can be treated surgically. In these situations medical experts may recommend palliative care to ease symptoms such as fatigue, pain and sleeplessness.
Mesothelioma can recur after treatment. Cancer can return in the same location where it began or spread to other parts of the body. In the event of a recurrence in mesothelioma treatment can be more difficult.
Asbestos is a natural mineral that is known for its strength and resistance to heat. It was used in a variety of Army construction projects, such as insulation and for vehicles. Asbestos fibers may become airborne when disturbed and could cause serious health problems when inhaled.
Veterans are eligible for financial aid to cover treatment if the VA recognizes mesothelioma as a condition that is related to service. A mesothelioma attorney can assist veterans to receive the disability benefits that they are entitled to.
Financial Assistance
The cost of mesothelioma treatments can be high. However, veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma may receive financial assistance. Compensation programs available to veterans include disability benefits, as well as mesothelioma settlements for lawsuits. These compensation programs can help veterans cover their medical costs as well as daily living expenses.
Asbestos lawyers can help veterans receive the amount they are due for mesothelioma or asbestos exposure. An experienced lawyer can help veterans make a mesothelioma claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs, or make a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit against companies that are accountable for their exposure to asbestos.
Most mesothelioma patients and their survivors are eligible for compensation through the VA since mesothelioma has been classified as a disease that is connected to service. The type of asbestos exposure determines the eligibility. For instance, Navy veterans who worked in shipyards could be at a higher risk of being exposed to asbestos than Army veterans.
If mesothelioma is confirmed, the veteran may apply for monthly disability compensation payments through the VA. The amount of the compensation will depend on the severity of the disability that is a result of mesothelioma. The VA also covers funeral and burial expenses for those who have died from mesothelioma.
Veterans who are diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases can also seek compensation from asbestos trust funds as well as the manufacturers accountable for their asbestos exposure. A mesothelioma lawsuit can result in an award that is substantial for the victims and their families.
Numerous non-profit organizations provide grants to patients with mesothelioma for housing, travel and other expenses associated with their cancer treatment. These grants are available to mesothelioma patients and their survivors. They can assist in paying for medical expenses and help ease the burden of financial stress.
Mesothelioma victims and their families face numerous financial difficulties due to the expense of mesothelioma treatment. Compensation from various sources can help them pay for these costs. These can include compensation from the VA and mesothelioma trust fund, as well as personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit settlements against companies responsible for their asbestos exposure. Lawyers can aid mesothelioma patients as well as their family in pursuing compensation to pay for medical expenses.