Veterans have long faced dangers other professions did not, and the use of asbestos in several vehicles, buildings, and ships was among the most significant risks – particularly in Arizona.
The military attempted to stop using asbestos in the 1970s, the aggressive diseases associated with exposure often do not manifest for decades after initial contact with asbestos particles due to its long latency period.
Stories of Arizona Veterans
One such veteran is John Smith, who served in the Navy from 1965 to 1975. During his service, he worked in a ship’s engine room, where asbestos insulation was prevalent.
“We had no idea of the dangers back then,” Smith said. “We were just doing our jobs.”. The following year, Smith was diagnosed with mesothelioma — a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen as a result of asbestos exposure.
Smith’s story is not unique. A recent report from AMVets Magazine, includes many veterans in Arizona, some of who are just now being hospitalized as a result of their service-related asbestos contaminants.
The Arizona Department of Health Services has recorded 1,484 asbestos-related deaths from 1999 to 2018 … and that number includes a lot of veterans.
The Military’s Extensive Use of Asbestos: A Look Back
Because of its heat-resistant and fireproofing qualities, asbestos was heavily used by the military from the 1930s through to the 1970s. The Navy was particularly to blame for the rampant use of asbestos in insulating its ships, creating environments where extremely high levels of airborne asbestos fibers were likely reached in close parameters.
Asbestos was used in Army tanks and as insulation for Navy pipes, while Air Force aircraft included asbestos-containing materials — also found in military base construction.
During the period in which this type of fireproofing material was used extensively, an estimated 4.3 million Veterans were exposed to asbestos. Vast numbers of veterans were thus exposed to asbestos and at great risk for asbestos diseases should they develop 10-40 years following exposure, and it wasn’t until the late 1970s that the DOD initiated phasing out asbestos.
The Slow Progression of Asbestos-Related Diseases
The long latency period is one of the most malignant features of asbestos-related diseases. It would take 20 to 50 years after initial exposure for mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis to develop. That means our veterans who served almost 50 years ago are just starting to have symptoms and receive diagnoses.
Symptoms of asbestos-related disease may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Persistent cough
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
Veterans exhibiting these symptoms should report to their doctors right away, as early detection is a must for the successful treatment and management of asbestos-related illnesses
Legal Rights and Compensation for Affected Veterans
Through our asbestos litigation network, veterans diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness may have a right to substantial compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
There are two primary avenues for seeking compensation:
- Mesothelioma VA Benefits: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes certain asbestos-related diseases as service-connected disabilities for which veterans may be entitled to compensation or disability pension benefits from the VA. Eligible veterans can file a claim for disability compensation, that if granted, provides monthly payments, and access to VA healthcare.
- Asbestos Trust Funds: Many companies that manufacture or use asbestos products have established trust funds to compensate individuals affected by asbestos exposure. Veterans can file claims with these trust funds to receive compensation, even if the company responsible for their exposure has gone bankrupt.
The legal process can be complex; this is why Mesowatch offers free case evaluations and connects veterans with experienced asbestos litigation attorneys.
Our goal is to ensure that veterans receive the support and resources they need to secure the compensation they deserve. Learn more about how we can help by visiting our Veterans Resources page.
Raising Awareness and Protecting Veterans’ Health
Arizona veterans need to be made aware that the dangers from asbestos risks still exist. Educating veterans and their families about the health risks associated with asbestos exposure is important to promote regular medical screenings that can detect asbestos-related diseases at early, more treatable stages.
Continuing to support research in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of asbestos-related diseases is paramount for positive outcomes among exposed veterans.
Supporting organizations that provide resources and support for veterans, such as the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation and the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, can also make a significant difference in the lives of those impacted by asbestos exposure.
FAQs
These FAQs aim to provide clear, concise answers to some of the most common concerns faced by Arizona veterans and their families.
If you believe you were exposed to asbestos during your military service, it’s crucial to inform your doctor about your exposure history and undergo regular medical screenings. Catching asbestos-related diseases early can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
Yes, if you have an asbestos-related illness that is connected to your military service, you may be eligible for VA disability compensation. The VA recognizes mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis as service-connected disabilities.
Asbestos-related diseases have a long latency period, meaning they can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years to develop after initial exposure. This is why many veterans are only now experiencing symptoms and receiving diagnoses.
Asbestos trust funds were established by companies that manufactured or used asbestos products to compensate individuals affected by asbestos exposure. Veterans can file claims with these trust funds to receive compensation for their asbestos-related illnesses.
Mesowatch provides free case evaluations and connects veterans with experienced asbestos litigation attorneys. Our team can help veterans navigate the legal process, understand their rights, and pursue the compensation they deserve for their asbestos-related illnesses.
If you or a loved one has served in the military and has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma or lung cancer, it’s crucial to act quickly. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages, but time is of the essence.
Statutes of limitations, which are laws that set a time limit on your right to file a legal claim, vary by state and can be as short as one year from the date of diagnosis. This means that if you wait too long to take action, you may lose your right to seek compensation altogether.
Don’t delay – reach out to our support team at Mesowatch immediately for a free case evaluation. Our experienced attorneys understand the complexities of asbestos litigation and can help you navigate the legal process, ensuring that your rights are protected every step of the way.
We believe that veterans who have bravely served our country deserve the highest level of support and care, especially when facing the devastating consequences of asbestos exposure. Let us fight for you and your family, so you can focus on your health and well-being.
