If you’re a U.S. veteran with mesothelioma, you may qualify for many helpful benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including monthly compensation and free or inexpensive health care.
However, navigating which mesothelioma VA benefits you’re eligible for can be confusing without legal help. In fact, many veterans and families have misconceptions about accessing and using their VA benefits.
Below, we’ll bust 11 common myths about mesothelioma VA benefits and explain how we can help. Give us a call at (866) 608-8933 anytime to learn about filing or increasing your VA benefits after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Myths About Accessing Mesothelioma VA Benefits
While filing for VA benefits may seem overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be. Learn common misbeliefs about mesothelioma VA benefits and how we can make the process simple and stress-free.
Myth #1: Mesothelioma isn’t service-related, so I can’t get VA benefits.
Mesothelioma has been linked to service in all five military branches, particularly the U.S. Navy.
Mesothelioma has a long latency period of 10-50 years or more after asbestos exposure. The VA considers mesothelioma a service-related illness if you come in contact with asbestos while serving, regardless of when you’re diagnosed.
“Any veteran who has mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure while serving in the military is entitled to VA benefits.”
– Eric Hall, Major USAFR & VA-accredited attorney
You may not remember when, where, or how you were exposed to asbestos while serving — and that’s okay. The Mesothelioma Hope team can help pinpoint your military asbestos exposure so you can get the VA benefits you deserve.
Myth #2: The VA doesn’t consider mesothelioma a disability.
The VA may consider mesothelioma to be a service-connected disability if your cancer can be linked back to military asbestos exposure.
Married veterans with mesothelioma almost always receive a 100% disability rating. This means they qualify for the highest disability benefits, worth nearly $4,000 a month in 2024.
Contact us now to learn if you may be eligible for mesothelioma VA benefits.
Myth #3: I wasn’t honorably discharged, so I don’t qualify for VA benefits.
You may still be eligible for VA benefits even if you weren’t honorably discharged.
The VA typically awards VA benefits to veterans who receive an honorable or general discharge. In some cases, veterans who received a dishonorable discharge could receive benefits, too, depending on what the VA decides.
Myth #4: I need a medical exam to access VA benefits.
The VA typically requires U.S. veterans to get a medical exam, which helps prove whether their condition or illness is related to their military service.
However, if you have mesothelioma, you may not need this exam because this cancer is considered a presumptive service condition.
“VA automatically presumes that certain disabilities were caused by military service. This is because of the unique circumstances of a specific veteran’s military service.”
— U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Myth #5: If I already have VA benefits, I can’t increase them after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Many U.S. veterans already have VA benefits when they receive a mesothelioma diagnosis. We’ve helped these veterans maximize their VA benefits to get more compensation and lower VA health care copays.
Get our Free Veterans Compensation Guide to see how we can help you file for benefits or increase your disability rating.
Myths About Mesothelioma VA Benefits and Legal Help
Veterans may be eligible to file lawsuits along with VA benefit claims to pursue the most money possible. Some veterans may be wary about seeking mesothelioma legal help, but they don’t have to be.
Learn how filing both VA benefit claims and lawsuits can help you and your family.
Myth #6: Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit will prevent me from getting VA benefits.
VA benefits claims and mesothelioma lawsuits are not connected. Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit does not affect your ability to pursue VA benefits.
In addition, it may be in your best interest to file a mesothelioma lawsuit since you may receive significant compensation. The average lawsuit settlement awards $1 million to $1.4 million in mesothelioma compensation.
Mesothelioma Hope can help eligible veterans seek VA benefits and lawsuit compensation at the same time. Call (866) 608-8933 to learn more.
Myth #7: If I file a mesothelioma lawsuit, I’m suing the military or government.
When you work with our legal partners, your mesothelioma lawsuit will not be filed against the military or government.
Instead, you will be suing the companies that made and sold the asbestos-based products that caused your illness. These companies knew the dangers of asbestos but hid them for decades.
“I didn’t want to sue my government, and I damn sure didn’t want to sue the Navy, because they’re still feeding me. I was suing the manufacturers of asbestos-containing products.”
–Walter, U.S. Navy veteran with mesothelioma
Lawyers at our partner mesothelioma law firm will handle all the work related to building your case and accessing VA benefits.
Contact our team now to learn if you qualify for mesothelioma VA benefits and legal compensation.
Myth #8: A VA-accredited lawyer can’t help me get benefits.
VA-accredited lawyers know how to properly build and file mesothelioma VA benefits claims, making the process easy and stress-free for you and your family.
By working with these attorneys, you can:
- Gather the right documentation for your VA benefits claim
- Ensure that your VA benefits claim is filed correctly
- Get the most out of your VA benefits
Our VA-accredited mesothelioma lawyer Eric Hall can help you secure VA benefits for free if you qualify.
“When I help a veteran apply for VA benefits, I do that at no cost to them.”
–Eric P.W. Hall, Major USAFR & Mesothelioma Hope Patient Advocate
Myths About Mesothelioma VA Health Care
A common myth is that the VA’s health care plan isn’t of the same quality as civilian plans. Learn why that isn’t the case and how VA health care can be a big help to veterans with mesothelioma.
Myth #9: VA health care isn’t as good as civilian health care.
VA health care coverage rivals or surpasses the services offered by civilian health care.
Some of the world’s top mesothelioma doctors work at VA hospitals across the country. Because these doctors specifically treat veterans, they deeply understand their medical needs and can create a health care plan specific to your diagnosis.
Use our Free Doctor Match to find the best mesothelioma specialists near you.
Myth #10: If I get VA health care, I can only be treated at VA hospitals.
Even if you have VA health care, you may still be able to get mesothelioma treatments from civilian hospitals and doctors.
U.S. veterans don’t have to give up their civilian health insurance if they get VA health care. In fact, the VA encourages veterans to keep private health insurance.
In addition, the VA allows veterans with VA health care to get treatment from community doctors if specific requirements are met. For example, if a veteran needs a medical service that the VA doesn’t provide, then they can access it at a civilian hospital.
Myth #11: VA health care will cost me as much as civilian health care.
It may cost less to get mesothelioma treatments through the VA than through a civilian health care plan.
The VA will cover most, if not all, of the expenses related to a case of service-connected mesothelioma, saving you and your family the worry of paying for treatments.
Get Help Accessing Mesothelioma VA Benefits Right Now
Mesothelioma VA benefits can be incredibly helpful, and you can access them much more easily with a VA-accredited lawyer by your side.
Mesothelioma Hope’s in-house VA-accredited lawyer, Eric Hall, can help you file for free with no extra stress.
Call (866) 608-8933 now to learn if you qualify for mesothelioma VA benefits and legal compensation. Our caring and dedicated team is ready to help you in any way we can.
