What’s the Connection Between the U.S. Navy and Asbestos?
Veterans who served in the U.S. Navy before the early 1980s are at risk of mesothelioma today. This is because they were often exposed to asbestos in U.S. Navy ships, submarines, and shipyards.
It can take anywhere from 10-50 years for mesothelioma symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. This means that many military veterans are only now being diagnosed with this cancer.
“Veterans are at particularly high risk of getting mesothelioma because asbestos was used in so many products that were purchased by the US military. Navy vessels in particular used asbestos for so many things.”
Navy personnel are twice as likely to develop mesothelioma compared to the general population, according to Scientific Reports. If you’re a veteran with mesothelioma, we may be able to help you file for benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and pursue legal claims against asbestos companies.
Download our Free Veterans Compensation Guide to learn how we support mesothelioma Navy patients and their families.
Asbestos Exposure on Navy Ships
Every U.S. Navy ship built between the 1930s and the early 1980s was made with asbestos-containing products due to government mandates.
When these products were repaired or disturbed, they often released tiny asbestos fibers into the air. Swallowing or breathing in asbestos can cause mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases later in life. It was easy for service members to breathe in the fibers since Navy ships were cramped and poorly ventilated.
Asbestos was used throughout:
- Aircraft carriers
- Auxiliary ships
- Battleships
- Coast Guard cutters
- Cruisers
- Destroyers
- Submarines
- Many other types of Navy vessels
Use our free mesothelioma Navy search tool to see if a ship you served on contained asbestos.
- Type of Ship:
- Asbestos Used: Yes
Learn more about asbestos on Navy ships in our Free Veterans Guide.
Get Your Free Guide or call (866) 608-8933Mesothelioma Navy Risks at Shipyards
Navy shipyard workers handled asbestos-containing products on a daily basis for long periods of time. As they worked, thick clouds of asbestos dust filled the air, sometimes making it nearly impossible to see across the room.
Shipyards where workers were put at risk of exposure to asbestos included:
- Albina Shipyard in Oregon
- Avondale Shipyard in Louisiana
- Banks Shipyard in New Jersey
- Barnes Riverside Shipyard in Minnesota
- Bayou Black Shipyard in Louisiana
- Bethlehem Steel Shipyards in various states
- Bludworth Shipyard in Texas
- Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York
- Brunswick Shipyard in Georgia
- Charleston Naval Shipyard in South Carolina
- Defoe Shipyard in Michigan
- Delair Shipyard in New Jersey
- Denton Shipyard in South Carolina
- Dravo Shipyard in Delaware
- Erie Basin Dry Dock in New York
- Eureka Shipyard in New York
- Evansville Shipyard in Indiana
- Groton Naval Base in Connecticut
- Gulf Shipyard in Alabama
- Hoboken Shipyard in New Jersey
- Howard Shipyard in Indiana
- Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in California
- Ingalls Shipbuilding in Mississippi
- Joliet Shipyard in Illinois
- Long Beach Naval Shipyard in California
- Long Island Shipyard in New York
- Lorain Shipyard in Ohio
- Marco Shipyard in Washington
- Marietta Shipyard in Ohio
- Mayport Naval Shipyard in Florida
- Moss Point Shipyard in Mississippi
- National Steel Shipbuilding in California
- Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia
- Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Virginia
- Pearl Harbor Shipyard in Hawaii
- Philadelphia Naval Shipyard in Pennsylvania
- Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Maine
- Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Washington
- Quaker Shipyard in New Jersey
- Seneca Shipyards in Illinois
- Simpson Shipyard in Massachusetts
- Thames Shipyard in Connecticut
- Todd Shipyards in Washington
- United States Coast Guard Yard in Maryland
- Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C.
If you or a family member was diagnosed with mesothelioma after working on naval ships or at shipyards, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact us today to get answers.
Other Types of Navy Asbestos Exposure
Ships and shipyards weren’t the only sources of U.S. Navy asbestos exposure, so service members could have been put at risk in a variety of different ways.
Asbestos was also used in:
- Military bases – Many barracks and other buildings on naval bases were constructed with asbestos-containing materials.
- Office buildings – Asbestos was commonly used in office construction and maintenance.
- Vehicles – Trucks, jeeps, and other Navy vehicles often had asbestos components like brake pads and clutches.
- Other assets – Various equipment and machinery used by the Navy also contained asbestos. Common exposures included in engine rooms, boiler rooms, and products like gaskets.
U.S. Marine Corps Major J.N. Nelson explains why Navy veterans face some of the highest risks of mesothelioma. View Transcript.
Duration: 1 min 41 sec
Veterans are at a particularly high risk of getting mesothelioma because asbestos was used in so many products purchased by the U.S. military. The branch with the greatest exposure is probably the U.S. Navy. We find that about a third of the people we come across with asbestos-related diseases served in the Navy. That’s largely because so many Navy vessels — practically all of them from the 1930s into the 1980s — were built using asbestos products for fireproofing, insulation, and soundproofing.
If I met a veteran who was exposed to asbestos in the service, I would say he needs to get checked by his doctor on a regular basis. He should keep an eye out for signs and symptoms of mesothelioma, like shortness of breath and similar issues. It’s also important to keep a good record of what you did in the service — where you served, what ships you were on, and what vessels or equipment you worked with.
A lot of times, veterans come to us and say, “I don’t know how this happened. I don’t know when this occurred.” Fortunately, we have a database — a warehouse of information — that tells us which vessels, buildings, equipment, or even protective gear contained asbestos. We can take that service member’s record and fill in the blanks, figuring out where possible exposures occurred while he was on active duty.
You want to have a good record of these things so that if you ever have to file a claim with the VA, for example, to get a disability rating, you’ll have the information you need for your claim to be approved.
Secondary Asbestos Exposure in the Navy
Family members of mesothelioma Navy veterans could be at risk of health problems because of secondary asbestos exposure. This occurs when asbestos fibers are brought home on clothing, shoes, and personal items.
Spouses and children may also have been exposed to asbestos in Navy housing, office buildings, construction sites, and other areas.
Recognizing these risks is important for Navy veterans and loved ones facing mesothelioma so they can get the support and compensation they need.
Mesothelioma Navy Compensation and Benefits
Mesothelioma Navy veterans can get compensation in the form of financial claims, health care, and other VA benefits.
Veterans can also file lawsuits against manufacturers of asbestos-containing products and get payouts from asbestos trust funds set up by bankrupt manufacturers.
VA Benefits
Navy veterans may be entitled to VA disability benefits. Veterans with mesothelioma usually receive an automatic 100% disability rating from the VA, making them eligible for $4,044.91 or more a month in most cases.
Other VA benefits for mesothelioma Navy veterans include:
- VA health care at top mesothelioma treatment centers
- Aid & Attendance (A&A) to pay for help with daily tasks like dressing and bathing
- Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC) for surviving spouses and dependents
- Pensions for veterans who are below a set income
- Reimbursement for funeral and burial expenses
- Special monthly compensation (SMC) for those who are bedridden or need care from another person
Our team, including our Veterans Advocate Major Nelson, can help mesothelioma Navy veterans apply for benefits or increase their disability rating after a diagnosis. Learn more about navigating VA benefits and maximizing your compensation with our Free Veterans Compensation Guide.
Mesothelioma Navy Settlements & Verdicts
Navy veterans can pursue compensation from a mesothelioma settlement or verdict without affecting their eligibility for VA benefits or taking legal action against the U.S. military. Many other veterans have received millions of dollars in Navy asbestos settlement amounts with our help.
Mesothelioma Navy settlements and verdicts secured by legal partners include:
| Amount | Occupation | Ship | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40.1 million | Navy veteran | USS Gurke USS Zellars | WA |
| $3.15 million | Boilerman | USS Conway USS Humphreys | MN |
| $2.96 million | Machinist mate | USS Moale | NC |
| $2.7 million | Electrician's mate | USS Hamul USS Lea | AZ |
| $3.3 million | Boiler tender | USS Mervine USS Sea Runner USS Harwood | IL |
| $4.68 million | Navy veteran | USS Fred T. Berry | NH |
| $4 million | Navy veteran | USS Randolph | MA |
Victims of asbestos exposure on Navy ships may be entitled to significant payouts. Navy veteran lung cancer compensation can include settlements or verdicts. In some cases, Navy veterans have received over $1 million.
Most mesothelioma lawsuits end in a settlement, meaning you may be able to quickly access compensation without going to court. Call us at (866) 608-8933 for free help filing a Navy asbestos lawsuit.
Asbestos Trust Fund Payouts
There’s over $30 billion set aside in asbestos trust funds to compensate Navy mesothelioma patients and their families. These mesothelioma trusts were established by asbestos companies when they filed for bankruptcy.
You may be able to file legal claims with multiple trusts, increasing your potential payout. While the asbestos payout timeline differs in each case, many veterans start receiving mesothelioma compensation in 90 days or less without setting foot in court.
Jim Gahan, a Navy boiler technician for 20 years, was exposed to asbestos on ships like the USS Independence and USS Truckee, leading to a mesothelioma diagnosis years later. Legal action helped Jim secure compensation that allowed him to afford his medical treatment and spend more time with his family.
Mesothelioma Attorneys for Navy Veterans
Working with a mesothelioma lawyer who understands the nuances of military service and benefits is critical. Mesothelioma Hope works with Simmons Hanly Conroy, a U.S.-veteran-founded asbestos law firm, to help families like yours get compensation for their illness.
Simmons Hanly Conroy can help you file for both VA benefits and lawsuits, partnering with VA-accredited attorneys like retired Major Jonathan Nelson to ensure you get all the support you need.
It’s also crucial to remember that working with an attorney doesn’t mean you will sue the military, government, or your former employer. In addition, the process is very simple since the attorneys do the work for you, allowing you to focus on recovering and making more memories with your family.
“Simmons Hanly Conroy was prepared. My lawyer talked to me personally. He knew what kind of man I was and how involved I was with my job in the Navy. I felt very comfortable with them.”
High-Risk Jobs for Navy Asbestos Exposure
Anyone exposed to asbestos in the Navy could develop mesothelioma later in life. However, some Navy rates were more likely to come into contact with asbestos than others.
The highest-risk mesothelioma Navy jobs included:
- Boiler technicians
- Deckhands
- Electricians
- Engine operators
- Firefighters
- Gunners
- Hull maintenance workers
- Insulators
- Machinist mates
- Mechanics
- Plumbers and pipefitters
- Seabees
- Shipyard workers
- Steelworkers
- Weapons specialists
- Welders
Many of these workers handled asbestos products every single day, significantly increasing their risk of mesothelioma.
If you worked in a high-risk occupation, you may be able to file Navy asbestos claims. Download our Free Veterans Compensation Guide to get started.
VA Mesothelioma Treatment for Navy Veterans
Veterans can access many of the latest mesothelioma treatments from top doctors who work at VA health care centers across the country.
VA Mesothelioma Doctors
Dr. Robert Cameron
Dr. Cameron is a thoracic surgeon who leads the mesothelioma program at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center.
Dr. Lorraine Cornwell
Dr. Cornwell leads the mesothelioma treatment program at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston.
Dr. Taylor Ripley
Dr. Ripley works closely with the medical team at Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center to treat mesothelioma Navy veterans in the Houston area.
Dr. Wickii Vigneswaran
Dr. Vigneswaran is a thoracic surgeon who sees patients at Tampa’s James A. Haley VA Hospital.
Dr. Daniel Wiener
Dr. Wiener serves as Chief of the Division of Thoracic Surgery at the VA Boston Healthcare System.
VA Mesothelioma Cancer Centers
Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center
2002 Holcombe Boulevard
Houston, TX 77030VA Boston Health Care System
1400 VFW Parkway
West Roxbury, MA 02132VA Puget Sound Health Care System
1660 South Columbian Way
Seattle, WA 98108West Los Angeles VA Medical Center
11301 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90073
Navy Veterans and Mesothelioma: How We Can Help
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, our dedicated team of fellow veterans and patient advocates can help you quickly file for maximum VA benefits to make your cancer battle easier.
Mesothelioma Hope can also help you:
- Increase your existing veterans benefits
- Connect with VA mesothelioma doctors in your state
- Pursue payouts from lawsuits and asbestos trust funds
- Find support groups and peer mentors
Call us at (866) 608-8933 now or download our Veterans Compensation Guide to get started.
Mesothelioma and the Navy FAQs
Were Navy veterans exposed to asbestos?
Yes, thousands of Navy veterans were exposed to asbestos while serving. The Navy used more asbestos than any other branch, with virtually every ship and dozens of shipyards relying on the substance.
According to a report in The New York Times, asbestos dust was so thick in World War II shipyards that workers “often could not see across a room.”
As a result, Navy veterans across the country develop asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer every year.
Do Navy ships still have asbestos?
Yes, a small handful of ships still contain legacy asbestos, but steps have been taken to minimize exposure risks by safely sealing off these materials.
Asbestos was widely used in U.S. Navy ships built before the 1980s since it was fireproof, heat-resistant, and durable. The Navy stopped using asbestos in new ships in the late 1970s, but older ships still in service or held in reserve may contain asbestos materials.
Can you sue the Navy for mesothelioma?
No, you can’t sue the Navy if you developed mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos during your military service.
However, you may be able to sue the asbestos companies that supplied products to the Navy and the general public for decades. These companies knew the dangers of asbestos but hid them to make significant profits. Find out if you’re owed compensation from asbestos manufacturers with a Free Case Review.
When did the Navy stop using asbestos?
The Navy had mostly stopped using asbestos for insulation and fireproofing new ships and buildings by the early 1980s.
For much of the 20th century, however, Navy veterans were exposed to a variety of asbestos-containing products on ships, putting them at risk of mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other serious illnesses.
What is the VA rating for asbestos exposure?
The VA disability rating is 100% for mesothelioma Navy patients. The VA sets this high rating because mesothelioma is considered a serious and life-threatening disease.
With a 100% rating, married Navy veterans can potentially get $4,044.91 or more a month tax-free, giving them one less thing to worry about as they focus on their treatment and recovery.
How We Can Help
