A mesothelioma diagnosis can leave former service members and their families facing many difficult questions about treatments, financial support, and where to turn for help.
Many veterans with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos during their time in the military without realizing the risks, only to get sick decades later.
We spoke with Brian Cooke, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and mesothelioma military lawyer at Simmons Hanly Conroy, who helps veterans access the answers and resources they need to move forward after their diagnosis.
In this Q&A, Brian explains why veterans are more at risk for mesothelioma, how VA and legal claims work, and what steps military families can take to secure the help they need.
Why do so many veterans end up with mesothelioma decades after their service?
It really comes down to how the military relied on asbestos for decades. Since asbestos is resistant to heat and fire, it was used throughout ships, bases, aircraft, vehicles — you name it. For most of the 20th century, many people thought asbestos was safe, but we now know that it can cause mesothelioma and other serious diseases.
U.S. Navy veterans tend to have the highest risk because ships were packed with asbestos. It was in insulation, pipes, gaskets, and other parts that crews worked around every day. That said, veterans from every branch could have been exposed to asbestos in some way.
We estimate that veterans make up roughly a third of all mesothelioma cases today. That’s because the cancer takes a long time to develop — sometimes up to 50 years — so people are just now getting sick from exposure that happened decades ago.
How can veterans pay for the cost of mesothelioma treatment?
Veterans actually have a few options to help with mesothelioma treatment costs. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes mesothelioma as a service-connected illness when the asbestos exposure happened during active duty.
Usually, veterans with mesothelioma receive a 100% disability rating from the VA, which can provide monthly disability benefits to help cover the cost of medical care. Veterans can also access free or low-cost treatment at VA cancer centers across the country. Many of these centers work with top mesothelioma specialists.
In addition to VA benefits, veterans can seek legal compensation from companies that made or supplied the asbestos products used during their service. This is usually done by filing a lawsuit. These lawsuits don’t involve the government or the military — they focus on holding negligent companies accountable for exposing service members to asbestos.
At Simmons Hanly Conroy, our mesothelioma law firm is equipped to help you prepare your VA claim and take legal action against asbestos companies, allowing you to focus on your health while we take care of everything else.
What is the average VA compensation for asbestos exposure in 2025?
It depends on your disability rating and family situation, but a veteran with a 100% disability rating can receive around $4,000 a month in tax-free benefits. Veterans who are married or have dependents may get a bit more to help support their families.
These payments can help with medical care and everyday expenses, making sure veterans and their families aren’t left to shoulder the financial burden alone.
Can I file for VA benefits if I don’t remember where I was exposed to asbestos?
Absolutely. That’s one of the most common concerns I hear from veterans. Mesothelioma can take decades to develop, so it’s very common not to remember exactly where or how the exposure happened. You may have worked around asbestos without even realizing it at the time.
My team has access to ship records, base logs, and military product databases that document where asbestos was used and during which years. For example, many Navy ships built before the 1980s contained asbestos in engine rooms, boiler spaces, and insulation.
We can also gather statements from other service members who held similar jobs or served on the same vessels and bases.
By combining that information with your service history, we can determine when and where you came into contact with asbestos. Our team is well-equipped to investigate your exposure and gather the evidence to prove it.
Can I file a mesothelioma lawsuit if I’m already receiving VA benefits?
Yes. VA benefits and mesothelioma lawsuits are completely separate, and many of my clients receive compensation from both.
VA benefits come from the federal government and provide monthly disability payments, health care, and additional support for families. A lawsuit, on the other hand, seeks compensation from the private companies that made or supplied the asbestos materials responsible for your exposure. Filing a lawsuit doesn’t affect your ability to access VA benefits.
For military veterans, these two paths actually complement each other. VA benefits provide a steady monthly income, while legal claims may provide larger payouts to help with treatment and travel costs.
Since many companies used asbestos, veterans often get multiple payments over time, including trust fund payouts from companies that have gone out of business.
How quickly can a veteran begin receiving financial support after filing a claim?
Many veterans may actually start receiving legal compensation within just a few months. The exact payout timeline depends on a few different factors, like the type of claim filed and how quickly we can determine which companies are responsible for their asbestos exposure.
Asbestos trust fund claims usually move a little faster because they’re more straightforward to process. Lawsuits can take a bit longer, especially if several companies are involved, but most cases are settled before even going to court.
My goal is always to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible, ensuring every claim is accurate, well-documented, and positioned to get veterans the support they deserve as quickly as possible.
How would you describe your approach to helping clients as a military mesothelioma lawyer?
As a veteran myself, I know that asking for help doesn’t always come naturally. We’re trained to push through and handle things on our own, so when something as serious as mesothelioma happens, it’s not always clear what to do next.
It’s my job as a veterans mesothelioma lawyer to make things easier for folks during a really difficult time. That means explaining how VA benefits work, helping gather service records to trace where their asbestos exposure happened, or walking them through what to expect from a legal claim.
Every veteran’s story is different, and I take the time to listen to what each person and their family is going through. My clients always have my direct number, and I make sure they know they can reach out anytime. They’re not just another case to me — they’re people I’m here for, day or night.
What do you want newly diagnosed veterans and their families to know?
A mesothelioma diagnosis can turn your world upside down, but my team is available to help anyone who may be struggling.
When you reach out to an attorney, we can review your service records and medical information to pinpoint the sources of your asbestos exposure. It’s important to act quickly, though, as there’s a limited amount of time to take legal action for a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Families should know there’s support for them as well. Mesothelioma caregivers can access VA programs that offer respite care, training, and counseling to help manage the demands of looking after a loved one with mesothelioma.
These services are designed to ease the strain on families and ensure caregivers have the help they need while supporting someone through cancer treatment.
Get Help From Mesothelioma Attorneys Who Understand Veterans
Navigating VA benefits and legal options at the same time can seem overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to focus on treatment. Speaking with an experienced mesothelioma attorney can help clarify your next steps.
Brian Cooke and the team at Simmons Hanly Conroy have helped more than 3,600 veterans with mesothelioma secure compensation.
The firm, founded by a U.S. Army veteran, has recovered over $10.3 billion total for clients nationwide.
If you or a loved one served in the military and was later diagnosed with mesothelioma, help is available.
Call (866) 608-8933 now or request a free case review to learn more. There’s no cost to talk and no obligation to move forward until you’re ready.
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