Mesothelioma and the Army Compensation Program
Mesothelioma is a painful illness that often impacts veterans who served in the United States Army. The servicemen could be eligible for compensation through asbestos trust funds or lawsuits.
Asbestos was discovered in vehicles and barracks as well as aircraft. They could also have been exposed to the asbestos while working in Navy shipyards.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma victims have many different symptoms. Patients should be aware of their symptoms and notify their doctors if they change.
The majority of mesothelioma-related symptoms involve the presence of fluid and pain in the chest or abdomen. Some patients also suffer from fatigue, cough and an inability to eat. Certain of these symptoms are similar to those associated with other illnesses, so some veterans might not associate mesothelioma initially. Some symptoms may appear later depending on the level of exposure to asbestos. Exposure to asbestos at a high level typically cause symptoms to manifest quicker than exposure to low levels. As the disease progresses the symptoms of mesothelioma may change. This is known as metastasis.
Asbestos is a natural mineral. It is a tough, heat-resistant material that is utilized in a variety of military vehicles and construction materials. Asbestos fibers are able to become airborne, and inhalation is the primary method of mesothelioma exposure. Inhaling or ingestion of asbestos particles can lead to mesothelioma. Asbestos has been linked with lung cancer as well as other medical ailments.
The symptoms of mesothelioma range from mild to severe, and can affect the lungs, abdomen and the heart as well as joints. The majority of asbestos-related diseases take between 10 and fifty years to develop.
Many veterans who were in the Army were exposed to asbestos in a variety of ways. They could have worked in factories that produced asbestos-containing equipment or on Navy vessels which were extensively employed. Veterans who worked in the milling, piping and shipyard work, insulation demolition of older structures and carpentry on Navy vessels are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.
In the initial stages, the majority of patients with pleural mesothelioma experience chest pain and difficulty breathing. Pleural effusions can occur and is an accumulation of fluid within the pleura, which is the lining of the chest and lungs. Pleural effusions limit the ability of the lungs to expand when breathing. Patients with mesothelioma typically have pleural swelling and inflammation.
As mesothelioma progresses it will cause symptoms to get more severe. They may experience a loss in appetite, fatigue, or fever. Some mesothelioma patients have blood clots, which can be dangerous to their health. Dysphagia, a condition, can cause patients to have difficulty swallowing.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related cancer and a mesothelioma diagnosis will likely involve undergoing certain tests and a biopsy. Asbestos patients must have a mesothelioma expert perform the testing to prevent the possibility of a false diagnosis. Misdiagnoses can keep patients from getting the right treatment and could cause the disease a longer time to spread.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma they'll order an imaging test to look for any masses in the abdomen or chest. This could be a CT scan or MRI. The next step is to collect samples of fluid or tissue to be examined under a microscope. A biopsy is the only way to confirm mesothelioma is the diagnosis.
The doctor will determine if the specimen is peritoneal mesothelioma or pleural, which will help them decide the best treatment for the patient. The biopsy can also assist doctors to determine the kind of mesothelioma cell, which can influence the patient's prognosis.
The most commonly used type of mesothelioma is epithelioid. This type grows more slowly than other cancerous cells, making it easier for doctors to treat. It can also affect the lungs but is less serious than pleural msothelioma.
After the results of the biopsy are available A specialist will decide the best treatment options for the patient. The doctor will also determine the prognosis dependent on the type of mesothelioma and the rate at which it is growing.
Veterans with mesothelioma that have a military history of asbestos exposure could be entitled to compensation. People who were exposed to asbestos during their time in the United States Armed Forces should contact a VA-accredited claims rep to determine if they qualify for.
Treatment
Treatment options are based on the type and stage of mesothelioma malignancy. Patients with pleural mesothelioma could undergo surgery to alleviate breathlessness due to the accumulation of fluid within the chest cavity. The surgeon can use VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or open surgery in order to eliminate a part of the tissue that lines the chest wall and the lungs. A tube can be placed in the chest to drain fluid from around the lungs several times a week.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is treated similar to pleural mesothelioma, but with less extensive surgery. The diaphragm, peritoneum, and other abdominal parts can be removed during surgery. Mesothelioma patients can receive chemotherapy and radiation after surgery to kill cancer cells that remain.
Certain patients with mesothelioma are not eligible for surgery, even though doctors believe that they could be treated by surgery. In these situations, doctors may recommend palliative treatment to alleviate symptoms such as fatigue and sleeplessness.
After treatment, mesothelioma may return. The cancer may recur in the same spot from which it started or spread to other parts of the body. If mesothelioma is recurred treatment can be more difficult.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally is well-known for its strength and resistance to heat. It was used in a variety of Army construction projects, including insulation and for vehicles. When asbestos fibers are disturbed they can be airborne and inhaling them could cause a variety of serious health complications.
Veterans can receive financial aid to cover treatment when the VA recognizes mesothelioma as an illness that is linked to service. A mesothelioma attorney can assist veterans to receive the disability benefits they deserve.
Financial Assistance
The cost of mesothelioma treatment can be high. However veterans mesothelioma compensation fund who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma can receive financial assistance. Veterans can receive compensation in the form of disability benefits or settlements arising from mesothelioma suits. Compensation from these programs can assist veterans in paying their medical expenses as well as the cost of living.
Asbestos lawyers can help veterans receive the compensation they deserve for mesothelioma or asbestos exposure. A skilled lawyer can help veterans make a mesothelioma claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs, or file a personal injury orwrongful death lawsuit against companies that are accountable for their exposure to asbestos.
In the majority of cases, mesothelioma sufferers and their surviving loved ones are eligible for compensation from the VA because mesothelioma is considered a condition that is linked to a service. The type of asbestos exposure determines eligibility. Asbestos exposure is more likely to be experienced by Navy veterans who have worked in shipyards as opposed to Army veterans.
The VA will pay a veteran a monthly disability payment when mesothelioma has been confirmed. The amount of compensation is contingent on the degree of mesothelioma-related disability. The VA also compensates for funeral and burial expenses for those who die from mesothelioma.
Patients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses, can also seek compensation through asbestos trust funds and the manufacturers responsible for asbestos exposure. A mesothelioma suit can result in an enormous settlement for the victims and their families.
Many nonprofit organizations offer grants for mesothelioma patients to cover accommodation, travel, and other expenses related to their treatment. Mesothelioma patients and their surviving family members are eligible for these grants to cover medical expenses and ease the financial burden.
Mesothelioma victims and their families face numerous financial challenges due to the cost of mesothelioma treatments. Compensation from various sources can assist in paying for these expenses. These include compensation from the VA and mesothelioma trust funds, as well as personal injury or settlements in wrongful death lawsuits against companies that are responsible for asbestos exposure. A lawyer can help mesothelioma victims and their loved ones pursue compensation to cover the medical expenses.