Why Do Veterans Get Mesothelioma?
Veterans get mesothelioma because the military used asbestos in ships, buildings, vehicles, and other equipment until the early 1980s without knowing it was dangerous.
Military veterans who worked with asbestos-containing products unknowingly breathed in and swallowed asbestos fibers, which can cause mesothelioma later in life.
If you or a loved one is a mesothelioma veteran, you may qualify for disability benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). You may also be able to file private legal claims to get compensation for treatment and secure your family’s financial future.
Download our Free Veterans Compensation Guide to learn more about your options and see if you qualify for mesothelioma payouts.
Where Were Mesothelioma Veterans Exposed to Asbestos?
All five branches of the military used asbestos for much of the 20th century:
- U.S. Air Force: Pilots, mechanics, and crew members like gunners may have been frequently exposed to asbestos.
- U.S. Army: Asbestos could be found in U.S. Army vehicle parts like gaskets and brake pads and construction materials such as insulation and paint used to build barracks and bases.
- U.S. Coast Guard: Those who worked on ships or in Coast Guard shipyards had a very high risk of exposure since many vessels contained asbestos.
- U.S. Marine Corps: Marines may have been exposed to asbestos from Air Force planes, bases, Navy ships, and vehicles.
- U.S. Navy: Almost every Navy ship was built with asbestos-containing products to keep them fireproof and resistant to corrosion. Navy shipyard workers also ran a high risk of exposure.
It wasn’t until the early 1980s that steps were taken to remove asbestos from military bases, naval ships, and vehicles.
Secondary Asbestos Exposure in Military Families
Family members of military personnel may have also been put at risk through secondary asbestos exposure.
When service members came home after working with or around asbestos products, microscopic fibers could cling to their hair and clothes, spreading to spouses and children through hugs, furniture, or laundry.
Over time, this secondary exposure can cause mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
Mesothelioma Veterans Benefits
If you qualify for mesothelioma veterans benefits, you could receive free or low-cost medical treatment, monthly disability compensation, and additional support to make life easier for you and your family.
VA Disability Compensation
VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment for veterans with service-connected illnesses. The amount you receive depends on your disability rating, and there are no income or employment restrictions.
The VA considers mesothelioma a total disability, so veterans with this cancer are eligible for the highest rating (100%). For 2025, disability compensation pays $4,044.91 per month to married veterans with mesothelioma.
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma but aren’t receiving the full disability amount, you may qualify for a rate increase. Many veterans initially receive a lower rating due to an earlier, less severe illness.
Contact our team today for free help applying for disability or increasing your existing VA benefits.
VA Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
Veterans with service-connected mesothelioma whose daily activities are significantly impacted may qualify for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC). This is an extension of the VA’s standard disability benefits package that is also offered to spouses of eligible veterans.
The VA awards SMC based on how your illness affects your daily life, including whether you need help with personal care or daily tasks.
For 2025, veterans can get $136.06 to $11,677.59 per month depending on:
- Their number of dependents
- The severity of their symptoms
- Whether they’re housebound, need daily assistance, or are in hospice care
Since mesothelioma is usually rated at 100% disability, many veterans automatically qualify for SMC-S (Housebound Benefits) if they don’t leave their homes regularly.
VA Aid & Attendance (A&A)
Aid & Attendance (A&A) is an additional monthly payment for veterans receiving a VA pension who need help with daily activities because of mesothelioma or another service-connected illness.
You may qualify for A&A benefits if you:
- Are bedridden due to your condition
- Have severely limited vision (5/200 or worse in both eyes)
- Live in a nursing home due to disability
- Require assistance with dressing, bathing, or eating
Veterans with mesothelioma who qualify for a VA pension and A&A can get $33,548 a year as of 2025. Since mesothelioma is a severe and often debilitating condition, many veterans get A&A to cover the costs of home care, assisted living, or nursing home expenses.
VA Pensions
To get a VA pension, you must have served on active duty during wartime, meet specific income requirements, and be permanently and totally disabled.
The net worth limit for 2025 is $159,240, which includes your and your dependents’ assets and income. Veterans with higher incomes may still qualify for a VA pension if they have significant medical expenses.
Monthly pension amounts are calculated by the VA based on the difference between your income and the Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR) set by Congress.
Veterans with mesothelioma who qualify for a pension may also be able to receive monthly Aid & Attendance benefits if they’re unable to care for themselves.
VA Survivors Benefits
Surviving spouses and dependent children of mesothelioma veterans can apply for tax-free benefits from the VA.
These include:
Download our Free Veterans Compensation Guide to learn more about the full range of benefits available to you and your family.
What Do I Need to File for Mesothelioma Veterans Benefits?
You may need the following to file for mesothelioma veterans benefits:
- A letter from a doctor describing the link between your mesothelioma diagnosis and your military service (also known as a nexus letter)
- Medical records confirming your mesothelioma diagnosis
- Military service records
- Proof that you were not dishonorably charged (DD214 or other separation documents)
Our team can help you gather all the necessary documents to file for veterans mesothelioma benefits. Give us a call at (866) 608-8933 to get started.
Compensation Options for Mesothelioma and Veterans
Along with VA benefits, you may be able to seek financial support from asbestos trust funds and lawsuit settlements. Most veterans with mesothelioma receive over $1 million on average in legal compensation, with no action taken against the military or government.
Asbestos Trust Fund Payouts
Veterans with mesothelioma may be able to access some of the $30+ billion already set aside in asbestos trust funds.
Asbestos companies that filed for bankruptcy were ordered to create mesothelioma trust funds to compensate people harmed by their products. Most mesothelioma veterans are eligible to file claims with multiple trusts and start receiving payouts, typically in 90 days or less.
A qualified mesothelioma lawyer can confirm whether you qualify for trust fund compensation and file claims without you having to appear in court.
“We gave that money to our kids, paid all their debts off, paid our house off, and made our life a little easier because we had no financial worries.”
Mesothelioma Settlements and Verdicts
In addition to filing asbestos trust fund claims, veterans may be able to file a mesothelioma lawsuit against the companies responsible for their illness.
Most mesothelioma lawsuits end in out-of-court settlements averaging $1 million to $1.4 million. However, some veterans have received significantly higher payouts from trial verdicts.
Notable lawsuit payouts for veterans and their families include:
- $40 million for a U.S. Navy veteran in Washington
- $5 million for an Air Force veteran & roofer in Florida
- $4.3 million for a Florida boilermaker & U.S. Army veteran
- $4.25 million for a welder & Air Force veteran from Indiana
- $3.9 million for a Maryland Army veteran and painter
- $3.3 million for the family of a U.S. Marine veteran in Ohio
- $2.73 million for a Massachusetts U.S. Navy veteran
- $34 million for a California Army veteran & auto mechanic
If a veteran passes away before they can take legal action, their family members may be able to pursue settlements through a wrongful death lawsuit.
Download our Free Veterans Compensation Guide today to learn how to access asbestos trust funds and legal settlements.
Treatment for Veterans With Mesothelioma
Veterans with mesothelioma can access treatment from top surgeons and oncologists (cancer doctors) within the VA health care system at little to no cost. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, and emerging therapies in clinical trials.
Some top VA mesothelioma treatment centers include:
2002 Holcombe Blvd.
Houston, TX 77030
1400 VFW Parkway
West Roxbury, MA 02132
1660 South Columbian Way
Seattle, WA 98108
11301 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90073
James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital
13000 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33612
Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center
3900 Woodland Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Getting treatment from a specialist at one of these veterans mesothelioma hospitals can help improve your prognosis and quality of life.
Get Help Filing for Mesothelioma Veterans Benefits and Compensation
If you are a U.S. veteran with mesothelioma, don’t wait to file for VA benefits and compensation. You served our country with pride, and you deserve medical and financial support for your illness.
Outside of VA benefits, you can work with a lawyer to pursue mesothelioma veterans compensation through asbestos trust fund claims and legal settlements. Filing a lawsuit does not take legal action against the U.S. military or government.
The Mesothelioma Hope team offers free assistance to help you access VA disability benefits, asbestos trust fund payouts, and legal settlements. Call (866) 608-8933 or download our Free Veterans Compensation Guide to get started today.
Military and Mesothelioma FAQs
What is the VA rating for mesothelioma?
The VA grants U.S. veterans with mesothelioma a 100% disability rating in most cases. This allows veterans to get the highest monthly payouts available.
For 2025, married veterans with a 100% disability rating qualify for $4,044.91 per month in tax-free compensation.
Contact our Patient Advocates to get free help filing for mesothelioma disability benefits or increasing your disability rating after a diagnosis.
How much does the VA pay for asbestos?
Married veterans with a 100% disability rating for mesothelioma can typically receive monthly payments of $4,044.91, totaling over $48,000 annually.
These benefits aren’t subject to taxes, and there are no restrictions on how you can use the money.
How do I prove asbestos exposure to the VA?
You don’t have to prove asbestos exposure to the VA on your own.
Our legal partners have extensive databases of military job sites, ships, and installations where asbestos was used. This means we can help identify when, where, and how you were exposed, taking the burden off your shoulders.
We can also file legal claims on your behalf to help you access additional compensation from asbestos trust funds and lawsuit settlements.
Give us a call at (866) 608-8933 to get the help you need.
What percentage of VA disability is asbestos exposure?
The VA disability rating for asbestos-related illnesses depends on how severe the condition is.
- Mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer automatically qualify for a 100% disability rating, meaning veterans get the highest monthly compensation available.
- For asbestosis and other non-cancerous lung diseases, the rating can range from 10% to 100%, depending on how much it affects your breathing and daily life.
Veterans affected by asbestos exposure may also qualify for additional VA benefits, such as Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) for severe disabilities or Aid and Attendance (A&A) for assistance with daily tasks.
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